Diluting Colognes: What's The Best Base For Your Fragrance?

People dilute cologne for various reasons, including making it easier to work with, reducing waste, and making it less pungent. There are different ways to dilute cologne, and the most common method is to use perfumer's alcohol. This is ethyl alcohol that has been denatured to make it unfit for consumption. Other methods include using distilled water, oils, or diluting the cologne by spraying it into the palm of your hand with a bit of water and then applying it. It is important to note that diluting cologne may alter its composition and scent, and some people advise against experimenting with finished fragrances.

Diluting cologne with perfumer's alcohol

Perfumers alcohol is a popular choice for diluting cologne. It is formulated specifically for making perfumes and carries the fragrance without altering the scent profile. It is ideal for alcohol-based perfume sprays.

Perfumers alcohol is ethyl alcohol that has been denatured, meaning something has been added to it to make it undrinkable. This is done for safety reasons. Alcohol is best for fully diluting ingredients and acts as a preservative. It is also necessary for perfumes to be in spray form.

When diluting cologne with perfumers alcohol, it is important to use pure, undenatured ethanol. Denatured ethanol is often mixed with methanol to make it unfit for consumption, and this can cause adverse reactions when applied to the skin.

The amount of perfumers alcohol to use depends on the desired strength of the cologne. For a standard mixture, a ratio of 10-30% essential oil or fragrance oil to alcohol is recommended. This can be adjusted based on personal preference and the maximum IFRA usage rates.

It is also important to note that diluting cologne with perfumers alcohol may limit the types of bases that can be added to the fragrance. For example, these dilutions cannot be added to bases such as candles, creams, detergents, or oils.

Additionally, when working with perfumers alcohol, it is recommended to use a scale for accurate measurements rather than drops.

Using distilled water to dilute cologne

Diluting cologne with distilled water is a great way to tone down its intensity and make it more pleasant to wear. Here are some detailed instructions and tips on how to do it successfully:

Firstly, it's important to understand why you would want to dilute your cologne with distilled water in the first place. The main reason is to reduce its strength and intensity. Many colognes can be quite strong and overwhelming, especially in warm climates or for people with sensitive senses of smell. By diluting the cologne, you can achieve a lighter and more subtle fragrance that is more suitable for everyday wear.

Additionally, diluting cologne with distilled water can also increase the persistence of the scent on the skin. This means that the fragrance will last longer and you won't need to reapply it as often.

Steps to Dilute Cologne with Distilled Water

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of diluting cologne with distilled water:

• Choose the Right Container: Select a clean container that is larger than your cologne bottle. It should have a tight-fitting lid or cap to prevent spills and evaporation.
• Prepare the Distilled Water: Use only distilled water, as it is free from impurities that could affect the quality of your cologne. Tap water should be avoided due to the potential presence of foreign substances.
• Add Distilled Water and Alcohol: Pour distilled water into the container, filling it about halfway. Then, add an equal amount of alcohol. Common types of alcohol used for this purpose include perfumer's alcohol, ethanol, or Everclear. The alcohol acts as a solvent to help combine the water and fragrance oil.
• Add the Cologne: Slowly add your cologne to the mixture, stirring or whisking gently as you go. Add the cologne gradually until you achieve the desired level of lightness.
• Mix Thoroughly: Continue to mix the solution until all the ingredients are fully combined. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to re-whirl the solution if it starts to separate.
• Test and Adjust: Once the solution is mixed, you can test the diluted cologne by applying a small amount to your skin. If it's still too strong, you can add more distilled water and alcohol to further dilute it.
• Store in a Suitable Container: Choose a container that can hold the diluted cologne, such as a glass spray bottle or a small decanter. Label the container clearly to avoid confusion.

Tips for Diluting Cologne

• Always err on the side of caution by adding small amounts of cologne at a time. You can always add more, but it's difficult to reverse the process if you add too much.
• Avoid adding water directly to the cologne bottle. It's best to mix the solution in a separate container to avoid affecting the entire batch.
• Store your diluted cologne in a cool, dry place, and be sure to use it within a reasonable amount of time. The diluted solution may not have the same longevity as the original cologne.
• Experiment with different ratios of water, alcohol, and cologne to find the perfect balance for your desired scent strength.

How to dilute cologne without ruining it

Diluting cologne can be a great way to make it less intense and more suitable for your preferences. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it without ruining the fragrance:

Choose the Right Diluent

The most common diluent for cologne is perfumer's alcohol. This is ideal if you are making an alcohol-based cologne spray. You can also use Di Propylene Glycol (DPG), a solvent commonly used in the fragrance industry, as it is more versatile and can be used in bases other than alcoholic fragrances. However, DPG is not suitable for natural perfumery as it is petrochemical-derived.

