Alcohol x Summer
ADELE FADILI
Today, we're playing doctor. It's summer, the sun is out (or not)… We want to party and wear perfume! But did you know that the sun and perfume aren't the best of friends?
In this article, we explain why you should be wary of alcohol, because yes, alcohol abuse is bad for your health (your skin's, that is).

Alcohol, the base of perfume
Yep, alcohol isn't water. You may have noticed: it evaporates very quickly! While it's the "number 1" diluent in perfumery, using it isn't without consequences, especially when it's concentrated between 70 and 90%. Food for thought…
The effects of alcohol on the skin
To avoid the "hangover" and limit the effects of alcohol, Versatile helps you see things more clearly.
No. 1: alcohol + sun = dark spots
Alcohol and sun don't mix. Under UV light, an alcohol-based perfume can cause pigmentation spots, sometimes stubborn and hard to treat. Some essential oils, like bergamot, can cause similar reactions.
No. 2: alcohol = dehydration
We knew it already, and on the skin the effect is the same. Alcohol has drying and irritating properties: it disrupts the skin's protective barrier, and redness can appear. Make sure to moisturize your skin well.
No. 3: denaturants under scrutiny
The alcohol used in cosmetics isn't pure: denaturants are added to make it undrinkable. Some of these denaturing molecules are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. Suddenly alcohol seems a lot less tempting, right?
Alcohol isn't a must
It's for all these reasons that Versatile chose alcohol-free roll-on Extraits de parfum with an oil base. The moisturizing properties of sweet almond and wheat germ oils preserve and protect your skin during your scent ritual.
More and more brands are launching alcohol-free perfumes, so you can wear your perfume in the sun with more peace of mind.
That way, you can put on perfume before soaking up the sun, with hydrated skin. Not bad, right? The little extra: no alcohol smell when you apply it. (Sunscreen is still a must, though!)
Tips that won't break the bank 💸
10 seconds flat to choose perfumes that respect your skin:
- 🙅 0% alcohol in our roll-ons
- 🌾 An oil base (sweet almond and wheat germ)
- 🔬 Short, transparent formulas, published on every product page
- 🐰 Vegan products, not tested on animals
- 🚫 No added BHT / BHA, colorants, UV filters or CMRs
Some of you are wondering: "But there's rum in Gueule de Bois!" Don't worry: it's a note, not alcohol. Just a shot of warmth, and an addictive one at that.
So, ready to adopt a scent ritual that's kinder to your skin this summer? Also discover Sea, Sud & Sun and Presser le Citron.
Photos: Versatile Paris
