How to Dilute Perfume

Diluting essential oils is a fun and interesting way to find new fragrances.

Creating and diluting perfume based on essential oil blends is a relatively easy way to broaden the variety of scents at a person's disposal, and allows the perfume-maker to determine what types of scents she finds most appealing. Essential oils, the base material for perfume dilution, are strong plant essences that must be diluted for two reasons. Not only are the fragrances of essential oils generally quite potent, skin reactions are possible when these oils are applied at full strength (See Reference 1).

Things You'll Need

• Method 1:
• Essential oils (or essential oil blend)
• Jojoba oil
• Small glass jar or vial
• Method 2:
• Grain alcohol or 100 proof vodka (See Reference 2)

Instructions

Jojoba Oil Method

1. Choose the essential oils or oil blend that is to be diluted. Add eight drops of the mixture to at least 1/2 teaspoon of jojoba oil.

2. Blend mixture thoroughly and smell it to determine if more of the essential oil should be added.

3. Funnel the diluted oil into a jar or vial and seal it with an airtight lid.

Alcohol Method

1. Add 20 to 30 drops of the essential oil blend to 3/4 teaspoon grain alcohol or vodka.

2. Add five to 10 drops of distilled water to the oil and alcohol mixture.

3. 

   Funnel into a small vial or jar and seal it with an airtight lid. Store the fragrance in a cool, dark place for three to four weeks to age the mixture.

4. Shake the mixture every few days to keep it well mixed.

Tips & Warnings

• If using the Jojoba method, the mixture does not need to be aged. Aging the mixture, however, will not harm the perfume and may help to balance the blend. If desired, age the perfume oil in a cool dark place.

• If using the alcohol method, do not skip the aging step.

• Do not use essential oils directly on the skin without first diluting them.

• If you are pregnant, consult a health care practitioner on which essential oils can be used safely during pregnancy. Some essential oils act in ways similar to hormones, which can cause pregnancy complications (See Reference 3).

References

• Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archive
• Basenotes
• Esoteric Oils: Pregnancy and the Use of Essential Oils

Resources

• Organic Gardening and Homesteading