As one of the cosmetics, perfume is very popular among girls, but do you really choose a suitable perfume? On the occasion of the "March 8th" International Women's Day, Nanjing Market Supervision brought you a popular science introduction about "perfume".

Understand the basic composition of perfume

ethanol

Ethanol is the main solvent in perfume, which can dissolve and carry essence oil and other volatile components. The content of ethanol usually accounts for 60% to 95% of perfume, which has an important impact on the durability and diffusion of perfume.

water

The role of water in perfume is to dilute ethanol, making perfume easier to apply and absorb. In addition, water can also help the essential oil dissolve better in ethanol, making perfume more uniform.

Essence

Essence is one of the key components of perfume, which can provide a strong flavor and lasting fragrance for perfume. Essence is composed of a series of natural or synthetic compounds, including floral, fruity, woody, etc.

surface active agent

Surfactants can help essence oil and other volatile components dissolve better in ethanol and water. In addition, surfactants can also improve the foam and cleanness of perfume.

Ketones and esters

Ketones and esters are two common chemical substances that can provide perfume with unique taste and aroma. These compounds are usually made of natural or synthetic materials.

In addition to these main ingredients, perfume may also contain other additives, such as antioxidants, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.

How to choose the right perfume

Look at the keynote of perfume

Because the volatilization speed of the spices contained in perfume is different, perfume usually has three fragrance stages: head fragrance (top note), middle fragrance (middle note), and tail fragrance (base note):

❤ Top note: The first fragrance to be smelled when perfume is emitted. It is composed of the most volatile spice molecules, and usually lasts for 15-30 minutes. The top note is characterized by fresh and lively aroma. Common spices include citrus, fruit, etc.

❤ Middle note: After the top note disappears, the middle note begins to appear. It is the core part of perfume and reflects the fragrance of perfume. Middle note flavor is usually more diversified, lasting about 2-3 hours. The common spices include flower flavor, green leaf, etc.

❤ Base note: also known as the keynote, it is the soul of perfume. Although its fragrance appears latest, it is very important because it assists the aroma of the front and middle note to volatilize for a long time. The base note fragrance usually lasts 4-6 hours on the skin, or even longer. Common spices include wood, resin, etc.

These three tones of perfume are important factors that determine its overall impression and temperament. Therefore, when choosing perfume, it is recommended to smell all the three tones to determine whether they meet personal preferences.

Judging individual skin type

Different skin types have different absorption and distribution of perfume, so we need to choose suitable perfume according to our own skin type. Generally speaking, people with dry skin are suitable for strong perfume, while people with oily skin are suitable for light perfume.

Precautions for using perfume

Conduct skin tests in advance

Many perfume contain fragrance sensitizing substances, and consumers should read the product labels carefully. It is recommended to spray a small amount of perfume on the wrist or back of the hand before use to determine whether there is an allergic reaction. In case of skin redness, itching and other discomfort, consumers should stop using it in time.

Rational use of perfume

In order to give better play to the effect of perfume, it is recommended to spray perfume on the place with high skin temperature and good blood circulation, such as the inside of elbow, under ear lobe, under throat, inside of knee, etc. When spraying perfume, it should be at least 15-20 cm away from the skin to ensure that perfume can cover the body more widely and will not irritate the skin.

Be cautious in using the target audience

Since the spices in perfume are easy to volatilize, if the concentration of aromatic substances in the environment is too high, it may affect the olfactory nerve and trigeminal nervous system of the human body. Therefore, it is recommended that asthmatic patients, eczema patients, pregnant women, people who are pregnant or breast-feeding, and people who have babies at home should avoid contacting perfume and other fragrance products as much as possible.

Properly preserve perfume

Ultraviolet rays can destroy the chemical molecules in perfume; Overheating and supercooling environment will destroy the dissolution balance of essential oil in perfume, and then change the flavor of perfume; The moist air will enter into perfume through the gap of the nozzle, resulting in the separation of water and oil. Therefore, when storing perfume, care should be taken to avoid exposure to light, heat, cold and moisture.

Purchase through legitimate and legitimate channels

Consumers should purchase perfume through formal e-commerce platforms or official stores, and choose products with clear identification. You can check whether the corresponding information of the registration number matches the physical label information through the website of the National Medical Products Administration or by downloading and installing the "Cosmetic Supervision" mobile app.