Function of Alcohol in Perfume, Types and Laws in Islam
It is no secret that perfumes with a fragrant aroma contain alcohol. This is still a debate because some argue that alcohol is not needed for perfume, and vice versa.
Alcohol in perfume turns out to have many functions. One of them is that it can unite the substances in the perfume. In addition, it can also spread the scent of a perfume into the air. So that there is no more debate, the following will explain the function of alcohol in perfume.
Types of Alcohol in Perfume
In general, there are several types of alcohol used as perfume solvents. Examples are ethanol, methanol and also isopropanol. While some types of alcohol found in perfume are as follows:
1. Ethanol
Ethanol is the most common type of alcohol used in perfumes. Ethanol itself can be produced naturally through fermentation of natural or synthetic materials. Ethanol can easily burn and evaporate quickly, making it ideal for use in perfumes.
2. Alcohol Denat
Denatured alcohol or alcohol denat is ethanol that has been processed so that it is not suitable for consumption. This type of alcohol has a stronger aroma compared to ethanol. In addition, the price is also much cheaper.
3. Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is a type of alcohol that has a soft and sweet aroma, making it very suitable for perfumes with a vanilla or floral aroma.
4. Isopropyl Myristate and Monopropylene Glycol
Isopropyl Myristate is a type of alcohol that functions to blend ingredients well. While Monopropylene Glycol functions to make perfume last longer in the bottle. In addition, it also functions to control alcohol evaporation.
Also Read: History of Perfume and Its Development from Century to Century
Function of Alcohol in Perfume
Here are the functions of alcohol in perfume that you should know:
1. As a solvent
The main function of alcohol in perfume is as a solvent. Its purpose is to bind essential ingredients and make the perfume consistent so it can be sprayed.
2. To Dilute
Alcohol also functions to dilute the perfume liquid so that when sprayed, the perfume will be divided into small, fine particles and can also spread evenly.
3. Make the fragrance last longer
The use of alcohol in perfume has many functions, one of which is to make the fragrance last longer.
4. Helps Spread the Fragrance of Perfume
Did you know that one of the properties of alcohol is that it is volatile? This ability to evaporate makes it appear in the process of spreading the aroma of perfume. Immediately after the perfume is sprayed, the alcohol will carry aromatic molecules into the air.
That way you can smell the fragrance of perfume quickly and long-lasting but still soft. This can minimize perfume exposure to sensitive areas such as the mouth or eyes.
5. Prevent Contamination
Alcohol itself is a strong antimicrobial component. This means that alcohol can prevent and also inhibit the growth of contaminants, such as mold and bacteria in perfume. The appearance of mold in perfume can accelerate the expiration date, trigger irritation and can damage the scent of the perfume.
6. To Stabilize Aromatic Components in Perfume
Over time, the scent of a perfume can change even if you rarely use it. These changes occur due to several things, such as exposure to sunlight, oxidation, temperature changes, pressure changes and so on.
The presence of alcohol can prevent this. The way is to keep the composition and aroma of the perfume stable even though the external conditions have changed.
Also Read: Types of Perfume Based on Fragrance Durability
Differences Between Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Perfumes
Know some of the differences between alcoholic and non-alcoholic perfumes below:
1. Fragrance Produced
The resulting fragrance is the first difference. Where perfume containing alcohol is considered to be able to make the aroma spread more as the alcohol evaporates. However, the higher the alcohol content in the perfume, the faster the perfume evaporates.
Usually, more expensive perfumes contain less alcohol than cheap perfumes. De'Xandra is one of the perfume brands that contains alcohol. Thanks to this content, the aroma of perfume in De'Xandra Jakarta can last up to 8 hours.
2. Perfume Texture
Perfume with alcohol content will not have a sticky texture and tends not to leave stains. However, if you have sensitive skin, using this type of perfume can cause uncomfortable reactions, the risk of redness, itching and so on.
While non-alcoholic perfume with an oil base will have a stickier texture and leave a mark when applied to the skin. It may also leave a mark when applied to clothes.
3. Durability
Perfumes that contain alcohol have a strong aroma and are more volatile, especially if the alcohol content is high. Non-alcoholic perfumes are usually softer and the aroma lasts longer. This is because perfume evaporates slowly. and produces a long-lasting, soft and not too diffuse fragrance.
4. How to Apply Perfume
Basically, perfume can be applied directly to the skin to get the optimal aroma. Alcoholic perfume with high concentration can be sprayed on several points of the body. While for those with lower concentrations, just drop a little on the pulse point.
The way to apply non-alcoholic perfume is by spraying it on the body after bathing while it is still damp. That way, the resulting aroma can last and be smelled better.
The Law of Alcohol in Perfume in Islam
In Islam, consuming alcohol is haram or not allowed. However, what about perfumes that contain alcohol? Is it halal or not? As is known, using perfume is recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW, but what about perfumes that contain alcohol?
Reported from the NU Online page, using perfume is indeed a recommendation from the Prophet Muhammad SAW, but it is better not to use it excessively. In the decision of the 23rd NU Congress held in Solo in 1962, it was stated that perfume mixed with alcohol if the mixture is to maintain goodness (suitability or perfume preservative) then it is forgiven (ma'fu).
This means that perfume containing alcohol is permissible to use for prayer. However, the amount of use must still be considered. It is recommended to use only enough.
Heryani, S.Si M.TPn who is the Laboratory Service Manager of LPPOM MUI explained that the solvent used in perfume is ethanol alcohol. As long as it is not khamr, the use of alcohol or ethanol is permitted or may be used for external use. No exception for use during prayer.
This means that ethanol in perfume is not a problem because the alcohol used for perfume is not the same as khamr, which is a type of intoxicating liquor.
That is complete information about the function of alcohol in perfume to the law of alcoholic perfume in Islam. Hopefully the information above can convince you to choose the right perfume. If you are more interested in using perfume with alcohol content, you can use perfume products at De'Xandra Jakarta .
Perfume at De'Xandra Jakarta can last up to 8 hours. In addition, the product choices are very large and all have a nice fragrance.
