Katrina Rosales
Many people enjoy creating their own scented lotions and creams by mixing perfume oils with an unscented base. This can be done by adding a couple of drops or sprays of perfume oil to an unscented cream base, mixing it thoroughly, and then applying it to the skin. Some people recommend mixing the perfume oil and cream directly on the skin rather than pre-mixing them, to avoid having multiple containers. The general recommendation is to use a 1-3% ratio of perfume oil to cream, depending on the desired strength of the scent. It's important to note that some perfume oils may not be safe for direct skin contact and that natural aromatics can be very expensive. Additionally, some experimentation may be required as different perfume oils have different requirements and behaviours when mixed with creams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mixing method | Mix perfume oil and cream in hand upon application |
| Ratio | 1:2 (scent to lotion) or 1% for slight scent and 3% for heavy scent |
| Type of perfume oil | Fragrance oils, essential oils, or natural oils |
| Type of cream | Unscented cream |
| Other | If using alcohol-based perfume, another reagent is needed to prevent evaporation |
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What You'll Learn
How much perfume oil to add to cream
Yes, you can use perfume oil to mix into your cream. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so. Firstly, it is important to use an unscented cream as a base. This ensures that the perfume oil's scent is not overwhelmed or altered by any pre-existing fragrances in the cream. Additionally, if your perfume oil is alcohol-based, you may need to add another reagent to prevent it from evaporating quickly and reacting adversely with the lotion.
When mixing perfume oil into cream, the general consensus is to add between 1% and 3% of perfume oil to the cream. This range accommodates different desired scent strengths, with 1% yielding a slight scent and 3% resulting in a heavier fragrance. However, it is crucial not to exceed the maximum percentage specified by the manufacturer, as a high concentration of fragrance oils can irritate the skin.
It is recommended to create a small test batch to fine-tune the ratio of perfume oil to cream before preparing a larger quantity. This involves mixing a small amount of lotion with a few drops or sprays of perfume oil, depending on the concentration of the oil. The mixture should then be stored in a tightly covered jar in a cool, dark place for a few days. After this incubation period, you can assess whether the scent meets your expectations or requires adjustment.
Some sources suggest that the ratio of scent to lotion in designer lotions is approximately 1-2%, which translates to one part scent to two parts lotion. This ratio can serve as a starting point for your experiments.
Finally, it is worth noting that fragrance oils are distinct from flavour oils, which are intended for lip products. Fragrance oils are more potent than essential oils, and a lower concentration is typically sufficient for scenting body products. Always refer to the documentation provided by the supplier of your specific fragrance oil, as they should indicate the maximum allowable values for different types of products.
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Whether to pre-mix or mix on the skin
If you are mixing fragrance oils with a lotion or cream base, the lotion itself acts as a carrier, as you are not applying the fragrance oil directly to your skin. You can purchase a pre-made, unscented lotion or cream base and add fragrance oils to create your desired scent. This method allows you to customise your lotion scent and control the intensity by adjusting the ratio of fragrance oil to the lotion base. A general guideline is to use a 1% to 3% ratio of fragrance oil for a pre-made lotion or cream base, with 1% resulting in a slight scent and 3% yielding a heavier scent.
However, some people prefer to mix their perfume oils with lotion directly on their skin upon application. This approach eliminates the need for storing multiple containers of pre-mixed lotion and oil blends. Additionally, it provides flexibility in choosing different oil and lotion combinations without committing to a specific pre-mixed blend. When mixing on the skin, a suggested ratio is 1 part perfume oil to 2 parts lotion for a full-body application.
It is worth noting that if you are working with alcohol-based fragrance oils, you may need an additional reagent to prevent the alcohol from evaporating quickly and creating an adverse reaction with the lotion. This is something to consider when deciding whether to pre-mix or mix on the skin, as the additional reagent may impact your preferred method.
Overall, the decision to pre-mix or mix on the skin depends on personal preference, convenience, and the specific characteristics of the ingredients being used, such as the type of fragrance oil and lotion base. Both methods can effectively combine perfume oils with lotions or creams, allowing you to customise your scented products and control the intensity of the fragrance.
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The best carrier oils for perfume oil
Yes, you can use perfume oil and mix it with a cream or lotion. The perfume oil is mixed with a carrier oil, which is then combined with the cream.
Carrier oils are used to dilute natural and synthetic aromatic oils. They are called carrier oils because they transfer essential oils to the skin. Carrier oils also contribute to the overall texture and
- Jojoba oil: This oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it ideal for blending with essential oils. Its similarity to sebum ensures excellent absorption and compatibility with various skin types. Jojoba oil is also highly stable, helping to preserve the integrity of the fragrance over time.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil brings richness and nourishment to perfume formulations. Its velvety texture and earthy aroma make it a popular choice for perfume artisans seeking depth and complexity in their fragrances. Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E, making it safe to use and providing optimal skin nourishment.
- Sweet almond oil: For sensitive skin, sweet almond oil is a good choice as it is hypoallergenic.
- Fractionated Coconut oil: Coconut oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing, allowing the perfume to blend seamlessly with the skin and creating a lingering scent.
