Here's why and some more details:
* High Purity Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol): The base is high-proof ethanol (typically 95% or higher). This is crucial for dissolving the fragrance oils and other ingredients effectively.
* Denaturants: Because pure ethanol is heavily taxed in many countries, it's "denatured" to make it unfit for consumption. Denaturing involves adding substances that make it taste bad or cause nausea if ingested. These denaturants are carefully chosen so they don't interfere with the fragrance or leave an unpleasant odor.
* Common Denaturants: Common denaturants include:
* Bitrex (Denatonium Benzoate): An extremely bitter substance.
* Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol): A common rubbing alcohol.
* Tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA): Another alcohol with a strong odor.
* Why Perfumer's Alcohol is Preferred:
* Odorless or Faint Odor: The ideal perfumer's alcohol is as close to odorless as possible to allow the fragrance notes to shine.
* Dissolving Power: It must be a good solvent for a wide range of fragrance oils, essential oils, and other aromatic compounds.
* Volatility: It should evaporate quickly to allow the fragrance to develop properly on the skin.
* Skin Safety: It should be relatively safe for skin contact at the concentrations used in perfume. (Although, some people may still be sensitive).
Why not other types of alcohol?
* Methanol (Methyl Alcohol): Highly toxic and should *never* be used in perfume.
* Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): While sometimes used as a denaturant, it has a stronger odor than desired in perfumery.
* Other Alcohols: Other alcohols might not have the right dissolving properties, evaporation rate, or odor profile.
Important Note: *Never* use undenatured alcohol (like vodka or other alcoholic beverages) to make perfume. It's illegal in most places and can result in a final product that is not stable or smells unpleasant. Always use perfumer's alcohol specifically designed for fragrance creation.