The Ruling on Perfumes Containing Alcohol

Question:
The question says: We have heard that perfumes containing alcohol are ritually impure. How can they be ritually impure when they evaporate immediately after being applied?

Answer:
The one we know is the perfume called cologne. Many doctors in Spain have mentioned that it causes intoxication. Any perfume that contains something that intoxicates is forbidden to use. The majority of scholars hold that it is ritually impure; in the view of most scholars, whatever intoxicates is ritually impure. Therefore, it should not be used, even as a perfume. A person should seek a perfume that does not cause intoxication. One should recognize that although it is not of the same category [as wine], it is forbidden and must be destroyed. It must be discarded. They call this song [or product] something that should not be bought or used, because it has been established for us that it is intoxicating. Therefore, it is obligatory to leave it and not use it. Some corrupt young men drink it and become intoxicated.