Seamus Hammond
Perfumes can be diluted to make them lighter and less overpowering. There are several ways to do this, including mixing them with perfumers alcohol, diluting them in a carrier oil, or mixing them with an unscented lotion. Some people also suggest using distilled water, although this may not be as effective as other methods. It's important to note that diluting a perfume can change its composition and how it reacts with your skin, so it's recommended to start with a small batch to test the dilution ratio. Additionally, some fragrances may not be suitable for dilution, and it's important to use a scale rather than drops when diluting to ensure an accurate and repeatable formula.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to dilute with | Perfumer's alcohol, Di Propylene Glycol, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl alcohol, distilled water, unscented lotion, hydrosol/flower water, fractionated coconut oil, mineral water |
| What not to dilute with | Water, witch hazel |
| What to dilute | Essential oils, absolutes, resins, expensive materials, fragrance oils, commercial perfume, eau de parfum, extrait, natural perfume |
| Dilution ratio | 50:50 |
| Tools | Scale, washable glass beaker, dropper bottle |
| Other methods | Spraying perfume on tissue paper or clothing |
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What You'll Learn
Diluting perfume with perfumer's alcohol
When diluting a perfume, the recommended concentration of perfumer's alcohol is 95% ethanol content or above. This high-proof alcohol ensures that the perfume is safe for application and can be purchased under the brand name Everclear in the USA.
For the dilution process, it is crucial to use a scale instead of drops to ensure an accurate and repeatable formula. A jewellery scale is a good option for beginners, measuring down to 0.01g, and either a washable glass beaker or a dropper bottle can be used for mixing. The general guideline is to dilute most materials by 10%, but certain strong materials like Ethyl Vanillin only require 1% dilution.
When diluting with perfumers alcohol, it is important to note that the resulting perfume will be an alcohol-based fragrance. This means that the diluted perfume cannot be added to bases such as candles, creams, detergents, or oils.
Additionally, perfumers alcohol can be used to reduce the concentration of alcohol in perfumes for safe shipping by air. By adding distilled water to the perfume, the alcohol content can be lowered, making it compliant with postal regulations for dangerous goods.
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Using Di Propylene Glycol as a solvent
Di Propylene Glycol, or DPG, is a common solvent used to dilute perfumes. It is a synthetic, colourless, odourless, oil-based liquid that is completely soluble in water, alcohol, and some oils. It is also a humectant, which means it attracts water, and has fixative properties.
DPG is often used to dilute fragrance oils, especially in roll-on bottles. For example, if you wish to carry 20% of pure oils in a roll-on, you would put 80% DPG and fill up your bottles. DPG can also be used in alcoholic perfumes and has the added benefit of being undetectable due to its odourless nature.
The advantages of using DPG as a solvent are its high purity, minimal odour, low skin irritation potential, and low toxicity. It was specifically developed to meet the needs of fragrance and personal care product manufacturers who require consistent, high-quality ingredients.
When diluting with DPG, it is important to note that professionals in the perfume industry typically dilute by weight rather than by volume. This means that if you are creating a 100ml perfume, you would need to adjust the amount of DPG accordingly. For instance, for a 30ml perfume, you would multiply the desired concentration by 3 and divide it by 10.
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Diluting perfume with oils
Choosing the Right Oil
The type of oil you choose as your diluent is important. Fragrance oils, also known as carrier oils, are often used for this purpose. These oils are typically odourless and colourless, ensuring they don't alter the original scent or appearance of the perfume. Examples include fractionated coconut oil, 1,3-propanediol, and isopropyl myristate (IPM). These oils are versatile and can be used in various cosmetic applications, including perfumes, skin care, and hair care products.
Dilution Ratios and Techniques
When diluting perfume with oils, it's important to use the correct ratio to avoid wasting your perfume or creating a scent that is too strong or too dilute. A common practice is to start with a small amount of perfume and gradually add oil until the desired concentration is achieved. For highly concentrated fragrances, a ratio of 1:1 or 50/50 might be appropriate. However, it's always best to start with a lower ratio and adjust as needed. For example, you could begin with a ratio of 1:3 (one part perfume to three parts oil) and increase the concentration of perfume gradually.
Blending and Storage
To blend your diluted perfume, gently mix the perfume and oil together. You can do this by carefully shaking the container or using a small spatula or stirrer. Store your diluted perfume in a sterile bottle or container, ensuring it is tightly sealed. Label your creation with the date and ingredients used.
