Perfume
Why alcohol is essential in perfumes
Solvent
Alcohol acts as the carrier or solvent for essential oils, fragrance oils and other aromatic compounds. It ensures that these ingredients dissolve and disperse evenly.
Volatility
The high alcohol content promotes rapid evaporation once applied to skin, helping to release scent molecules into the air and deliver the desired fragrance experience.
Stability
Perfumer’s alcohol helps preserve the integrity of fragrance oils, maintain clarity of the solution, and prevent microbial growth—ensuring long shelf life and true scent profile.
Main types of alcohol used in perfumery
Denatured ethanol
The most common type used in commercial perfumery, treated with denaturants like:
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
- Bitrex (denatonium benzoate)
Organic alcohol
Premium perfume brands increasingly use certified organic ethanol derived from:
Recommended concentrations by product type
Fragance oil %
80-90%
Why partner with Nedstar?
At Nedstar, we offer a wide range of cosmetics-grade ethanol products tailored for the fragrance industry:
Cosmetics-grade perfumer’s alcohol certified for REACH & ECHA Art.-95 compliance.
Certifications available: Kosher, GMO-free, etc.
Flexible packaging and logistics: ISO tanks (25,000 L), tank trucks (35,000 L), barge shipping (up to 2,450 tonnes) for global delivery.
High quality assurance: sourcing from trusted suppliers, rigorous testing, and sustainable practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alcohol is used in perfumes?
Perfumes commonly use different types of alcohol, with ethanol (ethyl alcohol) being the most popular due to its excellent ability to dissolve fragrance oils and release top notes quickly. Denatured alcohol, which is ethanol treated with additives to make it undrinkable, is also widely used for safety and compliance reasons.
What percentage of alcohol should be in perfume?
It depends on the fragrance concentration: Perfume/Extrait contains 70-85% alcohol, Eau de Parfum contains 80-90% alcohol, Eau de Toilette contains 85-95% alcohol, and Eau de Cologne contains 95-98% alcohol. The remaining percentage consists of fragrance oils and sometimes water or other additives.
How does Nedstar ensure the quality of perfumer's alcohol?
We source raw materials from trusted suppliers committed to high-quality and sustainable practices. Our production processes follow high quality control measures to ensure the purity and consistency of our perfumer's alcohol. This approach guarantees that our perfumer's alcohol not only meets the highest industry standards but also promotes a greener, more sustainable future.
Is denatured alcohol safe to use on skin?
Yes, cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol is safe for skin application. The denaturants used (like diethyl phthalate or Bitrex) are approved by regulatory bodies and used in minimal amounts that don't cause skin irritation in properly formulated products.
Can I get a sample?
Yes. Access our request a quote page, indicate the amount of alcohol you'd like to order, your company's contact details and we can discuss the sampling process. Be aware that quote requests for samples only cannot be processed.
Ready to elevate your fragrance creations?
Partner with Nedstar for premium-quality ethanol solutions tailored to your perfumery needs.