Four things to consider before buying an alcohol-free fragrance

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

1. “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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.