How to Determine the Content of a Perfume

As more and more people become aware of the impact that fragrances have on health, there is increasing pressure on perfume makers to label their perfumes with the ingredients. Some perfume makers are now labeling their products with a list of ingredients. Until the rest comply, you may have to rely on other methods to determine the ingredients and content of a perfume.

Instructions

1. Estimate the concentration of essential oils by the type of scent: Perfumes are usually 20% to 40% essential oils, eau de parfum--10% to 30%, eau de toilet--5% to 20% and cologne--2% to 8%.

2. Invert the above to roughly determine the alcohol content of various types of fragrances (keeping in mind that fragrances also contain some water). In general, cologne contains the most alcohol, and perfume the least.

3. Check the label. Some manufacturers in some states are now labeling their perfumes and especially colognes with ingredients.

4. Ask at the perfume counter if there is a product information sheet for the perfume.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in California or in Canada, any suspected or known carcinogens must be listed on the label of any scented product. Got a friend in Canada or California? Ask them to check a bottle for you. It may not give you all the ingredients, but you'll find out if there are suspect ones in there.