Katrina Rosales
Vodka can be used as a base to create perfume, although it is mostly water and not everyone may find it suitable. It is not the best option for perfumery as pure ethanol is more effective in extracting fragrance. However, if you are looking for a natural fragrance that smells just as good as chemical perfume, essential oils are a great option. They can be mixed and matched to create unique blends. When making perfume from essential oils and vodka, you can add an emulsifier like Polysorbate 20 to ensure that the oils and water stay mixed together. You can also use perfumers alcohol or isopropyl alcohol as a base instead of vodka.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Vodka, a colourless liquid with little to no odour, is commonly used as a base for perfume. |
| Essential Oils | Essential oils are used to create a personalised fragrance. Common oils include lavender, rose, orange, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, vanilla, cedarwood, and sandalwood. |
| Carrier Oils | Sweet almond oil and vitamin E oil are used as carriers. |
| Proportions | Proportions may vary depending on preference. A common ratio is 20% essential oils, 70% alcohol, and 10% distilled water. |
| Infusion | Spices, vanilla pods, and orange peel can be infused in vodka to create different fragrances. |
| Emulsifier | Polysorbate 20 can be added as an emulsifier to keep oils and water mixed. |
| Storage | The perfume should be stored in a cool, dark place for at least two days and up to six weeks to allow the scent to strengthen. |
| Application | The final product can be applied as a spray or roll-on perfume. |
| Maturity | The perfume's maturity depends on the essential oil blend; some may change significantly over time, while others may not. |
| Safety | Essential oils may be dangerous for pets, especially cats, due to their inability to process certain compounds. |
| Benefits | DIY perfumes allow for custom blends that provide aromatherapy benefits and avoid synthetic fragrances and toxins found in commercial perfumes. |
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What You'll Learn
Vodka as a perfume base
Vodka can be used as a base for perfume, particularly in DIY recipes. Vodka is a colourless liquid with little to no odour, and it evaporates quickly, making it a good base for essential oils. Vodka is typically around 40% alcohol, which is not a high enough proof for perfumery, as this requires 95% or more alcohol. However, some sources suggest that vodka can be used as a carrier for essential oils in DIY perfumes.
Vodka can be used as a substitute for perfumer's alcohol, which is a blend of alcohol and additives used as a base for perfumes. Perfumer's alcohol is used as a placeholder for TSDA alcohol, which is commonly used in the perfume industry. As it can be difficult to obtain TSDA alcohol, some beginners opt for high-proof grain alcohol, such as Everclear, which has 95% ethanol and is suitable for perfumery.
When making a DIY perfume with vodka, it is important to let the mixture sit for a few days to several weeks to allow the scent to strengthen. The perfume can then be strained through a coffee filter into a dark glass bottle.
It is worth noting that some people may not find vodka to be a suitable base for perfume, as it contains alcohol. Alternative bases to consider are carrier oils, such as jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. These carrier oils provide a colourless medium with a longer shelf life than alcohol-based bases and are gentler on the skin.
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Essential oil dangers for pets
Making perfume from essential oils and vodka is a fun way to create a personalised fragrance. However, it's important to remember that essential oils can be dangerous for pets.
Essential oils are popular for their many benefits to humans, but they can be harmful to animals. This is because essential oils are highly reactive, and their molecules can interfere with the natural body chemistry of pets. While some oils may be harmless in small quantities, others are essentially poisonous or toxic. For example, tea tree oil is toxic to cats as they are unable to process phenol compounds, and even a few drops can cause toxicity. Other oils that can be dangerous include cinnamon, clove, and aniseed.
The use of diffusers can also be harmful to pets, as the inhalation of essential oil aromas can irritate their respiratory systems. Cats are particularly vulnerable as they groom their coats, increasing the risk of ingesting the oil. Birds are also highly sensitive to essential oils and can experience respiratory problems if exposed.
If you are considering using essential oils in your home, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian first. They can guide you on which oils are safe for your specific pet and how to use them. It is also important to "pet-proof" your space by keeping oils out of reach and secured to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
When creating perfume with essential oils and vodka, follow these simple steps:
- Combine your chosen essential oils in a bottle.
- Add vodka and shake the bottle for a few minutes to blend.
- Place the bottle in a cool, dark place for at least two days and up to six weeks to let the scent strengthen.
- When satisfied with the fragrance, add distilled water and shake again.
- Strain the perfume through a coffee filter into a dark glass bottle, and it's ready to use!