- Apricot oil: Apricot oil is an emollient oil that is high in oleic acid and vitamin E. It has a slightly sweet, nutty aroma that lends perfumes a lovely scent.
- Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has quick absorption, ensuring the perfume lingers on the skin. Its light and non-greasy texture allows it to blend harmoniously with essential oils, making it a good choice for skin-friendly perfumes.
- Mango seed oil: Mango seed oil has a sweet, alluring mango aroma that is popular among women.
- Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil has a woodsy aroma that gives perfumes a rustic feel. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, making it well-suited for nourishing the skin.
These carrier oils can be used to create personalised fragrances that suit individual preferences and skin types. They offer various benefits, such as skin nourishment, stability, and scent dispersion, making them ideal for crafting alluring and skin-friendly perfumes.
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How to test the stability of the mixture
To test the stability of a mixture of perfume oil and cream, you can perform various tests that evaluate the product's physical and chemical integrity, microbiological stability, and packaging stability. Here are some ways to conduct stability tests:
Physical and Chemical Integrity Tests:
- Fragrance Stability: Evaluate the fragrance stability by adding 1% of the perfume oil to the cream and observing any changes. You can also perform a freeze-thaw cycle test by subjecting the mixture to temperature changes (e.g., −10°C for 24 hours and then room temperature for 24 hours) to see if it separates or if there are changes in pH, colour, viscosity, or fragrance.
- Colour, Odour, and pH: Assess the mixture for any changes in colour, odour, or pH value over time.
- Viscosity and Texture: Monitor the viscosity and texture of the mixture to ensure it remains consistent and homogeneous.
- Emulsion Stability: Watch out for signs of separation, as emulsions are inherently thermodynamically unstable. Centrifuge testing can help predict creaming, which is the initial separation of the oil and water phases.
Microbiological Stability Tests:
Evaluate the degree of contamination with bacteria, mould, and yeast. This is especially important if the cream contains ingredients that can alter the perfume oil, such as actives or product formulations.
Packaging Stability Tests:
- Glass Tests: Use glass containers for testing, as glass is inert and will not react with the mixture. This helps isolate any issues with the formula rather than the packaging.
- Weight Loss Tests: Assess weight loss to determine evaporation through the container wall or closure gaps.
- Interaction with Packaging: Consider the interaction between the product, packaging, and external environment. For example, product constituents may react with the container or evaporate through it.
Additional Considerations:
- Fragrance Quality: Assess the fragrance quality over time. Observe how the accord evolves and whether it surprises or remains familiar.
- Fragrance Concentration: The higher the concentration of fragrance oil, the longer the scent will last. Consider the proportion of top notes, heart notes, and base notes, as a higher proportion of base notes will increase longevity.
- Individual Ingredient Stability: Fragrance suppliers typically test individual aroma materials for stability before creating a fragrance. Understand the stability characteristics of each ingredient to predict potential issues in the mixture.
- Standardised Testing: Store the mixture under standardised test conditions and examine it at periodic intervals. This helps evaluate the effects of storage and shipping conditions, including temperature extremes, exposure to sunlight, vibration, and humidity.
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Recommended unscented lotions for mixing
Mixing perfume oils with lotion is a great way to create your own unique scent. It is also a good way to make a perfume last longer. However, it is important to note that mixing perfume with lotion can alter the formula of the product, and this new formulation has not been tested for stability or compatibility with the container. The lotion could separate or expire more quickly, and the container could degrade. Therefore, it is recommended to only mix small batches that can be used immediately.
When mixing perfume oils with lotion, it is best to use an unscented lotion as a base. This will allow the perfume oil to be the primary scent without any competing fragrances. Some recommended unscented lotions for mixing include:
- Sixteen92: This brand offers an unscented lotion as part of their Resurrection event every year and provides directions on how to add perfume to the lotion.
- Sephora: The fragrance department at Sephora carries an unscented body butter that is recommended for mixing with perfume. However, it is on the more expensive side at $35 per tube.
- Perfumania: This store offers an unscented lotion for a much more affordable price of around $7. However, some people may not like the fragrance that this lotion has.
- Nivea: Nivea lotions and creams have very little scent, making them a good base for mixing with perfume oils. They are also great moisturizers and reasonably priced.
- Natural lotions: For those who prefer natural, organic options, Aubrey Organics, Beauty Without Cruelty, and Jason's Naturals all offer good unscented lotions that can be used as a base for mixing.
When mixing perfume oils with unscented lotion, it is recommended to start with a small amount of perfume oil and add more if needed. A ratio of 1-2% perfume oil to lotion is typically recommended, but this can be adjusted to achieve the desired scent strength. It is also important to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the oil does not separate from the lotion.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can mix perfume oil with an unscented cream or lotion.
The general consensus is that 1% of perfume oil will create a slight scent, while 3% will create a heavy scent. You can adjust the ratio according to your preference.
You can mix the oil and cream directly on your skin, or you can mix them in your hand before application.
Yes, but be aware that some natural oils should not be applied directly to the skin. If you are using fragrance oils, you may need to add a carrier oil such as coconut oil or alcohol to help the oil mix with the cream.
Yes, you can store your mixture in a clean glass jar. However, it is recommended to make small batches as the mixture may separate, discolour, or develop an off odour.
