Recognition, understanding, analysis, extraction, many techniques and many machines are at the heart of our relationship with nature.
You should be able to understand these techniques to:
- Choosing the right technique at the right time
- Facing the unexpected
- Improve them
Perfumery, both for perfumes and aromas, uses many techniques. Some are constantly improving, others, sometimes forgotten, are rediscovered and reused in a more modern approach. Some of the techniques commonly used in perfumery are:
- Extraction: Raw materials, such as flowers, leaves, spices, etc., can be extracted by various methods such as solvent extractions, steam stripping, hydrodistillation, cold expression, or ‘enfleurage.
- Chemical synthesis: Perfumers can also create synthetic fragrances by combining chemical compounds in a controlled manner.
Furthermore, fragrance preservation is an essential part of the manufacturing process to ensure the durability and quality of finished products. Here are some methods commonly used in perfumery to ensure the preservation of perfumes:
- Proper Storage: Fragrances are sensitive to light, heat and air. They are generally stored in opaque and tightly closed bottles to prevent oxidation and degradation of the aromatic components.
- Controlled temperature: Temperature variations can alter the composition of perfumes. Storage at stable, moderate temperatures helps preserve flavor integrity.
- Protection from light: Perfume bottles are often designed to protect the liquid from direct sunlight, as this can alter the olfactory properties.
- Absence of air: Oxygen can also alter scents. Bottles are designed to minimize contact with air, and the use of sprays helps reduce exposure to direct contact with air.
- Use of antioxidants: Some perfumes include antioxidant ingredients to protect volatile components from oxidation.
- Quality checks: Manufacturers carry out regular stability tests and quality checks to ensure that perfumes retain their olfactory properties throughout their shelf life.
There are, of course, many other techniques. We can quote, in bulk:
- Atomization: Atomization is a commonly used technique to distribute perfumes finely and evenly. It involves the transformation of liquid into fine particles in the form of mist. Perfume bottles are often equipped with sprays that use this technique. Atomization allows for precise application of perfume and provides a more delicate sensory experience during application.
- Lyophilization (or freeze-drying): Although freeze-drying is more commonly associated with the preservation of food or pharmaceutical ingredients, it can also be used in certain cases in perfumery. This freeze drying method involves freezing the product and then dehydrating it under vacuum. This can be used to preserve fragile raw materials or to create powder formulations.
- Microencapsulation: Microencapsulation is a related technique. It involves coating small droplets of perfume in microscopic capsules. This can provide benefits in terms of controlled release of the fragrance, thereby extending its shelf life.
- Supercritical extraction: Although less common in perfumery, it is a technique that is increasingly gaining its place. Supercritical extraction uses supercritical fluids, such as carbon dioxide, to extract volatile components from raw materials. It is a delicate method that can preserve the aromatic quality of the ingredients.