How to Macerate Perfume Properly?

How to Macerate Perfume Properly? 0

What is called maceration in bottled perfumes is like the micro oxygenation process used in wine making. A little bit of oxygen and time causes ester formation just like liquor aging in wooden barrels.

Invert the bottle and spray. On the compression stroke of the atomizer, the liquid squirts out. On the rebound stroke air will get in. Keep doing it until the liquid in the tube is empty. In clear bottles, you can see the air bubble into the juice as the pickup tube gets empty. Make sure there is an air pocket at the end of the pickup tube when doing this, so you don't end up wasting a lot of juice without getting air in.

7

I think you're mistakening maceration with aging. I'm not sure adding oxygen to a perfume is a good thing as oxygen can deteriorate a fragrance which is why bottles of perfumes are tightly sealed.

MACERATION versus AGING : fragrance (reddit.com)

5

That sounds like oxidation, not maceration. And it happens naturally as more air enters the bottle AFAIK, not sure why you'd want to accelerate the process.

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Nicolas78

That sounds like oxidation, not maceration. And it happens naturally as more air enters the bottle AFAIK, not sure why you'd want to accelerate the process.

This. The maceration is done in the fragrance factory and the process is ready when the fragrances are shipped to the shops, at least if the manufacturer is professional. Some very small indie companies might not handle the process professionally but all bigger companies do for sure. And oxidation is completely different. Normally it's not desirable and you should avoid it because it alters the smell. To avoid oxidation the fragrances should be stored in cool and dark.

3

Anyone that is reading this, do not open your bottles or tamper with the crimp in any way. No perfume needs artificial maceration or aging.

One exception is fragrances from Dua, but then you just let the bottle sit and not do anything to it at all and let it macerate or age it naturally.

0

Artificial intelligence gives a response that seems like common sense. The maceration of perfumes is an interesting and often debated topic among enthusiasts and experts in perfumery. Let's break down this process and its relevance.

What is Perfume Maceration?


Maceration is the process in which the molecules of a perfume blend and stabilize, allowing the ingredients to fully integrate. This can enhance the depth, richness, and longevity of the perfume.

Are Perfumes Already Macerated?


In most cases, commercial perfumes undergo a maceration process during production. After the initial blending, the perfumes are left to rest for a period that can range from weeks to months. This ensures that the components properly meld before being bottled and distributed for sale.

Does It Make Sense to Wait Longer?


Although commercial perfumes have already been macerated, there are several reasons why some enthusiasts choose to macerate their perfumes further:

1. Enhancement of the Fragrance: Some people believe that perfumes can continue to evolve and improve over time. This process can smooth out harsher notes and allow for a more harmonious blend.

2. Additional Stabilization: Further storage can help stabilize the ingredients, especially in perfumes that contain natural essential oils, which can change over time.

3. Storage Conditions: The conditions in which the perfume is stored (temperature, light, humidity) can affect its quality. An additional period of maceration under optimal conditions can improve the fragrance.

How Long Should You Wait?


If you decide to macerate a perfume, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. An additional maceration period can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your preferences and the specific perfume.

Final Considerations


Niche or Artisan Perfumes: These perfumes are often produced in smaller batches and may benefit more from additional maceration compared to mass-produced industrial perfumes.

Personal Preferences: The perception of changes in the fragrance after maceration can be subjective. Some may notice significant differences, while others may not perceive notable changes.

In summary, while commercial perfumes are already macerated, some enthusiasts believe that an additional period of maceration can enhance the fragrance. If you decide to try it, be sure to store the perfume properly and be patient to see if you notice an improvement in the quality of the fragrance.

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My wish for 2025 is for fragrance lovers to stop believing myths like home MaCeRaTiOn and start remembering basic science like we learned back in 6th grade. 
We are now entering the main period (Christmas) where the uninitiated and ignorant will spray a new bottle, stash it away,  then pull it out in 6 months and proclaim how much better smelling and better performing the fragrance is. 
They think this is due to the magic of “maceration” and are blind to the fact that the weather has changed drastically in that time. Nor do they realize how delicate and easily influenced our sense of smell is, especially to newbies, and finally they don’t understand the concept of confirmation bias where they hear other people talking about how this process changed their fragrance, and psychologically they will make their mind believe it has done the same for them. 
All I want for Christmas is a return to common sense and critical thinking Smile 

2

Interesting. I had an inkling that this whole idea about letting  Middle Eastern cheapies "macerate" for a few weeks is bull****. I always suspected it's a marketing ploy to compensate for lower quality aroma chemicals, aggressively promoted by modern day  telemarketers. I own a few Lattafas and they smell exactly the same  even after a year. Indeed, the only thing that macerates is confirmation bias, as @SteelerOpera very accurately pointed out. 

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The opinions on this topic are widely varied. It's great to see different views are brought to light in this thread. But let's do it in a constructive manner and perhaps even try to enlighten one another instead of just dismissing a view as ignorant.

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