Seamus Hammond
Making perfume with witch hazel is an easy, affordable, and fun way to create a unique fragrance. It is a great substitute for rubbing alcohol or vodka, which are typically used in homemade perfumes, and it helps to mix up your essential oils of choice. You can create your own signature scent by choosing essential oils with your preferred fragrance notes and mixing them with a carrier oil and witch hazel. This method allows you to control the ingredients and create a natural, non-toxic perfume that smells amazing and is kind to your skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base ingredient | Witch hazel |
| Purpose of witch hazel | Substitute for rubbing alcohol or vodka |
| Other ingredients | Essential oils, distilled water, vegetable glycerin, carrier oil |
| Carrier oil | Jojoba oil |
| Essential oils | Bergamot, lavender, geranium, lemon, lemongrass, jasmine absolute, etc. |
| Bottle type | Glass spray bottle |
| Bottle color | Dark-colored glass like blue or amber |
| Shake before use | Yes |
| Settling time | 48 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Using essential oils
Making your own perfume with witch hazel and essential oils is a fun, easy, and affordable way to create a signature scent. It also ensures you know exactly what you're putting on your skin, allowing you to avoid any questionable ingredients or toxic chemicals.
To get started, you'll need a few key ingredients and materials:
- Essential oils of your choice
- Witch hazel
- Carrier oil (optional, but recommended for skin benefits and to prevent irritation)
- Vegetable glycerin (helps the perfume stick to your skin and clothing)
- Distilled water (to lighten the scent and keep it refreshing)
- Glass spray bottle or roller bottle
When choosing essential oils, opt for natural liquid plant extracts derived from the aromatic parts of plants. These oils are super-concentrated and have potent fragrances, so a little goes a long way. You can mix and match different essential oils to create a unique scent profile with top, middle, and base notes. For instance, you can use bergamot for a fresh, citrusy scent with a slight spice, or lavender for a soft floral note.
Once you have your desired essential oil blend, it's time to assemble your perfume:
- If using a carrier oil, mix your essential oils with the carrier oil first.
- Add the witch hazel.
- Shake the mixture well to combine the ingredients.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 48 hours to allow the scents to settle and intensify.
- Add distilled water directly to the bottle.
- Shake the bottle again before each use, as the witch hazel and oils may separate over time.
Your homemade perfume is now ready to use! Apply it to your wrists, chest, neck, or anywhere you'd like to leave a lasting impression with your signature scent.
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Choosing a carrier oil
Carrier oils are an essential component of perfume-making. They dilute and carry the concentrated essential oils, making them safe for skin application. Carrier oils also contribute to the overall texture and longevity of the perfume, as well as the intensity of the scent. The right carrier oil can elevate your perfume, so it is important to choose wisely.
When choosing a carrier oil, it is important to consider factors such as skin compatibility, scent, and viscosity. You want a carrier oil that is compatible with your skin type and has a suitable viscosity for your desired application. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a lightweight and non-greasy carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. This oil is also a good choice if you want a fast-absorbing formula that will leave your skin feeling fresh and fragrant.
Another popular option is jojoba oil, which closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. This makes it highly compatible with various skin types and ensures excellent absorption. Jojoba oil is also highly stable, meaning that the fragrance it carries will maintain its integrity over extended periods. This makes it a great choice for creating long-lasting perfumes.
Sweet almond oil is another option, known for its light and easily absorbable nature. It is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it a nourishing choice for the skin. Perfumes formulated with sweet almond oil are often celebrated for their soft and subtle scent.
When selecting a carrier oil, it is also important to consider the scent of the oil. Some carrier oils have a stronger scent than others, which can influence the final aroma of your perfume. If you want the scent of your essential oils to shine through, opt for a carrier oil with little to no scent, such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil.
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Adding witch hazel
When adding witch hazel to your perfume, it is important to first mix your essential oils. You can experiment with different oils to create your desired scent. It is recommended to start with about 30 drops of essential oil and adjust the amount for a stronger or weaker scent. Once you have your desired mix of essential oils, you can add your carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, which helps to prevent any irritation by diluting the essential oils and providing extra moisture to the skin.