Remember, always prioritise the safety of your pets when using essential oils, and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
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Using ethyl alcohol
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a popular choice for use in perfumes due to its compatibility with many other substances. It is a clear, liquid solvent with a light, sweet, and fruity aroma. It is often derived from corn, grapes, or sugar cane and is commonly used in cosmetics, including perfumes, as it breaks down easily in both air and water.
When making perfume from essential oils and ethyl alcohol, it is important to use cosmetic-grade ethyl alcohol, specifically Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA), with the most widely used and recommended variant being SD-40b. This type of alcohol is made unfit for human consumption through the addition of certain chemicals, but it is safe for use in cosmetics.
To make the perfume, start by mixing your chosen essential oils in a perfume bottle. The specific essential oils and their ratios can be adjusted to create a scent that suits your personal preference. Once the essential oils are combined, add the ethyl alcohol, followed by distilled water. Shake the bottle gently and let it rest in a cool, dark place for at least 48 hours to allow the scents to blend harmoniously.
After 48 hours, the perfume should be ready to use. However, it is recommended to test the fragrance to ensure that the alcohol smell has dissipated and that your desired perfume notes remain. If the alcohol smell is too strong, you may need to adjust the ratios or let the perfume sit for a longer period.
By using ethyl alcohol as the base, you can create a safe and natural alternative to commercial perfumes, allowing you to craft a unique scent that aligns with your personal preferences and values.
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Blending essential oils
There are a few key steps to blending essential oils. Firstly, it is important to have the right equipment. This includes droppers, pipettes, or reducer caps to control the amount of oil being added, small glass bottles for blending, perfume blotters or cotton balls to test the blend, and pen and paper to record the amounts of each oil used.
The next step is to select the essential oils to be used. There are numerous essential oil combinations that can be used to create different aromas. Some popular combinations include lavender and orange, cedarwood and juniper berry, patchouli and mint, and jasmine and geranium. It is also possible to add spices or citrus tones using ingredients such as orange peel, vanilla pod, cinnamon, and clove.
Once the essential oils have been chosen, it is time to start blending. It is recommended to start with a small number of drops, such as 10, to ensure the blend is not too strong. The oils can be added to a glass bottle, and a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or vitamin E oil, can be used to help blend the oils and prevent them from separating. The blend can then be tested by putting a small amount on a perfume blotter or cotton ball and observing how the aromas evaporate.
If adjustments are needed, new oils can be added, or the amounts of each oil can be changed. It is important to keep track of the amounts of each oil used so that successful blends can be recreated. Once the desired fragrance is achieved, a larger batch can be mixed.
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Proportions of essential oils
When making perfume from essential oils and vodka, the proportions of essential oils are crucial to achieving the desired fragrance. The general rule of thumb is that essential oils should constitute 20-24 drops per ml of liquid in your perfume mixture. This translates to about 20% of the total volume. For a 10ml atomizer bottle, this would equate to 40 drops of essential oil. However, you can experiment with the proportions based on your preferences. For example, if you desire a stronger citrus opening or a more prominent floral heart, you can adjust the amount of corresponding essential oils accordingly.
It is important to note that essential oils have different dermal limits, which should be considered when determining proportions. For instance, Sandalwood oil has a maximum dermal limit of 2%, but the actual concentration in a perfume may vary depending on the typical amount sprayed or applied. Additionally, some essential oils may not be safe for direct skin contact, so it is crucial to research and adhere to health advisories for each oil.
When blending essential oils, it is common to use a combination of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes, like citrus oils, provide an initial splash of fragrance, while middle notes add complexity and intensity, and base notes provide depth and longevity to the scent. By playing with the proportions of these different notes, you can create a unique and personalised perfume.
Vodka, with its colourless and odourless qualities, serves as an excellent carrier for essential oils in perfume-making. It evaporates quickly, allowing the fragrance of the essential oils to shine through. However, if you prefer a sprayable perfume, you may need to add an emulsifier like Polysorbate 20 to prevent the oils and water from separating.
Overall, determining the proportions of essential oils in perfume-making is a creative process that involves experimentation and a good understanding of the characteristics of each oil. Blending essential oils can be challenging, and it may take a few attempts to achieve the desired fragrance, but the result is a personalised olfactory masterpiece.
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Frequently asked questions
Vodka is a colourless liquid with little to no odour that evaporates quickly. This makes it a good base to carry the scent of essential oils.
Essential oils such as lavender, rose, orange, rosemary, cinnamon, vanilla, cedarwood, and sandalwood can be used to make perfume.
The longer you let your perfume sit, the stronger the scent will be. You can let it sit for at least two days and up to six weeks.