Safety Considerations
When diluting perfume, always wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, to avoid skin irritation or eye contact. Additionally, be cautious when handling flammable solvents, and always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling excessive fumes.
Other Diluents
While this guide focuses on diluting perfume with oils, it's worth noting that other common diluents exist. Perfumer's alcohol is frequently used to dilute fragrances, especially for alcohol-based perfume sprays. Di Propylene Glycol (DPG) is another popular choice in the fragrance industry due to its ability to dissolve insoluble materials. However, DPG may not be suitable for natural perfumery due to its petrochemical derivation.
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How to dilute a perfume without destroying it
Diluting a perfume can help to make it less intense and overwhelming. However, it is important to note that diluting a perfume will change its composition and how it interacts with your skin. It is also important to dilute your perfume correctly, as some methods can be unsafe.
One of the most common ways to dilute perfume is by using perfumer's alcohol. Alcohol helps the perfume to evaporate, giving you a fuller profile of the scent. If you are making an alcohol-based perfume spray, it is best to dilute your perfume with perfumer's alcohol. You can purchase perfumer's alcohol and mix it in a 50-50 ratio with your fragrance in a small decanter. You can then adjust the percentage until you find the right dilution ratio for you. However, do not make too much of this mixture, as you may need to adjust the ratio.
If you are creating an oil-based perfume, you can dilute your perfume with a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include jojoba oil and coconut oil. You can also dilute your perfume with complementary hydrosol or flower water, such as rose, lavender, or orange blossom. If you are creating a natural perfume, you should avoid using Di Propylene Glycol (DPG) as it is a synthetic solvent.
When diluting your perfume, it is important to use a scale rather than drops, as this will give you a more accurate and repeatable formula. You can use a jewellery scale, which can be purchased for less than £10, to measure your ingredients.
There are also some ways to apply your perfume so that it is less overwhelming without having to dilute it. You can spray your perfume into the air and walk through the mist, or spray it onto your clothes or the inside of your clothes.
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How to dilute a perfume with water
Diluting a perfume with water can be a tricky process. Firstly, it is important to note that adding water to perfume can cause cloudiness, so it is recommended to use distilled water to avoid this issue. One method is to use a pipette or dropper to slowly add a small amount of distilled water directly to the perfume bottle, ensuring that you check the scent after each addition to make sure it is still fragrant and has not become too diluted. This method is simple but may not provide an accurate measurement of the dilution ratio.
Another approach is to use a scale, which allows for a more precise dilution process. Firstly, prepare your workspace by clearing and cleaning the area. Ensure that all your materials, including bottles and droppers, are clean and sterile. Using a pipette, carefully measure out the desired amount of perfume into a separate container. Then, slowly add small amounts of distilled water, gently mixing the solution after each addition. This method provides better control over the dilution ratio and helps avoid over-diluting the perfume.
It is worth noting that some people choose to dilute their perfumes with substances other than water, such as perfumer's alcohol or Everclear. These alternatives can help prevent cloudiness and may be more suitable for those seeking a more professional result. However, for a simple at-home dilution, distilled water is a viable option if one is cautious and patient in the process.
Additionally, it is important to consider the type of perfume you are diluting. Some perfumes, such as Eau de Parfum, typically contain alcohol as a base, while others may use a carrier oil like jojoba oil. Understanding the base of your perfume can help guide your dilution process and ensure a successful outcome.
In conclusion, diluting a perfume with water is a delicate task that requires patience and caution. By using distilled water, employing precise measurement techniques, and understanding the base of your perfume, you can successfully create a lighter version of your favourite scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Diluting a perfume can make it less overwhelming for the wearer and those around them. It can also be a way to make a perfume more moisturising and longer-lasting.
A perfume can be diluted with perfumer's alcohol, which is basically ethyl alcohol that has been denatured. This is the best option if you want to be able to spray your perfume. You can also dilute a perfume with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, but this will result in a more subtle scent that sticks closer to the body.
To dilute a perfume with alcohol, you will need to purchase perfumer's alcohol. Mix equal parts of the perfume and alcohol in a small decanter. You can adjust the percentage of alcohol if you want a stronger or weaker scent.
To dilute a perfume with oil, mix a few drops of the perfume with a larger amount of oil. You can use a complementary oil, such as jojoba oil, or a plain oil like fractionated coconut oil.
Yes, you can spray the perfume into an unscented lotion and mix until it reaches the desired strength. You can also try spraying the perfume into the air or onto a tissue or piece of clothing, rather than directly onto your skin.
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