After adding your carrier oil, the next step is to add the witch hazel. For a 2 oz. glass spray bottle, fill the bottle about 3/4 full with witch hazel, leaving some space at the top. If you are using a roller bottle, you can omit the witch hazel and use fractionated coconut oil instead. However, if you are using a spray bottle, witch hazel is an important ingredient to include.
Once you have added the witch hazel, shake the bottle gently a couple of times to mix the ingredients. It is important to note that the perfume may separate after a while, so you will need to shake it well before each use. After shaking, let the perfume sit for at least 48 hours to allow the scents to settle and intensify. You can then add distilled water directly to the bottle.
Overall, adding witch hazel is a crucial step in making perfume with witch hazel. It helps to mix and distribute the fragrance notes evenly, and it is a gentler and easily accessible alternative to alcohol. By following the steps of mixing essential oils, adding a carrier oil, and then adding witch hazel, shaking, and letting it sit, you can create a personalised and natural perfume.
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Using distilled water
Making perfume with witch hazel and distilled water is a great way to avoid toxic fragrances and create an affordable, easy-to-make perfume at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own perfume using distilled water:
Ingredients and Materials
To make your own perfume, you will need essential oils, distilled water, witch hazel, and a small glass spray bottle. Dark-coloured glass bottles, such as blue or amber, are ideal as they protect your fragrance from light damage. You can also use a clear bottle, but be sure to store it away from direct light. Additionally, vegetable glycerin can be used as an emulsifier to help the essential oils mix with the water.
Prepare the Perfume
Start by adding your essential oils to the glass spray bottle. The number of drops will depend on the desired scent strength; for a stronger scent, add more drops. Then, add the witch hazel. Close the bottle and shake well to mix the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for at least 48 hours; the longer it sits, the more intense the fragrance will become. After this period, you can adjust the scent by adding more essential oils if needed.
Add Distilled Water
Following the resting period, you can add the distilled water. Distilled water helps to keep your perfume pure and free from impurities, which can interfere with the fragrance and reduce its shelf life. Add the distilled water to your mixture, shake well to combine, and your homemade perfume is ready to use! Remember to store your perfume away from heat and direct sunlight, and always shake well before each use.
Optional Steps
For an even more luxurious experience, you can strain your perfume through a coffee filter before transferring it to your chosen glass bottle. Additionally, you can add a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, which has a neutral scent and is nourishing for the skin. With these simple steps, you can create your own unique, natural perfume at home.
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Storing your perfume
Choose the Right Container: Use a small glass spray bottle for your perfume. Dark-coloured glass, such as blue or amber, is ideal as it helps protect your fragrance from light damage. If you use a clear bottle, store it in a cabinet or drawer, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Bottle Size: You can choose any size bottle for your perfume, depending on your preference. Smaller bottles may be more convenient for carrying in your handbag, while larger bottles will last longer.
Storage Location: Keep your perfume in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cabinet or drawer is a good option. If you used herb-infused witch hazel, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
Shelf Life: The shelf life of your perfume will depend on the ingredients used and how well it is stored. Homemade perfumes with natural ingredients may have a shorter shelf life than store-bought perfumes. Use your perfume within a reasonable time, and if you notice any changes in colour, scent, or texture, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Properly Seal and Label: Ensure your perfume bottle is tightly sealed when not in use to prevent leakage and evaporation. Clearly, label your perfume with the date it was made and the ingredients used. This will help you keep track of its shelf life and allow you to recreate the scent or make adjustments.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your homemade perfume with witch hazel stays fresh and fragrant for as long as possible. Enjoy your unique and personalised scent!
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Frequently asked questions
Many people find that alcohol, which is commonly used in homemade perfumes, irritates their skin or respiratory system. Witch hazel is a good substitute for alcohol and is also likely something you already have at home.
You will need a selection of essential oils, a carrier oil (optional), distilled water, vegetable glycerin (optional), a small glass spray bottle, and witch hazel.
First, mix your chosen essential oils together in your glass spray bottle. If using a carrier oil, add this next, followed by the witch hazel. Shake the bottle well and leave to sit for at least 48 hours. Finally, add the distilled water.
Before use, shake the bottle well, as witch hazel will not completely mix with the essential oils. Spritz a few times onto your wrists, chest, neck, or anywhere else you would like to apply scent.
