How to Make Fragrances Without Alcohol

It is easy to make your own custom scent without using alcohol.

Many commercial fragrances contain large amounts of alcohol to act as the "carrier" for the scent. This practice is falling out of favor with many perfume makers for several reasons, first being that many governments, including the state of Colorado, are attempting to ban alcohol-based perfumes as possible carcinogens and a threat to reproductive health. Alcohol-based perfumes also evaporate from the skin quickly and can alter the scent of the added fragrance. Many fragrance connoisseurs prefer oil-based perfumes for their longevity and purity, and luckily, they are also easy enough to make at home to create your own signature scent.

Things You'll Need

• Small dark glass bottle with stopper
• 2 ounces base oil (mineral, vegetable or olive)
• One or more essential oils
• or
• 4 cups fresh herbs or flowers
• Mortar and pestle
• Glass jar
• Cheesecloth
• 1 vitamin E capsule
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• Glass Bowl
• Wooden Popsicle stick
• 1 or more essential oils
• 1 Vitamin E capsule
• Small heat-proof glass or metal container with lid

Instructions

Easy Oil-Based Fragrance

1. Fill the glass bottle with 2 ounces of base oil.

2. Add 20 to 30 drops total of essential oils, blending as desired. It is best to add a few drops at a time, shake the bottle and smell to keep from adding too much scent. It is best to start with a single-note fragrance and add small amounts of complementary scents for nuance.

3. Cap the bottle tightly and store in a cool, dark place for as long as year.

From-Scratch Fragrance Oil

1. Mash 4 cups of fresh herbs or flowers in a mortar and pestle until it is well-bruised. Delicately scented flowers may require more than 4 cups to produce a strong enough scent.

2. Transfer the mashed herbs or flowers to a glass jar and add 2 ounces of base oil. Cap the jar tightly and shake well.

3. Place in a warm, sunny spot for one week, shaking daily. A sunny windowsill is perfect.

4. Strain the oil through cheesecloth into a small glass bottle. If the scent is not strong enough, repeat the bruising and fermenting process, using fresh herbs or flowers and the oil you just made.

5. Add the contents of one vitamin E capsule as a preservative and shake well. Store for as long as one year.

Solid Fragrance

1. Place beeswax and jojoba oil in a glass bowl and microwave in 10-second increments until melted, stirring with the Popsicle stick after each increment.

2. Add 20 to 30 drops of essential oil or oils, blending as desired. Stir well.

3. Add the contents of one vitamin E capsule as a preservative if desired, and stir well.

4. Pour the oil mixture into a small metal container or glass jar and allow to cool. Store for as long as one year. Solid fragrance will melt if exposed to high heat, so try to keep it at room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing your essential oils, be sure to choose only those labeled "alcohol-free."

References

• State of Colorado: Safe Personal Care Products Act
• Bella Online: How to Make Solid Perfumes
• How to Make Your Own Fragrance