Differences between perfumes and the concentrated perfume oil

Although most perfumes cannot be distinguised from the concentrated perfume oils, some exceptions do occur. This page will explain some differences between the concentrated oils and the perfumes and how minor adjustments can be made so that the oil smell can be made to match the perfume.

The concentrated oil is typically at least six times more concentrated than the perfume version, sometimes much more. The purest form sold by perfume companies is pure parfum, which is usually between 25%-40% perfume oil. This substantially heavier concentration can sometimes result in a denser scent.

Smelling from the bottle

One common mistake when comparing the oil to the perfume is smelling the oils straight from the bottle. The carrier oil generally activates when body heat or candle heat is present. The heat stimulates the carrier oil and releases the scent notes. Some of the oils seem weaker when smelled out of the bottle, but the scent becomes much stronger after application to the skin.

Sometimes, merely exposing the oil to air will help release the scent. So when comparing the oil to the actual perfume, make sure to try some on instead of just smelling it out of the bottle.

Stronger Secondary fragrance notes

Another effect to be aware of is that sometimes, some other scents are noticeable in the oil that aren't detectable in the perfume. This is because the oil is over six times more concentrated than the perfume and thus some of the secondary fragrance notes that are harder to detect in the diluted perfume version become move obvious in the concentrated oil. However, these scents typically fade within seconds of application as they are masked by the key fragrances notes.

The Density Effect

Because the oil is so much denser than the perfume, a few fragrance oils can be distinguished from the perfume. The smell is "thicker" and a little less delicate than the diluted version. Aromatics Elixir and Anne Klein II are the only ones that I know of that are affected by this phenomenon.

Solution: This discrepancy is easily corrected by dilution with water or alcohol. Water can be used as a short term solution, but a mixture of alcohol and water is a better long-term solution as it is more difficult to mix oil and water directly. If you do decide to make the perfume from the oil, add the alcohol solution gradually, testing the mixture as you go along as the amount of solution can vary depending on the strength of the oil.

The Evaporation Effect

A few perfumes change scent as time goes on because the alcohol in the perfume evaporates off different scent notes as time progresses. After evaporation is complete, the final scent remains. Perfume oil scents remain constant and match the final scent. Cinnabar is one such perfume - it takes 5-7 minutes for the evaporation to stop and the scent of the perfume to match the oil.

Solution: The only way to remove this discrepancy is to make the perfume from the oil by mixing the oil with a high grade alcohol solution (although I have heard of success stories using rubbing alcohol). Or if you are happy with the final scent, then you should be happy with the oil.

Statistical Variances

Some people may think the oil smells different from the perfume because of psychological biases. If a study is done comparing two things that are identical, some people will still say they are different because that is how they perceive it.

For example, a study was done comparing three drinks, labeled A, B, and C. Drinks A and B were the exact same drink from the same bottle, but when asked which as sweeter or which tasted better, some people thought they were actually two different drinks.

Solution: If you cannot get the smell of the oil to match the perfume using the suggestions above, consider asking friends and family members. Spray the actual perfume on one hand and apply the oil to the other hand and ask other people if they smell the same.

Carrier Oil

In perfumes, the alcohol carries the scent into the air so that it can be smelled, but in perfume oils, a jacoba base carrier oil is added to the perfume and cologne oils. The scent of the carrier oil is difficult to detect in most oils, but can be picked up by a keen nose in some instances.

Solution: Dilute oil with alcohol and water.

Lasting Scent

Occasionally, a customer says that the oil scent does not last as long as expected. I have found that by adding just a few dabs more, this problem is easily corrected. Some scents are stronger than others and require a little more oil application. Some people think that one or two dabs will be sufficient whereas in reality, it may take 3-5 dabs for some fragrances.

Also, note that the nose adapts very quickly to smell, so although your nose may have adapted to the scent, others around you may still smell it. The best way to know is to ask others.

Allergies

A tiny percentage of the population (maybe 1 out of 500) may be allergic to the carrier oil, due to the high concentration, resulting in watery eyes and/or sneezing. If this is the case, then diluting the oil to make perfume is suggested. Some customers who were intially allergic quickly got use to the oil and the allergies went away.

Other Problems?

If the smell of the oil still isn't what you expect after trying some of the above tricks, feel free send an email for further suggestions to your retailer. They may have special insight into their own brand of oils.