Yes, in large part — early eau de cologne, including the original Kölnisch Wasser created in Cologne in the early 1700s, was marketed and used partly as a tonic and restorative, sometimes even taken diluted as an internal remedy, rather than purely as a scent to wear.

A Product Sold Through Apothecaries

It was often distributed through apothecaries alongside other tonics and remedies of the day, with claims made about its ability to revive, refresh and generally improve wellbeing. Splashing it on the skin, rinsing the mouth with a diluted version, or even drinking small diluted amounts were all part of how it was used historically, reflecting an era where the line between perfume, medicine and general tonic was far blurrier than it is now.

How It Became Just a Fragrance

Over time, as understanding of medicine advanced and separated from folk tonics, eau de cologne settled into the purely cosmetic role it holds today — but the name still carries that dual heritage, and the lightweight, citrus-forward style it describes remains one of the most enduringly popular fragrance formats. Our history of perfume guide and the wider complete guide to perfume cover this transition in more detail.