Lance Perfumes

Originally introduced as a playful carnival accessory, lança perfume (literally “perfume thrower”) was a device that sprayed jets of icy, fragranced mist from a pressurized container. Its main component was ethyl chloride, combined with ether, chloroform, and perfumed essences. Though intended as a harmless festivity item, it became the center of national controversy due to its growing misuse as an inhalant.

The use of volatile substances for intoxication in Brazil dates back to at least the 1920s. A series of medical articles published during this time referred to the “ether inhaling vice” that had taken hold in urban centers. Devices containing ethyl chloride — popularly known as lança perfume — were openly sold and used without restriction, particularly during the four-day Carnival celebration, when revelers would spray one another with the chilled mist for amusement.

The French chemical company Rhodia played a pivotal role in the development and commercialization of lança perfume. In 1919, M. Perretin of Rhodia established a manufacturing plant in Brazil. By 1927, the company revolutionized the market with the introduction of the Metal Rodo tube, replacing the fragile glass containers that were prone to breakage. Not long after, Rhodia launched a more luxurious version — the Rodouro — packaged in gilded metal. Rhodia's leadership soon inspired a wave of domestic competitors, including Vlan, Pierrot, A. Laves, Assumpacao, Geyser, Meu Coração, Colombina, and Nice, all vying for market share in Brazil’s Carnival season.

The Rodo brand, in particular, stood out. Their marketing employed the celebrated artist Alphonse Mucha, who designed exquisite chromolithographed Art Nouveau labels for the product. Rodo offered a wide array of scents, including Lilas, Violette, Muguet, Rose Thé, Œillet, Trèfle, Jacinthe, Héliotrope, Rose, Jasmin, Peau d’Espagne, Eau de Cologne, Acacia, Muguet des Bois, Lilas Blanc, Bouquet des Champs, and Magnolia. These elegant fragrances disguised the increasingly problematic nature of the product.

Despite its glamorous image and widespread popularity, lança perfume quickly drew criticism. By the 1920s, concerns were mounting over its abuse as a narcotic. It was particularly popular among young people, who would inhale the vapor for its intoxicating effects — a trend that alarmed health authorities. Notable figures such as media personality Flávio Cavalcanti launched vocal campaigns against its use. Newspapers ran sensational stories, decrying that “ether disguised as perfume spray is drunk with scandal during Carnival,” and warning that Brazil was consuming “forty tons of the terrible drug,” enough to anesthetize “all the hospitals in the world.”These public health concerns reached the highest levels of government. In 1961, President Jânio Quadros issued Decree No. 51,211, officially banning the manufacture, sale, and use of lança perfume throughout Brazil. The decree cited the harmful nature of ethyl chloride, the alarming spread of its recreational use, and the need to preserve public health and order. All licenses and patents were revoked, and police were instructed to enforce the ban.Though now prohibited, lança perfume remains a vivid symbol of mid-20th century Brazilian carnival culture — a product that began as lighthearted fun but ultimately revealed deeper societal challenges regarding substance abuse, public health, and regulation.

In the early 20th century, lance perfumes emerged as a novel form of fragrance delivery, particularly favored in hot climates due to the cooling sensation created by the rapid evaporation of volatile solvents. These perfumes were not applied in the conventional manner but instead relied on a pressurized mechanism or sealed vessel to release a fragrant mist, producing an immediate and refreshing effect on the skin.

The active ingredients—essential oils—were dissolved in a highly volatile solvent, most commonly ethyl chloride, prized for its rapid evaporation and intense cooling properties. These mixtures were then enclosed in hermetically sealed glass ampoules, often tapered at one end. The seal could be broken at the moment of use, either manually or via a small mechanical system, such as a screw-cap, plug, or welded closure. Many patents were registered for various closure methods, though the torch-welded seal was considered the most secure and effective.

In addition to glass ampoules, another format was developed: fully sealed tin tubes. These featured an integral cap and a welded tail, which maintained the airtight containment of the perfume. To activate the product, users would pierce the tube with a pin or similar tool. This format not only ensured freshness and safety but also introduced a sense of novelty and modernity to the act of wearing perfume.However, the flammability and volatility of solvents like ethyl chloride posed significant challenges. Their use required specialized equipment and safety measures in manufacturing and handling. Industry professionals at the time suggested that these complications could be addressed by turning to alternative solvents, such as dichloroethylene, which were non-flammable and had a low boiling point, thereby reducing safety risks while maintaining performance.Ultimately, lance perfumes represent a fascinating moment in fragrance history—one where chemistry, climate, and consumer experience intersected, resulting in a product that was both technically advanced and sensorially striking.