Seamus Hammond
Creating perfume from incense is a simple process that can be done at home. There are several methods to do this, including using alcohol or oil as a base. The type of incense used can vary, from incense sticks to grains of frankincense, and the choice of base will determine the perfume's final consistency. The process involves breaking down the incense into smaller pieces or a powder and allowing it to soak in the chosen base for an extended period, typically a month or two. The resulting perfume can be used as a spray or a rub-on oil, and the fragrance will resemble the unburnt incense.
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What You'll Learn
Using alcohol to extract incense fragrance
There are a few methods to turn incense fragrance into perfume using alcohol. One way is to use an alcohol-based spray. This involves breaking a few incense sticks into smaller pieces and placing them in a jar. Cover the pieces with alcohol and leave the jar in a dark place. The amount of alcohol used depends on the desired strength of the perfume and the soaking time. It is recommended to use around two incense sticks for 100ml of alcohol. The mixture should be left to soak for at least a month or two. It is important to check on the mixture regularly to ensure it doesn't soak for too long. Once the desired scent is achieved, the mixture can be filtered through a coffee filter and poured into a spray bottle.
Another method involves grinding the incense sticks into a powder and creating a tincture. For this method, it is recommended to use ethanol. Place the incense powder in a sealable container and add the ethanol. Start with about 30ml or 50ml if the incense is very strongly scented. Seal the container and shake it regularly for at least two weeks. After this, you can dip a smelling strip into the mixture to test the scent. If you are satisfied with the fragrance, filter and bottle the perfume. If not, continue shaking the mixture for a few more weeks.
It is important to note that some incense sticks are made with dye, which can soak into the alcohol and potentially stain clothes. Additionally, the type of alcohol used can affect the fragrance. Isopropyl alcohol, for example, has a harsh smell that usually evaporates within a minute. Ethanol, on the other hand, is recommended for a better fragrance.
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Using oil to extract incense fragrance
Firstly, you will need to choose your incense. It is important to note that not all incenses are created equal; some are made with artificial fragrances, while others use natural essential oils. If you are using essential oils, be cautious as they can cause adverse reactions. It is also worth noting that essential oils evaporate quickly and may not be suitable for incense sticks, as the fragrance may not be noticeable after burning.
Next, you will need to break up your incense sticks into smaller pieces. You can do this by smashing or grinding them into a powder. The amount of incense you use will depend on the strength of the fragrance and your personal preference. As a starting point, you can use two incense sticks for 100ml of oil or 100g of oil for four incense sticks.
Once you have your incense prepared, you can add it to your chosen oil. Coconut oil is a popular choice, but other carrier oils may also work. You can gently heat the oil to help release the fragrance, but be careful not to burn the incense. The mixture should then be stored in a warm place to prevent the oil from solidifying.
The incense and oil mixture will need to soak for at least two months. It is important to check on the mixture regularly to see if the fragrance is to your liking. Once you are happy with the scent, you can filter out the incense pieces using a coffee filter or a similar straining method.
Finally, you can store your scented oil in a container of your choice. You can keep it cold to maintain a solid consistency or pour it into a rollerball or spray bottle for easy application.
It is important to note that some incense sticks may contain dyes that can stain clothing, so it is advisable to test the perfume on a small area of fabric before use. Additionally, always patch test the perfume on your skin to ensure it does not cause any irritation or adverse reactions.
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Soaking times for fragrance extraction
When using alcohol, such as ethanol, to extract the fragrance from incense sticks, the soaking time can range from a couple of weeks to a month or two. The specific soaking time depends on the desired strength of the fragrance and the type of incense used. Some incense sticks may release their scent more quickly, while others like sandalwood can take a couple of months to fully infuse the alcohol. It is recommended to check the fragrance periodically and adjust the soaking time accordingly.
For those who prefer an oil-based perfume, coconut oil is a popular choice. The soaking time for oil is generally longer than for alcohol, with a minimum of two months recommended. The oil should be stored in a warm place to prevent it from solidifying, and the fragrance should be checked periodically to determine if the oil has absorbed the desired amount of scent.
