Perfume is a mixture of essential oils, aroma compounds and solvents designed to leave a pleasant scent on the skin, clothing or environment. There are thousands of perfumes available with a wide range of scents and combinations. Some perfumes are made naturally from natural ingredients while others are synthetically manufactured in laboratories. Some people are sensitive to perfumes and may have allergic reactions or irritation from wearing them.
The use of perfume dates back to early civilizations, with some civilizations even having specific methods for extracting oils. The earliest technique used was known as enfleurage, which involved placing flowers and organic material in fat or oil base to produce the fragrance. Another method of extraction that was used was distillation, where flowers or other plant materials were heated in order to release the oil. With the advance of chemistry, perfume makers began to use chemicals in place of natural materials. This was due to the fact that natural products were expensive and the process of extracting them took a long time.
Modern perfumes contain tens to hundreds of ingredients, with most of these being essential oils or aromatic chemical compounds derived from either plants or synthetic chemicals. They also contain fixatives, which are natural or synthetic substances that serve to reduce the evaporation rate and allow the perfume to emit its aroma for longer periods of time. Many perfumes also contain diluents, which are liquids that help to dilute the perfume and make it easier to apply.
After all of the essential oils and aroma compounds are mixed together they are diluted in alcohol to form the final product. A perfumer then adds a variety of other things to the perfume in order to create a particular fragrance. These include diluents, which help to dilute the perfume; fixatives, which are used as a sort of glue that enables the perfume to evaporate slowly and emit its aroma for longer; and additional additives such as colorants and flavorings.
Fragrance manufacturers often market their perfumes to either males or females and also sell them in different concentrations (i.e., high-end and mass market). There are also differences in how a particular scent is perceived by both men and women, with some fragrances being considered more masculine or feminine.
A perfume’s smell can change throughout the day as its chemistry reacts with the individual’s body odor. It can also be altered by the weather or other external factors such as food smells or other odors.
It is important to be aware that while perfume can give off a beautiful scent, it may also cause a reaction in some people, most commonly allergic contact dermatitis. Those with sensitivities should always test perfume on their wrist before applying it to their skin. If no reaction occurs, then the perfume can be safely worn for long periods of time. If a reaction does occur, it is recommended that the person seek medical attention as soon as possible.