Blending Essential And Fragrance Oils: A Sensory Experience

Essential oils and fragrance oils can be blended together, and this is done by many companies. Blending the two can create a scent that is both natural and long-lasting. The process of blending aromas is a rewarding and relaxing experience that can be done in minutes or stretched out over a longer period. When blending essential oils for use in soap, lotion, or other body care products, refer to their IFRA certificates to determine the maximum safe usage percentage. It is important to note that some essential oils smell unpleasant when burned, so thorough testing is important.

Blending for candles and melts

Blending essential oils with fragrance oils is a great way to create unique and personalised scents for candles and melts. It allows you to be creative and experiment with different combinations to craft your signature scent. Here are some important things to keep in mind when blending oils for candles and melts:

Scent Combinations

When blending oils, it's essential to understand fragrance notes, which include top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are usually lighter scents like citrus or soft florals and tend to fade quickly. Middle notes, or the "heart" of the fragrance, provide balance and are typically bright florals, gourmands, fruits, or lighter woods. Base notes, such as vanilla, spices, musks, or woods, lend depth and longevity to the aroma. Combining these notes in different ways creates unique scent profiles. Play around with different combinations to find what appeals to you.

Blending Techniques

When blending essential and fragrance oils, it's important to start with small amounts and experiment. You can use blotter strips to test different combinations and ratios. Dip the strips into the oils and allow them to dry before fanning them under your nose to get an impression of the blend. Take detailed notes on the combinations and ratios you try. This will help you refine your blends and create consistent scents.

Choosing the Right Oils

Not all essential oils are suitable for candle-making. Look for oils with higher flash points, such as sandalwood, patchouli, or ylang-ylang, as they tend to perform better in candles. Also, consider the compatibility of the oil with the type of wax you're using. Soy wax, for example, pairs well with almost any essential oil. Additionally, opt for pure, high-quality essential oils from reputable suppliers to ensure the best scent experience and avoid potential safety hazards.

Temperature and Proportion

When blending essential oils with wax, temperature control is crucial. Adding essential oils when the wax is too hot can degrade the oils, while adding them when it's too cool can result in improper mixing. The recommended temperature range for adding essential oils is typically between 120°F and 180°F, but this may vary depending on the specific wax and oil combination. Regarding proportion, a general guideline is to use a ratio of 6-10% essential oil to wax, but this can be adjusted based on the potency of the oil and your desired fragrance intensity.

Testing and Safety

Always test your blends before committing to a large batch. Make small test candles to evaluate how the wax holds the scent, how the candle burns, and how the fragrance is released. Additionally, follow safety precautions when working with hot wax and open flames. Keep your work area clean and free from flammable materials, and ensure you have a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby to smother any potential flames.

Safe usage percentages in body care products

When blending essential oils and fragrance oils for use in body care products, it is important to adhere to safe usage percentages to prevent skin irritation and ensure product stability and texture. The maximum safe usage percentage can be determined by referring to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) certificates of the individual oils. IFRA establishes guidelines for safe usage in collaboration with the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), based on scientific analysis.

For fragrance oils, it is generally recommended to use them at a rate of 0.5% to 5% of the total formula, depending on the type of product. Leave-on products, such as lotions, creams, and body washes, typically use fragrances at a lower concentration (0.5% to 3%), while wash-off products like soap can use higher amounts (2% to 4%). It is important to note that adding too much fragrance can cause skin irritation, so it is advisable to start with a lower amount and gradually increase if needed.

When blending essential oils with fragrance oils, it is crucial to compare the maximum usage percentages of each oil and follow the lower recommended percentage for the entire blend. For example, if one oil has a maximum usage of 8% and another has a maximum of 1%, the max usage amount for the blend would be 1%. This ensures that the final product is safe and does not cause any adverse reactions.

Additionally, it is important to consider the scent types and notes of the oils being blended. Essential oils are typically grouped into floral, woody, menthol, herbal, and citrus categories, with top, middle, and base notes that create a well-balanced fragrance. A common ratio for blending these notes is 30:50:20, with 30% top note, 50% middle note, and 20% base note. This allows for a balanced blend that is pleasing to the senses.

It is also recommended to dilute essential oil blends before applying them to the skin. This can be done by adding a few drops of the blend to a carrier oil, such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond oil. For sensitive skin, a lower concentration of essential oil blend should be used.

