Anisha Riggs
Shampoo fragrances differ from perfumes, as they are designed to have a blooming effect when they come into contact with water and are made with cost-effective materials. However, it is possible to enhance the scent of your shampoo or create a new fragrance by adding perfume to it. When adding fragrance to shampoo, it is recommended to use a perfume-free shampoo and add a concentrated fragrance, typically between 0.5% and 1.0% concentration. Additionally, an emulsifier may be needed to ensure the fragrance mixes well with the shampoo. Alternatively, you can purchase base shampoos specifically designed for adding fragrances and botanical extracts. While it is not advisable to add fragrance to an already fragranced shampoo, some people choose to do so at their own discretion.
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What You'll Learn
Use a perfume-free shampoo to avoid a mess of smells
When transforming shampoo into a perfume, it is essential to start with a perfume-free shampoo to create a harmonious and balanced scent. Using a scented shampoo can result in an unpleasant clash of fragrances, leading to a confusing and overwhelming olfactory experience. By opting for an unscented shampoo, you are given a blank canvas upon which to craft your unique perfume. This ensures that the final fragrance is precisely controlled and composed, avoiding any potential chaos of conflicting smells.
The absence of pre-existing perfume in the shampoo allows you to fully customize the scent. You can carefully select and add essential oils or fragrance oils of your choice, creating a truly personalized perfume. This process gives you complete control over the intensity and character of the final product. Whether you desire a subtle and delicate fragrance or a bold and assertive statement scent, starting with a perfume-free shampoo makes this customization possible.
Another advantage of using an unscented shampoo is that it reduces the risk of skin irritation. Some individuals may have sensitive skin that reacts to certain perfumes or strong fragrances. By creating your perfume from a perfume-free shampoo base, you lower the chances of triggering any skin sensitivities or allergies. This makes your final perfume more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of people.
Additionally, starting with an unscented shampoo provides flexibility in the perfume-making process. You can experiment with various fragrance combinations without the worry of clashing scents. If you desire a fresh and citrusy perfume one day, and a warm and musky fragrance the next, an unscented shampoo base allows for these dynamic shifts in olfactive profiles. This versatility encourages creativity and exploration in your perfume-making journey.
When selecting a perfume-free shampoo, opt for a high-quality product free from harsh chemicals or artificial additives. Natural or organic options are ideal, as they provide a pure and safe base for your perfume creation. Pay attention to the ingredient list and choose a shampoo with simple, natural ingredients that will not interfere with the scent you wish to create. This ensures that your final perfume is not only pleasing to the sense but also gentle and respectful of the skin and hair.
In summary, using a perfume-free shampoo is a crucial step in creating a harmonious and customizable fragrance. It allows you to compose a scent from a blank canvas, avoiding any conflicting smells. The absence of pre-existing perfume gives you full control over the intensity and character of your unique perfume. By selecting an unscented, natural, and high-quality shampoo, you are well on your way to crafting a personalized and balanced fragrance that delights the senses.
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Use a concentrated fragrance, not diluted, at 0.5% to 1.0%
When creating a fragrance, it is important to understand the role of dilution and concentration. Diluting in a carrier oil is suitable for aromatherapy and massage but not for perfumery, unless an oil-based fragrance is the desired outcome. This is because carrier oils do not aid evaporation, so the full profile of the material cannot be evaluated.
For alcohol-based perfumes, diluting in perfumers' alcohol is a common method. However, this restricts the ability to add other bases such as candles, creams, detergents, or oils. Di Propylene Glycol (DPG) is another solvent used to dilute otherwise insoluble materials. DPG is a more versatile option as it can be used in bases other than alcoholic fragrances.
The concentration of fragrance refers to its strength and is indicated by the amount of perfume oil versus the amount of alcohol in the blend. Higher concentrations of fragrance will result in a stronger scent. The concentration levels vary depending on the type of perfume. For example, Eau de Toilette (EDT) has a fragrance concentration of between 5% and 15%, while Eau de Cologne (EDC) typically has a lower concentration of 2% to 4%.
When diluting, it is crucial to use a scale to ensure accuracy and repeatability in the formula. A jewellery scale is a good option for beginners, which can measure down to 0.01g. For a 10g solution at 1%, you would need 0.1g of material and 9.9g of diluent.
