The main ingredient in most perfumes is alcohol, specifically ethanol, which serves as a solvent for the fragrance oils. This alcohol base is crucial as it effectively disperses the fragrance oils when sprayed, allowing the perfume to evaporate and diffuse scent molecules into the air. The concentration of alcohol in a perfume can significantly influence the intensity and longevity of the fragrance. Water is often added to adjust the strength, and various fragrance oils derived from natural or synthetic sources are blended to achieve the desired scent profile.