It is worth noting that the extraction process may take longer for powdered incense, as the surface area exposed to the solvent is smaller than that of broken-up incense sticks. Additionally, the ratio of incense to solvent can influence the soaking time, with a higher proportion of incense requiring a longer soaking period.
Overall, the key to determining the appropriate soaking time is to regularly test the fragrance and adjust accordingly until the desired scent strength is achieved.
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Filtering and bottling the fragrance
When you are happy with the fragrance, you can filter the incense sticks out of the mixture. You can do this by pouring the liquid through a coffee filter. If you are using coconut oil, you will need to store the mixture in a warm place to prevent it from solidifying. If you are using alcohol, you can pour the liquid through a funnel into a spray bottle.
If you are using coconut oil, you can pour the oil into an empty lip balm container for easy application. You can also use a small roll-on deodorant bottle to apply the fragrance to your skin. If you are using alcohol, you can pour the liquid into a small bottle for cologne. You can also use a spray bottle for an alcohol-based fragrance.
It is important to note that some incense sticks are made with dye, which can stain light-coloured clothing. To test the colour of the fragrance, you can leave a few drops on a piece of cloth and wait a few minutes. Always test the fragrance on a small patch of skin before using it to ensure that you are not allergic to it.
The fragrance will need to be stored in a dark place and can be checked on occasionally to determine if the scent is to your liking. The fragrance will need to soak for at least a month or two, but it is important to remember that it cannot soak for too long.
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Testing the fragrance on cloth
- Choose a test cloth: Select a small piece of cloth made from a natural fibre, such as cotton or linen. Avoid using synthetic fabrics, as they may not absorb the fragrance as effectively. It is also recommended to choose a dark-coloured cloth, as some incense perfumes can stain light-coloured fabrics.
- Prepare the test strips: Cut or tear the chosen cloth into thin strips, each approximately 1-2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. You will need at least three test strips for a comprehensive evaluation.
- Apply the fragrance: Once your incense perfume is ready, carefully dip the end of each test strip into the mixture. Ensure that the strips are coated with the fragrance evenly and allow them to absorb the scent for a few minutes.
- Evaluate the scent: Hold the scented test strips away from you and gently wave them in the air to release the fragrance. Take note of the scent's strength and how it develops over time. Does it smell pleasant? Does it resemble the incense fragrance you intended? Compare the scent among the different test strips to ensure consistency.
- Assess longevity: Allow the test strips to dry completely, then store them in a sealed container or plastic bag. Periodically take them out and smell them over the next few days or weeks. Evaluate how well the fragrance lasts on the cloth and whether it fades over time.
- Optional: Test on clothing: If the fragrance passes your initial evaluation, you may wish to test it on a piece of clothing. Apply a small amount of the perfume to a hidden area of the garment, such as the inside seam, and assess how the fabric holds the scent over time.
Remember, when testing the fragrance on cloth, it is essential to trust your nose and personal preferences. The goal is to create a pleasant and appealing scent that you will enjoy wearing as a perfume. By following these steps, you can make informed decisions about the incense perfume's quality and make any necessary adjustments before finalising your unique fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use either alcohol or oil as a base for your incense perfume. If you use alcohol, you can grind up the incense sticks and leave them to soak in a sealed container for at least a fortnight. If you use oil, you can break the incense sticks into smaller pieces and soak them in the oil in a warm place for at least two months.
This depends on the strength of the incense and the amount of liquid you are using. A ratio of 100ml of alcohol to two incense sticks is a good starting point, while for oil, you could use 100g of oil for four incense sticks.
It takes at least a fortnight to make incense perfume using alcohol, and at least two months using oil. However, you may want to leave your mixture to soak for longer to allow the scent to develop fully.
You can test your incense perfume by dipping a small piece of cloth into the mixture and waiting a few minutes to see how the scent develops. If you are happy with the scent, you can filter the incense pieces out of the liquid and decant it into a spray bottle.
You can use ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to make incense perfume.
