Understanding Maceration and why it matters for your perfume

What do whiskies, curries and perfumes have in common? They get better with time. 

Here’s a breakdown of maceration. What it is, how it works and why you should do it (especially for your customised EDP)

What is maceration when it comes to perfumes?

It’s allowing the perfume oils and its alcohol base time to sit and be able to blend together. The perfume will subtly change as the fragrance gets stronger and ultimately improve (just like a curry heated up the next day)

How does maceration work on perfumes?

Fragrances don’t automatically blend into a harmonious scent when first mixed together, they can often clash and create an unpleasant aroma. As the perfume oils and alcohol base sit together, the perfume oils dissolve into the alcohol in a a slow and even manner. Through this it then creates a unified scent. 

How do you macerate your perfume? 

Most perfumes usually doesn’t need to macerate unless they have been freshly mixed. However, if you have a freshly mixed custom scent, pump out 5 to 10 pumps into the air, making sure you’re fully pressing on the nozzle. Store the perfume in a cool and dry place for 1 month. Make sure you’re keeping it away from any sunlight, hot and humid place. The perfume’s colour will naturally darken and the scent will be more concentrated.

Credits to:

Bois de Jasmin, a primer on sensory pursuits

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