Essential Oils For Making Perfumes

Essential Oils for Making Perfumes

Essential oils are a natural choice for making perfumes. They are easily accessible and can be combined to create one-of-a-kind fragrances. It is important to use only neat oils--which means straight, undiluted oils--in perfume preparations, as diluted oils will not mix properly. The following are common and easily obtainable essential oils for the home perfumer.

Base Note

The base note is the stabilizing and lingering aspect of a fragrance, and may include oils such as benzoin, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, myrrh, bay or oakmoss.

Middle Note

The middle note should be chosen second, and may include oils such as clary-sage, geranium, orchid, rose, thyme, mandarin, pine or lavender.

Top Note

The top note is the final element of the trio and includes the lighter scents, such as bergamot, neroli, marigold, lemon, lime, orange and sage.

Oil to Alcohol Ratio

To create a fine quality perfume combine 15 to 30 percent essential oils with 70 to 85 percent alcohol (at least 90 proof).

History

The ancient Egyptians used perfume in religious ceremonies and rituals.

Fun Fact

Synthetic fragrances were not introduced until the late 19th century, when science had progressed to the point of being able to replicate natural oils.

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