According to several medical studies, between 1-3% of
the world’s population have allergic problems with alcohol-based perfumes. This
has been one of the prime reasons behind the rise of alcohol-free fragrances. There
are currently over 100 perfume brands offering alcohol-free fragrances. This
includes a mix of niche and mainstream brands. A recent study by the market
research firm Mintel found that the number of alcohol-free fragrance launches
has increased by 15% in 2022. So, the market is growing rapidly with more and
more brands offering alcohol-free options to their customers.
(AI-drawn image)
Generally, the brands label their fragrances as
alcohol-free before marketing them to their customers. This has been the
standard practice for years. However, several facts are often disregarded by general
customers while purchasing their favourite alcohol-free fragrances. For their well-being,
we are trying to highlight these facts in this article.
Four things to consider before
buying
- “Parfum” which is a French word for perfume. Parfum is
a mixture of fragrance compounds and alcohol, and the alcohol content of parfum
can vary widely. Some perfumes contain as little as 10% alcohol, while others
contain as much as 90% alcohol. It is important to note that the term
"alcohol-free" is not regulated in the cosmetics industry. This means
that manufacturers can use this term to label their products even if they
contain small amounts of alcohol. Consumers should be aware of this and read
the ingredient list carefully before purchasing any cosmetic product.
- It is important to note that there is no official
definition of what constitutes an "alcohol-free" perfume. According
to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a perfume can be labelled as
alcohol-free if it contains less than 10% alcohol. However, some people may
still be sensitive to even small amounts of alcohol, and they may experience
skin irritation or other adverse reactions. So, it is important to be aware of
the potential risks before using any product that claims to be alcohol-free.
- Another piece of evidence is if the specific product
contains benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde is a naturally occurring compound that is
found in many fruits and vegetables, but it is also a common ingredient in
perfumes and other scented products. Benzaldehyde is typically dissolved in
alcohol before it is added to cosmetic products. So, if a product description
has mentioned the presence of benzaldehyde, be aware.
- Luxury brands are often more secretive about their
formulas. Often they use the term “trade secret formula” in their product
description. This means that the company is not required to disclose all of the
ingredients including alcohol in its products. Often these fragrances have a
very strong, and long-lasting scent, which suggests that they contain a high
concentration of fragrance compounds. Alcohol is often used to dissolve and
diffuse these compounds. Their customers have often been complaining about the
possible presence of alcoholic substances.
So, what options do we have now?
For your convenience, we have selected three perfumes,
viz., Clean Reserve Rain, Byredo Blanche, and Acqua di Parma Colonia which are
officially labelled as alcohol-free and their customers have also never felt any
alcohol in their notes so far. However, before going about a discussion on
their respective qualities, let us tell our readers that we are not promoting
these brands and we don’t have any affiliation with their products. Their
selections have been made based on analysing the public-domain information
and the customer reviews and feedback. We can not guarantee their “alcohol-free”
status. This customers are advised to enquire themselves before making any
purchase.
Perfume
|
Manufacturing methods
|
Clean Reserve Rain
|
Water-based solution
|
Byredo Blanche
|
Water-based solution with emulsifier
|
Acqua di Parma Colonia
|
Carrier oil (grape seed oil)
|
These perfumes use a variety of different methods to
achieve their alcohol-free status. For example, some perfumes use water-based
solutions to disperse the essential oils, while others use carrier oils such as
grape seed oil.
Water-based solutions are a common way to make
alcohol-free perfumes. The essential oils are dispersed in the water using an
emulsifier. This creates a stable emulsion that prevents the essential oils
from separating from the water.
Carrier oils are another common way to make
alcohol-free perfumes. The essential oils are simply blended with the carrier
oil to create a perfume. Carrier oils such as jojoba oil, fractionated coconut
oil, and sunflower oil are often used because they are non-comedogenic (meaning
they won't clog pores) and have a long shelf life.
Some additional details of these
fragrances
1. Clean
Reserve Rain
Clean Reserve Rain is a unisex fragrance launched in
2017. It is an aquatic floral fragrance that captures the scent of a rainforest
after a fresh rainfall.
The fragrance opens with bright notes of daffodils,
dewy melons, water lilies, and daisies. The heart of the fragrance is a blend of
crisp, watery cucumber notes and airy musk. The base of the fragrance is earthy
and woody, with notes of vetiver and patchouli.
2. Byredo
Blanche
Byredo Blanche is a floral unisex aldehyde fragrance launched
in 2009. It is a fragrance that is both airy and sensual, with a clean, soapy
freshness.
The top notes of Blanche are aldehydes, rose
centifolia, and pink pepper. The aldehydes give the fragrance a crisp, metallic
edge, while the rose and pink pepper add a touch of sweetness and spice.
The heart notes of Blanche are peony, violet, and
African orange flowers. These notes are soft and feminine, and they add a
delicate floral bouquet to the fragrance.
The base notes of Blanche are musk, woodsy notes, and
sandalwood. The musk gives the fragrance a warm, sensual depth, while the
woodsy notes add a touch of earthiness.
Blanche is a fragrance that is both versatile and
timeless. It can be worn for any occasion, from day to night, and it is perfect
for any season. It is a fragrance that is both elegant and approachable, and it
is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
3. Acqua
di Parma Colonia
Acqua di Parma Colonia is a classic unisex fragrance
that was first launched in 1916. It is known for its refreshing and clean
scent. The fragrance is a blend of citrus fruits and spices. The top notes of
the fragrance are bright bergamot and lemon. The heart notes are lavender and
rose, while the base notes are vetiver and patchouli.
It is a popular fragrance that has been praised by
critics and users alike. The fragrance is praised for its refreshing and clean
scent. It is also praised for its classic and timeless appeal. It is a great
choice for everyday wear, as well as for special occasions.