Perfumes Testing

Godinho, R. B., et al. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 157 (2016): 158-163.

Accurate determination of fragrance content in perfumes is essential for quality control, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing consistency. Conventional methods often involve complex sample preparation and lengthy analysis times. In contrast, Raman spectroscopy, combined with multivariate calibration, offers a rapid, nondestructive, and sustainable approach for fragrance quantification in hydro-alcoholic solutions.

This study evaluated Raman spectral data of ethanol, fragrance components, and their mixtures. Key spectral features at 1674, 1624, and 1598 cm^-1, corresponding to γ C=C bond stretching, enabled the differentiation of fragrance compositions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to 49 samples across a spectral range of 200–3278 cm^-1, efficiently clustering samples based on ethanol and fragrance concentrations. Notably, 96.5% of data variance was explained using only two principal components, with PC1 (93.3%) correlating to ethanol content and PC2 representing fragrance concentration.

Spectral comparisons revealed that ethanol concentration significantly influenced Raman signal intensity, whereas fragrance content remained stable in mixtures with varying ethanol ratios. This highlights the necessity of controlled measurement conditions to ensure analytical reproducibility. The proposed methodology demonstrated high accuracy, with a prediction error below 1.0%, validating its reliability for fragrance assessment.

In conclusion, Raman spectroscopy coupled with PCA provides a precise and efficient technique for perfume characterization. This method supports perfume manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and regulatory agencies in ensuring product consistency and compliance with industry standards.

Orecchio, S., Indelicato, R., & Barreca, S. (2015). Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 78(15), 1008-1018.

The presence of phthalates in perfumes raises significant health and regulatory concerns due to their classification as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study employed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the direct quantification of 15 phthalate compounds in 30 commercial perfume samples, including colognes and aftershave lotions. The total phthalate concentrations ranged from 17 to 9650 mg/L, with an average of 2643 mg/L, highlighting substantial variability across products. Notably, cologne exhibited the highest phthalate content.

Among the detected compounds, diethyl phthalate (DEP) was predominant, followed by diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Counterfeit and older perfume samples contained significantly higher levels of banned phthalates, diverging from the composition of modern, regulated products. European regulations have led to the reduction of certain toxic phthalates in recent formulations, improving consumer safety. These findings underscore the importance of phthalate analysis in evaluating perfume quality, authenticity, and compliance with safety standards.

The study also demonstrated that counterfeit perfumes differ widely from authentic products, containing unauthorized or harmful chemical compositions. Such variations can impact not only safety but also product efficacy. GC-MS serves as a reliable, rapid method for detecting hazardous compounds in perfumes, aiding regulatory agencies and manufacturers in ensuring product integrity. Regular screening of perfumes for restricted substances is essential to protect consumers from potential exposure to toxic compounds.

Lu, Wan-Yu, et al. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2022): 1-11.

The stability of perfume formulations is crucial for maintaining fragrance longevity, especially under varying environmental temperatures. This study employed thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate the thermal stability of three perfume fixatives incorporated into lavender essential oil. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was determined using the Friedman differential iso-conversional, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, and ASTM E698-18 kinetic equations to provide a comprehensive thermal stability assessment.

Among the tested compounds, trans-cinnamic acid exhibited the highest thermal stability, with its final reaction temperature and peak temperature approximately 80 °C higher than that of lavender essential oil, which displayed the lowest stability. The Ea values for trans-cinnamic acid ranged from 85.2 to 95.1 kJ/mol, confirming its superior resistance to thermal degradation. Furthermore, lavender essential oil mixed with ethanol demonstrated the highest mass loss derivative, indicating that ethanol-enhanced formulations improve fragrance retention.

These findings highlight the significance of thermokinetic analysis in optimizing perfume formulations. By selecting effective fixatives such as trans-cinnamic acid, manufacturers can enhance the stability and longevity of fragrances, ensuring product consistency and quality. This study reinforces the necessity of thermal stability assessments in perfume development, aiding in the selection of appropriate stabilizers to maintain olfactory performance over time.