If there’s one industry that constantly reinvents itself and introduces new products at lightning speed, it’s the beauty industry. Many brands are now leaning towards cruelty-free, sustainable and innovative offerings.

Among the abundance of beauty products, one that has been generating a significant buzz recently is solid perfume. Although it is not actually a new invention, recent variations have brought it into the limelight.

Brands are marketing solid perfumes as plant-based, natural alternatives to traditional mists and perfumes, with an emphasis on eco-friendly, reusable, spill-free, and easy-to-carry packaging. Additionally, it is being claimed that this product is rich in skin care benefits.

However, the question is, are solid perfumes safe for your skin, or can they pose risks? Let us know from the experts.

What?

“Solid perfumes are compact, wax-based fragrances that offer unique benefits and ideas compared to traditional mists and perfumes. They are concentrated fragrances mixed in a wax or oil base, usually free of alcohol, and Has the consistency of a balm,” says Dr Sonali Kohli, consultant, dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. India Today,

Dr. Kohli says typical perfumes are alcohol-based and sprayed on the skin or clothing. The alcohol helps diffuse the aroma, leaving a trail of odor as it evaporates.

Solid perfumes, on the other hand, are made by melting wax or butter and mixing them with scented oils. These are applied directly to the skin, usually on pulse points such as the wrists and neck.

“Solid perfumes offer an attractive and practical alternative to traditional perfumes. Their gentle, alcohol-free formulation makes them suitable for a variety of ages and skin types. However, like any skin-related product, individual It is important to take into account sensitivities and preferences,” says Dr Kohli.

Meanwhile, Dr Sharifa Chausse, dermatologist, cosmetologist and founder of Sharifa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, says solid perfumes are gaining popularity as they are convenient, long lasting without the hassle of reapplication and are common. Generally less expensive than traditional ones. Perfume.

“Their sustainable packaging and natural ingredients attract consumers looking for eco-friendly products,” says Dr Sanjeev Gulati, department of dermatology, Sharda Hospital, NCR. The rise of minimalist and travel-friendly beauty products is also adding to their growing demand. Contributes.”

How do solid perfumes work?

Dr. Gulati explains that solid perfumes work by using the heat of your skin to activate and release their scent.

“Composed of a blend of waxes, oils, and fragrant essential oils, the perfume melts slightly when applied to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, or behind the ears, where the body naturally generates more heat. It helps dissipate heat. “Helps the scent linger gently throughout the day, providing a more intimate and subtle scent than liquid perfumes,” he says.

The natural oils in solid perfumes also help moisturize the skin, allowing the scent to last longer without evaporating rapidly, which can happen with alcohol-based perfumes.

Solid perfumes can last longer than mists but may not always be as long-lasting as regular alcohol-based perfumes. Since they are made of oils and waxes, they release fragrance more slowly, resulting in a subtle and stable scent over time. This makes them great for people who prefer softer, less intense scents.

However, traditional liquid perfumes, especially those with high concentrations of essential oils, tend to last more strongly and longer. On the other hand, mist is usually lighter than both solid and regular perfumes and fades faster.

a risky bet

Solid perfumes can be a convenient alternative to fragrance, but they may cause skin reactions in some individuals. Generally, they remain close to the skin as their base is often waxy, which can limit their projection.

However, experts believe that for people with sensitive skin, solid perfumes that use more fragrance ingredients may not be the best choice.

Dr. Kohli says it’s important to be aware of the potential skin risks associated with using solid perfumes:

• allergic contact dermatitis: Solid perfumes may contain various fragrance compounds and essential oils, which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Irritant contact dermatitis: Even if you are not allergic, some ingredients in solid perfumes can cause irritating contact dermatitis.
• -synthesis: Some ingredients in solid perfumes, especially some essential oils, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• clogged pores:The wax used in making perfume can clog pores and make acne worse.

“To minimize potential problems, it is advisable to apply a small amount of moisturizer to the skin before use or test the product on a small area first. While solid perfumes may be safe for many people, comfort is ensured. Monitoring skin reactions is essential to ensure safety,” says Dr. Gulati.

Additionally, Dr. Chouz says, “These perfumes contain fragrance and are not recommended, especially for people with sensitive skin. It is better to use traditional perfumes to reduce the risk of skin allergies.” Which are sprinkled on clothes.”

Is this a DIY hack?

According to Dr. Gulati, home-made solid perfumes can be really effective and serve as a viable alternative to commercial products.

“Making solid perfume at home offers the opportunity to customize scents using natural ingredients, which many users prefer for health and scent preference reasons. DIY recipes often involve simple ingredients such as beeswax, carrier oils, and essential oils. “, which promote a more personalized sensory experience,” he adds.

Here’s an easy DIY solid perfume recipe created by Dr. Kohli:

Material

• 2 tbsp beeswax
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or coconut oil)
• 10-20 drops of essential oils (scent of your choice)

equipment

• Double boiler (for melting beeswax and oil)
• Mixing stick (wooden stick or spoon)
• Containers (small tins or jars for storing perfume)

Method

• In a double boiler, gently heat the wax and carrier oil over low heat. Continue stirring until the wax completely melts into the oil and forms a smooth mixture.
• Once the wax and oil mixture is completely melted, remove the mixture from the heat. Add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oils depending on how strong you want the scent. Stir well to ensure the oil is evenly distributed.
• Pour the liquid perfume mixture into small tins or jars immediately before it cools and hardens. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot.
• Allow the perfume to cool and solidify at room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes to an hour.
• Once solid, your DIY solid perfume is ready to use. Simply rub your finger on the surface and apply it to pulse points. Store in a cool, dry place to retain aroma and prevent melting.

Before adding to cart or trying DIY hacks…

• Solid perfumes work best when applied to pulse points. The warmth of these places prolongs the life of the fragrance.
• It is important to check the ingredients carefully and avoid any allergies.
• You should also do a patch test before applying the product to avoid any serious reactions.
• Remember not to apply too much at once as excessive amounts of the waxy texture may feel heavy on the skin.