Prepare Your Materials and Tools

When diluting cologne, always use a scale instead of drops to ensure accuracy and repeatability. For beginners, a jewellery scale that measures down to 0.01g is sufficient. You will also need a washable glass beaker or a dropper bottle.

Calculate the Ratio

For most materials, a 10% dilution is standard, but for strong materials like Ethyl Vanillin, a 1% dilution is enough. To achieve a 10% dilution, you will need 1g of cologne and 9g of diluent. For a 1% dilution, use 0.1g of cologne and 9.9g of diluent.

Mix the Cologne and Diluent

Measure the desired amount of cologne and diluent into your glass beaker or dropper bottle. If the cologne is thick and difficult to measure, gently heat it in a water bath until it liquefies. Mix the two substances together thoroughly.

Test and Adjust

After mixing, spray the diluted cologne and observe the scent. If it is still too strong, you can add more diluent, but be sure to do so in small increments to avoid over-diluting.

Storage and Usage

Store your diluted cologne in a small decanter or spray bottle. Remember that if you use perfumer's alcohol, you won't be able to add the mixture to bases like creams, detergents, or oils. Always do a patch test before using the diluted cologne on your skin to ensure it doesn't cause any irritation.

Using oil to dilute cologne

Diluting cologne with oil is a common practice, especially for those who want to create a customised fragrance. Diluting cologne can help to make it less intense, which is ideal for those who are sensitive to strong scents or live in hot climates.

Choosing an Oil

Firstly, it is important to note that not all oils are suitable for diluting cologne. When choosing an oil, opt for a carrier oil that is unscented or has a very mild scent. This ensures that the original fragrance of the cologne remains intact. Examples of suitable carrier oils include:

• Jojoba oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Baby oil
• Dipropylene glycol
• Avocado oil
• Argon oil

Dilution Ratio

When diluting cologne with oil, the general guideline is to mix one part cologne with one part carrier oil. This ratio may vary depending on the strength of the cologne and personal preference. It is recommended to start with a lower ratio of cologne to carrier oil and gradually increase the concentration until the desired strength is achieved.

Mixing Process

To mix the cologne and carrier oil, add the desired amount of cologne to a small glass bottle with a rollerball or dropper. Then, add the chosen carrier oil to the bottle. Secure the lid tightly and shake the bottle vigorously to combine the two liquids. It is important to use a glass container, as plastic may interact with the fragrance.

Once the cologne and oil are combined, test the mixture on a small area of skin to determine if the dilution ratio is suitable. If the scent is still too strong, add more carrier oil and mix again. Continue this process until the desired strength is achieved.

Storage

Store the diluted cologne in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to use a dark-coloured glass bottle to protect the fragrance from light.

How to dilute cologne with lotion

People dilute cologne with perfumer's alcohol, distilled water, or unscented lotion. Diluting cologne with lotion is a great way to make a fragrance less intense. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Lotion

Select an unscented body lotion. This ensures that the scent of the cologne remains unchanged.

Step 2: Prepare the Cologne

If your cologne is in a spray bottle, spray a small amount into the bottle's cap or onto a cotton pad. If it's in a rollerball or dab-on bottle, you can use a few drops.

Step 3: Mix the Cologne and Lotion

• Take a small amount of the unscented lotion and place it in a separate container. You can use a small bowl or the palm of your hand.
• Add the cologne to the lotion and mix well. Start with a small amount of cologne and adjust as needed to achieve your desired scent strength.

Step 4: Test the Mixture

Before applying the diluted cologne, test it on a small patch of skin to ensure that it doesn't irritate your skin.

Step 5: Apply the Diluted Cologne

Apply the mixture to your skin as you would normally apply lotion. You can also use a cotton pad or spray bottle for application if that's more convenient.

Step 6: Store the Mixture

If you have any leftover diluted cologne, store it in a small container or jar. Label it clearly so you know what's inside.

Step 7: Experiment and Adjust

Don't be afraid to experiment with different amounts of cologne and lotion to find the perfect dilution ratio for your needs. You may also want to try diluting your cologne with other substances, like perfumer's alcohol or distilled water, to see which method works best for you.

Remember, always be cautious when trying new substances on your skin, and perform a small patch test before full application to ensure compatibility.

Frequently asked questions