How Are Perfumes & Colognes Made?
The art of making perfume began with the ancient Egyptians. It evolved over the years, and today is a worldwide industry realizing annual sales of $25 to $30 billion, according to industry research group NPD. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sources
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Most essential oils used to make perfume and cologne come from plants. Three scents--musk, civet, and cestrum--come from animals. Synthetic oils are made in a laboratory.
Classifications
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Fragrances are classified as top notes (citrus and mints), middle notes (coriander, basil, lavender), or bottom notes (cedarwood, sandalwood). Most perfumes contain fragrances from each group.
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Process
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Essential or synthetic oils are combined until the desired fragrance is achieved. The mixture ages for a few weeks, and is then blended together with perfumer's or artisan's alcohol and distilled water. Other chemicals may be added to the mixture in the manufacturing process, including acetone, ethanol, and lianol.
Storage
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Essential oils are stored in UV-resistant glass containers, usually amber- or cobalt blue-colored, to keep out sunlight, which can quickly deteriorate the oils.
Ratios
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Perfume contains 20 to 30 percent fragrance or essential oil, 65 to 80 percent perfumer's or artisan's alcohol, and no more than 5 percent distilled water. Cologne is made up of 15 to 20 percent fragrance or essential oil, 70 to 85 percent artisan's alcohol, and 5 to 10 percent distilled water.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of THOR
