Aqua Nano Based Perfume: Advanced Technology from Research to Practice

Introduction to Nanoemulsion and Its Importance in Perfume Technology

Nanoemulsion is an oil-in-water dispersion system with ultra-small droplet sizes (below 100 nm), which enhances the solubility, stability, and permeation of active components. In the perfume industry, using nanoemulsions helps aromatic oils disperse evenly in the solvent, prolongs fragrance longevity, and minimizes the evaporation of volatile compounds.

A key concept in nanoemulsion technology is the formation of micelles. Micelles are spherical aggregates of surfactant molecules in aqueous solutions, with hydrophobic tails oriented inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward. In nanoemulsions, micelles stabilize the dispersed oil droplets, reducing coalescence and improving long-term stability. Micelles also enhance the solubilization of hydrophobic fragrance compounds, facilitating controlled release and improved skin penetration.

However, producing stable and efficient nanoemulsions remains a significant challenge. Current nanoemulsion preparation methods are mainly divided into two categories: high-energy methods and low-energy methods. Among them, the Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT) method is a low-energy approach, which has been less studied compared to sonication. Both methods rely on surfactant-micelle interactions to stabilize the nano-sized droplets effectively.

Comparative Study of PIT and Sonication Methods

Our paper, titled “A Comparison of Sonication and Phase Inversion Temperature Methods for Formulating Lavender Essential Oil Nanoemulsions: Stability, Antioxidant Capacity, and Industrial Potential”, published in Trends in Sciences (Q2), conducted a comparative study of two methods for preparing lavender essential oil nanoemulsions: sonication and PIT.

The results showed that nanoemulsions prepared via PIT had more uniform droplet sizes (47.53 ± 0.306 nm, PDI: 0.408 ± 0.005) compared to sonication (47.23 ± 0.252 nm, PDI: 0.466 ± 0.004). Additionally, PIT-based nanoemulsions exhibited higher zeta potential (–14.60 ± 0.436 mV), indicating better electrokinetic stability. More importantly, the antioxidant capacity of PIT nanoemulsions was maintained more effectively over 30 days compared to sonication.

The role of micelles in both PIT and sonication methods was crucial: micellar encapsulation of essential oil droplets contributed to reduced coalescence, controlled release of volatile components, and improved shelf stability of the nanoemulsions.

Technical-economic analysis also indicated that while sonication consumes more energy, the PIT method offers better scalability and lower production costs. These findings demonstrate the great industrial potential of PIT, providing an efficient and sustainable approach to improve the stability and antioxidant capacity of lavender essential oil nanoemulsions.

Applications in the Perfume Industry

With its superior stability, antioxidant properties, and micelle-based droplet stabilization, lavender oil nanoemulsions can be applied in the perfume industry to produce products with long-lasting fragrance, skin safety for sensitive users, and environmentally friendly formulations. Using the PIT method in nanoemulsion production not only enhances product quality but also reduces environmental impact and production costs.

Naroma: Pioneer of Nano Perfume in Vietnam

Naroma, the first nano perfume brand in Vietnam, has successfully applied nanoemulsion technology in its products. Naroma is honored that this research has been published in an international Q2 journal, recognizing its scientific contribution and supporting the development of nano perfume technology in Vietnam. The use of micelle-based nanoemulsion technology in Naroma perfumes ensures improved fragrance stability, elegant diffusion, and sustained scent release. Naroma’s products not only achieve high quality but also receive recognition from both the scientific community and consumers.