Creating A Soothing Sandalwood Scent: A Guide To Cologne-Making

Sandalwood is a popular and versatile essential oil used in many different types of perfume. Its sweet, woody scent is both grounding and uplifting, making it perfect for use in both daytime and evening fragrances. In this article, we will be discussing how to make your own sandalwood cologne using essential oils and other simple ingredients.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the essential oil you are using is of the highest quality and purest form. Inferior oils may result in a loss of therapeutic benefits and your cologne may not last as long. It is also worth noting that Australian sandalwood has minimal therapeutic properties, while East Indian Sandalwood is superior to West Indian Sandalwood in terms of therapeutic qualities.

To make your own sandalwood cologne, you will need a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, or grapeseed oil, and sandalwood essential oil. Vodka or rubbing alcohol can also be added as an emulsifier. Simply mix the oils together with the optional addition of vodka or rubbing alcohol, transfer the mixture to a small bottle or vial, seal and shake well. Allow the cologne to sit for at least 24 hours before use, so the scent has time to develop.

Sandalwood is a versatile base note that can be blended in many different ways to create unique fragrances. It can be combined with other scents such as vanilla, jasmine, citrus, rose, spices, or lavender to create personalized fragrances. When layering fragrances, it is important to start with the base note, use potent fragrances sparingly, and allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

By making your own sandalwood cologne, you can create a signature scent that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Choose high-quality essential oils

When making your own sandalwood cologne, it's important to choose high-quality essential oils to ensure the best results. Here are some detailed tips to help you select the best essential oils for your cologne:

Know the Difference:

It's important to distinguish between essential oils and fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural and distilled from plants, containing beneficial chemical compounds. On the other hand, fragrance oils are synthetic and diluted with artificial substances, lacking the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils.

Check the Latin Name:

High-quality essential oils will list the Latin name of the plant species they are derived from. For example, lavender essential oil may be listed as Lavandula Angustifolia. This transparency ensures you know exactly what you're buying.

Smell Test:

Trust your nose! Essential oils should smell pleasant and natural. If you detect a hint of alcohol or an unpleasant chemical scent, it's best to avoid it. If buying online, read reviews to see if others have noticed any unusual scents.

Don't Be Fooled by Labels:

Terms like "therapeutic grade" or "clinical grade" are not standardised and are not regulated by official bodies like the FDA. While some reputable companies use these terms to denote purity, any company can use them without meeting specific quality standards.

Consider the Cost:

Essential oils can be pricey, but that's often because it takes a large amount of plant matter to produce a small amount of oil. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, quality essential oils require a significant investment in most cases.

Look for Transparency:

Reputable essential oil vendors will provide detailed information about their products. Look for labels that include the botanical name, plant part, country of origin, distillation or expiration date, and chemotype (if applicable). Additionally, seek out companies that provide batch-specific GC/MS reports, which indicate that the oils have been tested for purity and quality.

Choose Organic or Wildcrafted:

Opt for essential oils that are organic, unsprayed, or wildcrafted. This is especially important for citrus oils, as the plants are often heavily sprayed with pesticides. Pollutants from non-organic plants can become concentrated in the essential oil.

By following these tips, you can be confident that you're choosing high-quality essential oils for your sandalwood cologne, ensuring a pleasant and effective fragrance.

Select the right carrier oil

Carrier oils are an important component of cologne-making as they dilute the essential oils and absolutes in your composition. They "carry" the essential oil onto the skin, hence the name.

When selecting a carrier oil, it's important to consider its properties and how it will interact with your chosen fragrance. Different carrier oils have different benefits and can affect the final scent, so it's worth experimenting to find the best one for your sandalwood cologne. Here are some popular options:

• Jojoba oil is a common carrier oil that is lightweight, moisturising, and easily absorbed into the skin. It has a long shelf life and is suitable for all skin types, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
• Almond oil is another popular option that is nourishing and rich in vitamins A and E, which can help improve skin health. It has a slightly sweet, nutty aroma that pairs well with many fragrances, including sandalwood.
• Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, odourless oil that is perfect for those who don't want the carrier oil to influence the scent of their cologne. It is non-greasy and suitable for all skin types, and its mild astringent properties can help tighten and tone the skin.
• Coconut oil is a versatile carrier oil with a variety of benefits. It has moisturising and nourishing properties, and its natural antioxidants can help protect the skin. Coconut oil has a longer absorption time than some other carrier oils, so it can leave a slight residue, but it is still a good option for most skin types.

When choosing a carrier oil, it's important to consider the quality and purity of the oil, as inferior oils may reduce the therapeutic benefits and longevity of your cologne. Always opt for pure, high-quality carrier oils from reputable sources.

Add an emulsifier

Adding an emulsifier to your cologne is an optional step, but it can help to combine the oils and alcohol in your mixture. Vodka or rubbing alcohol can be used as an emulsifier in your sandalwood cologne. To do this, simply add your chosen emulsifier to the mixture of carrier oil and essential oil in your small bowl. Stir the mixture together before transferring it to a small bottle or vial using a funnel. Seal the bottle and shake it well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Allow the perfume to sit for at least 24 hours before using it. This gives the scent time to develop and mature. After this time, you can apply a small amount to your wrists or neck as desired.

Mix and store in a bottle

To make your own sandalwood cologne, start by mixing your chosen carrier oil and essential oil together in a small bowl. You can use 1-ounce of jojoba, almond, or grapeseed oil as your carrier oil, and for the essential oil, add 10-15 drops of sandalwood essential oil. If you want to use an emulsifier, add ½ ounce of vodka or rubbing alcohol to the mixture.

Next, use a funnel to transfer the mixture into a small bottle or vial. Seal the bottle and shake it well to combine the ingredients. Allow the cologne to sit for at least 24 hours before using it, so that the scent has time to develop.

It is important to ensure that the essential oil you are using is of the highest purity. Inferior oils may result in a loss of therapeutic benefits and your cologne will not last as long. Additionally, sandalwood trees are nearly extinct, so if you are environmentally conscious, purchase essential oils only from companies that produce their own oils and/or support local communities through co-ops without the use of harmful chemicals.

When applying your cologne, simply apply a small amount to your wrists or neck. Sandalwood cologne will typically last for several months when stored in a cool, dark place.

Apply to pulse points

Applying your sandalwood cologne to your pulse points is a great way to wear this fragrance. Pulse points are areas on the body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin, making your pulse more noticeable. These spots are ideal for applying cologne as the warmth of your blood will help to activate and diffuse the fragrance, allowing it to develop and linger on your skin.

The pulse points you can apply cologne to include your wrists, neck, behind the ears, chest, and inner elbows. When applying cologne to your pulse points, remember to be delicate as these areas are sensitive and only require a light application.

If you're creating a layered fragrance, you should apply the most robust, long-lasting fragrances first, followed by lighter, more delicate scents. For example, if you're layering sandalwood with citrus notes, start by applying the citrus perfume to your chest and inner elbows, and then layer the sandalwood cologne on your wrists, neck, and behind your ears.

Allow each layer to dry before applying the next one. This helps the fragrances blend naturally and prevents them from overwhelming each other. You can also test different combinations on a piece of paper before applying them to your skin to see how they interact.

Frequently asked questions