To turn shampoo into perfume, using a concentrated fragrance at 0.5% to 1.0% is recommended. This means that for a 100g solution, you would need between 0.5g and 1.0g of fragrance and 99.5g to 99.0g of diluent, depending on the desired concentration. It is important to note that the specific gravity of the fragrance and diluent may vary, so weight measurements are crucial for accuracy.
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Add an emulsifier to help the fragrance and shampoo mix
To turn shampoo into perfume, you'll need to add an emulsifier to help the fragrance and shampoo mix. An emulsifier is a substance that helps to combine two immiscible liquids, in this case, oil and water.
One commonly used emulsifier is Polysorbate 20, a vegetable-derived product composed mostly of sugar alcohol ingredients treated with ethylene oxide. It is used by major cosmetic manufacturers as a detergent and/or emulsifier to bond oil and water mixtures in cosmetics, personal care, and fragrance products. Polysorbate 20 can be used to emulsify oils and water at a 1:1 ratio. It is a non-ionic surfactant that is water-soluble and acts as a dispersing agent.
When using Polysorbate 20, it is important to combine equal quantities of the emulsifier and your chosen essential oils before adding this mixture to your water or base product. If the final mixture is cloudy, you can add a little more emulsifier, although it may not become completely clear depending on the essential oils used.
Perfume Studio offers a 10oz bottle of Polysorbate 20 Cosmetic Grade Emulsifier for purchase, which can be used for DIY and professional personal care cosmetic products. This product has received positive reviews from customers who have found it effective for blending and of good quality.
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Use DPG as a solvent in your fragrance concentrate
Di Propylene Glycol, or DPG, is a commonly used solvent in the fragrance industry. It is used to dilute otherwise insoluble materials. DPG is a popular choice because, unlike perfumers' alcohol, it can be used in bases other than alcoholic fragrances. It is also a polar solvent, like ethanol.
When choosing a solvent, it is important to consider the material you are diluting and the end product. While DPG is the most common solvent, some materials may not be completely soluble with it. For example, DPG is not fat-soluble, so it should be avoided when creating candles, beard oils, and certain creams and lotions. In such cases, IPM would be a better solvent as it has more affinity with materials that are less water-soluble.
However, DPG is generally the first choice for perfumery purposes when dealing with stubborn materials that refuse to dissolve. It is also a good choice for fragrance concentrates as it can help dissolve solids that may not dissolve as easily in other solvents like IPM or TEC.
To use DPG as a solvent in your fragrance concentrate, it is recommended to always use a scale to ensure an accurate and repeatable formula. For 10g of material at 10%, you will need 1g of the material and 9g of the diluent (in this case, DPG). Some materials may require slight warming to mobilise and facilitate the dilution process.
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Reverse engineer the scent by GCMSing the shampoo headspace
Reverse engineering a scent is a complex process, and the perfume industry closely guards its knowledge and techniques. However, the process often begins with a gas chromatograph, specifically using GCMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis.
GCMS analysis can be used to identify the compounds that make up a particular scent. In the case of shampoo, a sample of the shampoo headspace would be collected and analysed. This process involves placing the sample in a sealed vial and heating it to a specific temperature, causing the volatile components to escape into the open headspace above. The headspace gas is then injected into a gas chromatograph, which separates the components based on size and polarity.
The next step is to identify the major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present. This can be done by collecting samples for varying lengths of time (typically between 5 and 30 minutes) and then analysing them using GCMS. This process can identify the compounds present in the shampoo's scent profile, including any fragrance-derived compounds.
By understanding the compounds that make up a particular scent, it is possible to reverse engineer the fragrance and recreate it. This process can be applied to a wide range of scented products, including shampoo, and can provide valuable insights for product development and evaluation in the cosmetic sector.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to turn shampoo into perfume as it will likely result in an unpleasant smell. However, you can add fragrance to an existing shampoo by purchasing a perfume-free shampoo and adding a concentrated fragrance, making sure not to exceed a concentration of 1%.
The standard dosage of fragrance in shampoo is usually between 0.5% and 1.0%. This is a concentrated fragrance and not a diluted solution.
You can use DPG as a solvent to help mix the fragrance into the shampoo.
Yes, you can add fragrance to any off-the-shelf shampoo. However, it is recommended to use a perfume-free shampoo to avoid an unpleasant mix of scents.
No, you cannot make perfume from shampoo. The fragrances used in shampoos are designed to be diluted and to have a blooming effect when in contact with water, which is different from fine fragrances used in perfumery.
