Using Distilled Water with Perfume Concentrate

Distilled water, such as the Purified Water, TDS Limit 1PPM) product (ID 838), is a high-purity water suitable for cosmetic manufacturing. However, it is generally not recommended as the primary solvent for making perfume from perfume concentrates (fragrance oils), such as Bouquet Freshener, Poeme (compare to Lancome), or Awakening.

Here's why:

• Solubility: Perfume concentrates are typically oil-based and do not dissolve well in water. Using water as the main base can result in a cloudy mixture or separation of the fragrance oil from the water.
• Diffusion: Alcohol (specifically perfumer's alcohol or ethanol) is the standard solvent for perfumes because it helps the fragrance molecules evaporate and diffuse into the air, creating the scent trail (sillage).
• Stability: Water-based formulations are more susceptible to microbial growth and may require stronger preservation systems compared to alcohol-based perfumes.

Recommended Solvent: Perfumer's Alcohol

The best solvent for diluting perfume concentrate is perfumer's alcohol (ethanol). It effectively dissolves the fragrance oils and provides the necessary evaporation for scent projection.

Typical Ratios for Perfume Concentrate and Alcohol

The ratio of perfume concentrate to alcohol depends on the desired strength of the final perfume product. Here are general guidelines:

• Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2-4% perfume concentrate / 96-98% alcohol
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5-15% perfume concentrate / 85-95% alcohol
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15-20% perfume concentrate / 80-85% alcohol
• Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): 20-40% perfume concentrate / 60-80% alcohol

To make perfume, you would measure the desired amount of perfume concentrate and mix it thoroughly with the appropriate amount of perfumer's alcohol in a glass container. It is often recommended to let the mixture macerate (age) for a few weeks in a cool, dark place to allow the fragrance to fully develop.

In summary, while purified water is a useful ingredient in cosmetics, it is not the suitable base for creating perfumes from concentrate. Perfumer's alcohol is the standard and recommended solvent for this purpose.