What is Scent Durability?
Scent durability refers to how long a perfume or aromatic cosmetic product maintains its effect on the skin, clothing, or environment after application. The scent durability test is conducted to scientifically evaluate this feature of the product and to support marketing claims.
Objectives of the Scent Durability Test
1. To Evaluate Scent Performance:
- Measure the diffusion and duration of the product to ensure an effective formulation.
2. To Validate Marketing Claims:
- Scientifically support the accuracy of statements like “8-hour longevity” or “all-day scent.”
3. To Ensure Consumer Satisfaction:
- Products that offer long-lasting durability increase user loyalty.
Scent Durability Test Process
1. Physical Analysis of Scent Durability
- Headspace Technology:
- Used to measure the concentration of scent components in the vapor phase.
- Combined with gas chromatography (GC) to analyze the durability of different scent molecules.
- Sensor-Based Analyses:
- Evaluate the continuity and changes in the scent profile using electronic nose (e-nose) technology.
2. Panel Tests (Subjective Evaluation)
- Volunteer Subjects:
- The product is applied to volunteers on different areas (e.g., wrists, neck).
- The scent intensity is rated by a trained panel at specific intervals.
- Scoring:
- Scent durability is usually evaluated on a scale from 0 (scent lost) to 10 (very intense scent).
3. Chemical and Molecular Analyses
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS):
- Analyze the durability of the product's components on the skin or in the environment.
- Dynamic Emission Tests:
- Monitor the diffusion of scent components over time after product application.
4. Long-Term Monitoring
- Time-Based Measurements:
- Analyze the scent profile at specific time intervals such as 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours after initial application.
- Scent Durability Curve:
- Create graphs to visually display the changes in scent intensity over time.
Factors Affecting Scent Durability
- Scent Components:
- The ratios of top, middle, and base notes in the formulation.
- Type of Formulation:
- The concentration of perfume oil (e.g., Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum).
- Application Surface:
- Skin type, fabric texture, or environmental characteristics.
- Environmental Factors:
- Temperature, humidity, and air flow.
Standards Used in Scent Durability Testing
- ISO 9235:
- Provides methods for testing natural aromatic components.
- ISO 16128:
- The standard used for evaluating natural and organic cosmetic ingredients.
- IFRA Standards:
- Includes safety and efficacy evaluations of scent components.
Benefits of Scent Durability Testing
- Prove Product Performance:
- Provides scientific data to support the product's marketing claims.
- Provide Competitive Advantage:
- Products that offer long-lasting scent performance influence consumer preferences.
- Formulation Optimization:
- Test results are used in balancing scent components and the product development process.
- Increase Consumer Satisfaction:
- Persistent scents increase users' loyalty to the product.
The scent durability test is an important process for scientifically evaluating the effectiveness of perfumes and aromatic cosmetic products. These tests play a critical role in both product development and marketing strategies.