Air freshener formulations are widely used environmental care products in modern life, aiming to endow the air environment with fragrance or mask odors to create a pleasant indoor space. However, air fresheners can emit and produce a series of potentially harmful air pollutants, thereby damaging air quality. After a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and applicable scenarios of different formula air fresheners, consumers can make more scientific choices that not only meet the need for air freshness but also ensure health, safety and environmental friendliness.According to a survey, the global air freshener market exceeds 10 billion US dollars and is growing in most countries and regions. Europe is the largest market and Asia is the fastest-growing market.
Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shown that air fresheners with different formulations have significant differences in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, fragrance persistence and environmental impact. Consumers should consider various factors such as usage scenarios, safety needs and environmental factors when making a choice.According to the difference in solvent matrix, commercially available air fresheners are mainly divided into three categories: alcohol-based, oil-based and water-based.

1. Alcohol-based air freshener formulations
1.1 Basic Characteristics and Working Principle
Alcohol-based air fresheners use ethanol or isopropanol as the main solvent, usually containing 70-90% alcohol content. These products use the high volatility of alcohol to quickly diffuse fragrance molecules and achieve instant deodorizing effect. According to the Journal of Aerosol Science, alcohol-based formulations can achieve over 90% scent diffusion within 30 seconds of spraying.
Advantages:
Fast-acting, ideal for situations that require immediate freshening; dries quickly, leaving no residue on surfaces; low production costs, relatively affordable.
Disadvantages:
High concentration of alcohol may stimulate the respiratory tract, flammable, there are certain safety risks.
1.2 Applicable scenes and purchase recommendations
Suitable for small confined space fast deodorization (such as bathroom, car), the need to avoid residual occasions (such as around electronic equipment), temporary activities.
When choosing should pay attention to: check the alcohol content, generally 70-80% concentration is the most appropriate, avoid children’s activities in the area or the kitchen near the open fire use.
Donyan Air Freshener Spray AW-302
Air Freshener Spray AW-302
- Better mist
- Long lasting smelling
- Non-staining and safe to body
- Suitable for house, office, toilet, hotel or wherever you want to creat a freshen smelling.
2. Oil-based air freshener formulations
2.1 Basic characteristics and working principle
Oil-based products to mineral oil or plant essential oil as a carrier, through the slow release of aromatic substances to achieve long-lasting freshness. American Chemical Society (ACS) research data show that high-quality oil-based products can continue to release the scent of 72-120 hours.
Long-lasting and stable fragrance, suitable for long-term use; rich layers of fragrance, can provide top and middle and bottom note changes; some essential oil ingredients have antibacterial effect.
Disadvantages:
Possible pollution of wall and furniture surfaces; some people are allergic to essential oils; the price is usually higher.
2.2 Application Scenarios and Purchasing Suggestions
Long-term air maintenance in large spaces (such as living rooms, bedrooms); places that need to create a specific atmosphere (such as SPA clubs); environments with high requirements for scent quality.
Attention should be paid when choosing: give priority to natural plant essential oil formulations; check the volatile organic compounds (VOC) content and choose low-emission products; and test whether the coloring is in a small area before the first use.

3. Water-based air freshener formulations
3.1 Basic characteristics and working principle
Water-based products use deionized water as the main solvent, usually containing 5-15% of the active ingredient. According to the journal Indoor Air, water-based formulations perform best in terms of indoor air quality, with VOC emissions 60-70% lower than alcohol-based products.
Advantages:
Safest and most environmentally friendly for sensitive populations; won’t burn, low risk of use; most are biodegradable
Disadvantages:
Easy to breed microorganisms under high temperature environment; some products need to be replenished frequently; may freeze or deteriorate under extreme temperature.
3.2 Applicable Scenarios and Purchasing Suggestions
Environments with children, the elderly or pregnant women; sensitive places such as medical institutions and schools; environmentally conscious consumers.
When choosing, it should be noted that: choose products containing anticorrosion systems to prevent deterioration; check whether there is an antibacterial function certification; consider products compatible with humidifiers to improve the efficiency of use.
Donyan Air Freshener Spray AW-301
Air Freshener Spray AW-301
- Better mist
- Long lasting smelling
- Non-staining and safe to body
- Suitable for house, office, toilet, hotel or wherever you want to creat a freshen smelling.
4. How to choose air freshener formulations?
4.1 Determine the main needs:
Fast deodorization → alcohol-based
Long-lasting freshness → oil-based
Safe and environmentally friendly → water-agent type
4.2 Consider the use environment:
Open flame or high temperature → avoid alcohol type
Sensitive people → give priority to water-based
Large space → consider oil type
4.3 Considerations for Special Populations
Asthma sufferers should choose fragrance-free or water-based products.
Avoid products containing tea tree oil for pet households.
Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using air fresheners.