What Is the Difference Between Cologne, Perfume & Aftershave?

Are you familiar with the variety of men’s fragrances? Women aren’t the only ones provided with a vast assortment of scents, as men can also choose between aftershaves, colognes, perfumes, antiperspirants, and Eau de toilets. Although similar in their purpose, these products provide different scent strength.

While aftershaves last no longer than three hours, some perfumes are believed to last up to twelve hours. Pulse Of Perfumery would be a perfect place to visit to find a great variety of perfumes online. Nevertheless, aftershaves are unique in terms of providing skin benefits like hydration, flexibility, and bacteria prevention.

Before shopping for perfume online in Ireland, make sure you learn the difference between cologne, perfume, and aftershave.

Aftershave

The aftershave is one of the most popular cosmetic products in men, applied to one’s cheeks and neck after the shaving process is completed. Its purpose is to disinfect the skin and close its pores so as to prevent the risk of experiencing bacterial infections. It’s common for men to get post-shave cuts caused by pulling a razor across the skin, which is why the skin has to be disinfected and hydrated.

Moreover, when the blade cuts through the hair, the skin cells automatically open and become vulnerable to bacteria. The aftershave strives to impede bacteria from penetrating the skin, as well as close any cuts and wounds that men acquire in the course of shaving. Keep in mind that these products aren’t famous for their scent longevity, as they contain a maximum of three percent essential oils.

In terms of ingredients, aftershaves are made from two essential substances: alcohol and witch hazel. The former is known to be an astringent, responsible for the contraction of skin cells, making males experience a stinging and burning sensation when used. Once alcohol is applied to the epidermis, there’s virtually no risk for bacteria to find its way into the bloodstream.

The latter is another astringent, which not only provides disinfection but hydration as well. Witch hazel moisturizes the epidermis, hence boosting its elasticity and soothing irritation or itchiness. Additionally, this plant employs its anti-inflammatory properties to impede acne breakouts. Men with acne-prone skin are the most susceptible to acne breakouts that result from shaving, caused by the pressure on the epidermis when using the blade. Click here to check out the myriad of health benefits of witch hazel.

Cologne

Although many people use the terms aftershave and cologne interchangeably, the latter isn’t designed to provide derma benefits. This product contains a higher percentage of essential oils when compared to an aftershave but a much lower concentration in comparison with a perfume. Apart from providing a pleasant scent, colognes have no anti-inflammatory, astringent or anti-bacterial qualities, hence being unsuitable to be used after shaving

Moreover, colognes are made from essential oils, alcohol, and water. The essential oils can be extracted from flowers or produced synthetically. These products contain a minimal amount of alcohol, which is insufficient for disinfection but solely for the purpose of distillation. Water is of tremendous importance in the process of fragrance transportation, stimulating the act of scent release.

When it comes to application, individuals are advised to apply cologne after having a shower to some of the pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ear.

Perfume

Unlike the cologne, a perfume contains at least twenty to a maximum of forty percent essential oils. In order for a perfume to be considered of solid quality, it has to contain an attentively-chosen selection of ingredients, as well as be made with the right extraction method and blending techniques.

Moreover, perfumes are mainly produced with the extraction of essential oils from natural ingredients, such as sandalwood, jasmine, rose, citrus, vanilla, etc. In contrast, ambergris, calone, musk, and indole are among the most common synthetic ingredients. Visit the following link, https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-sandalwood, to learn more about the uses and health potential of sandalwood.

Regarding the extraction method, the ingredients are generally extracted with steam distillation, solvent extraction, enfleurage, or maceration. After the oils are extracted, the ingredients are fused by following a particular perfume formula.