Decanting : What is Decanting
Decanting, in the context of perfumery, refers to the process of transferring a fragrance from its original bottle into a smaller vial or atomizer for easier use, travel, sampling, or sharing. This practice is common among fragrance enthusiasts and professionals because it allows the perfume to be enjoyed without repeatedly opening or handling the full-sized bottle, which can expose the fragrance to air and light, causing it to deteriorate over time. Decanting is typically done using clean glass atomizers, pipettes, or syringe- style tools to avoid contamination and preserve the scent’s composition. When performed properly, decanting does not alter the fragrance itself; instead, it protects the perfume by limiting exposure to environmental elements while offering the convenience of portability. It also enables individuals to experiment with a variety of scents, exchange fragrances within the community, and carry only small amounts when traveling without risking damage to a valuable or delicate original bottle.
For more detailed article about decanting, please refer to :
Citations
Turin, Luca & Sanchez, Tania. Perfumes: The A–Z Guide. Profile Books, 2008. (Defines terms and handling practices widely used in perfumery.)
Fragrantica – “What Is a Decant?” (Click Here)
(Explains perfume decants, travel atomizers, and sampling culture.)
Basenotes Fragrance Community – Decanting Practices (Click Here)
(Step-by-step user-tested methods and safe handling instructions.)
IFRA (International Fragrance Association) – Storage & Handling Standards (Reference)
(Guidelines on preventing contamination and preserving fragrance integrity.)
Osmoz Perfume Education – Handling Concentrates (Reference)
(Discusses the structure of perfume and how exposure affects stability.)
Scent Split – About Decanting & Sampling (Reference)
(Commercial explanation of why fragrances are decanted into smaller vials.)
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