Scent types and notes

Scent Types

Essential oils are often grouped into scent types, which include:

• Floral
• Woody
• Menthol
• Herbal
• Citrus

Scent Notes

Essential oils can also be categorised by their scent notes, which refer to the strength and fragrance of each oil. The three main scent notes are:

• Top notes: These are the first scents you encounter when inhaling an essential oil. They tend to be light and fresh but do not last as long as middle and base notes. Examples include citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit, as well as eucalyptus and bergamot.
• Middle notes: These are the main body of the blend and last longer than top notes. They are usually floral or herbal scents such as lavender or rosemary. Middle notes are important when blending multiple essential oils together as they help to round out the scent and can offer health benefits like easing anxiety and stress.
• Base notes: These are the foundation of an essential oil blend and last the longest due to their heavier molecules. Popular base notes include ylang-ylang, frankincense, jasmine, clary sage, and peppermint.

When blending essential oils, it is ideal to include a top, middle, and base note to create a balanced fragrance. The recommended ratio for blending these notes is 30% top note, 50% middle note, and 20% base note. This can be adjusted to accommodate blends with more than three oils.

Blending tools and techniques

Blending essential oils with fragrance oils is a fun and creative process that can result in unique scents for candles, soaps, and other products. Here are some tools and techniques to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Oils

Start by selecting essential and fragrance oils that you love and are drawn to. Consider the scent types (floral, woody, menthol, herbal, or citrus) and the scent notes ("top", "middle", and "base"). Ideally, your blend will contain a balance of these three notes, with the top note being light and subtle, the middle note forming the bulk of the fragrance, and the base note being the heaviest and slowest to disperse.

Combining Scents

When combining essential and fragrance oils, it's important to experiment and mix small amounts first to see how the scents interact and develop over time. Fragrance oils tend to be more concentrated, so a little goes a long way. You can start by mixing 10 drops of essential oils in total in a clean bowl or bottle, using a ratio of 30:50:20 for top, middle, and base notes, respectively.

Blending Techniques

One popular technique is to use aroma blending, where you combine oils based on their scent profiles to create beautifully scented blends. You can also blend oils based on the plant parts they come from or their specific chemical components, taking a more scientific approach to create safe and effective products.

Testing and Adjusting

Allow your blends to rest for a day or two before deciding if adjustments are needed. The scents will develop and harmonize during this time. You can use blotter strips to test different combinations and train your nose to pick out the notes. Take detailed notes on the scent combinations, ratios, and any adjustments needed.

Diluting and Application

If you plan to use your blend on the skin, it's important to dilute it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. For sensitive skin, use a higher ratio of carrier oil to essential oil blend. Your unique blend can then be added to a diffuser, bath, or used for massage or other body treatments.

Safety Considerations

When blending essential oils for use in soaps, lotions, or other body care products, refer to their IFRA (International Fragrance Association) certificates to determine the maximum safe usage percentage for each oil. Compare the maximum usage percentages of the oils in your blend and always follow the lower recommended percentage for the entire blend.

Benefits of combining fragrance and essential oils

Combining fragrance and essential oils can offer a range of benefits, from enhanced creativity to improved scent longevity. Here are some advantages of blending these two types of oils:

Enhanced Creativity

By blending fragrance and essential oils, you can tap into a world of endless possibilities and get super creative with your scent combinations. Fragrance oils allow you to create scents that are not naturally occurring or mimic nature in a more subtle or punchy way. This gives you the freedom to experiment and design unique fragrances that cater to different moods, seasons, or occasions.

Improved Longevity and Intensity

Combining fragrance and essential oils can result in a better scent throw, meaning your favourite fragrance will last longer. Fragrance oils often have a stronger concentration, so a little goes a long way. By blending them with essential oils, you can extend the enjoyment of your favourite scents while also benefiting from their therapeutic properties.

Sustainability

Contrary to popular belief, fragrance oils can be sustainable. By matching fragrance oils to the closest compounds of their natural counterparts, companies can avoid mass farming for small amounts of oil, which is more environmentally friendly. Sustainable sourcing of fragrance oils ensures that you can enjoy a wide range of scents without compromising ecological integrity.

Aromatherapy Benefits

While essential oils are known for their therapeutic benefits in aromatherapy, fragrance oils can also serve a similar purpose. Blending the two can enhance the overall aromatherapy experience, providing scents that are both natural and long-lasting. Fragrance oils can help induce relaxation, boost energy, or create a soothing atmosphere, making them a versatile addition to aromatherapy practices.

Versatility in Applications

The combination of fragrance and essential oils can be used in various applications, including candles, melts, soaps, lotions, and other body care products. This versatility allows you to enjoy your custom blends in multiple ways, such as adding them to your diffuser, bath, skincare routine, or massage oil.

Frequently asked questions