5 Steps for DIY Solid Perfume

Why natural perfume?

It’s simple – because synthetic perfumes cause allergic reactions in many, many people.

Some might say, “ahhh, what’s a little sneeze and cough here or there?”, but it’s important to understand the problems that can occur if you are in an allergic state on a continual basis.  When an allergic reaction occurs, the immune system upregulates, which means it kicks into high gear.  The consequence of this is increased inflammation which leads to a cascade of detrimental effects- this can include pain, fatigue, lowered tolerance to stress, and make you more susceptible to further allergens.

According to Gillian Deacon, author of There’s Lead in you Lipstick, “95% percent of individual perfume ingredients are actually derived from coal tar and petroleum… As the chemicals vaporize, either from misting spritz or as they off-gas from a dab to the skin, they often cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.  According to the FDA, fragrances are responsible for 30 percent of all allergic reactions” (pg.208). And think – we use these products every single day.

Then there are phthalates, which are known endocrine disrupting chemicals, and are found in nearly every synthetic perfume on the market.  These nasties are also “…classified as a toxicological concern with reproductive health hazards” (pg. 210).

Ingredients needed for DIY Solid Perfume

So seriously – why take the risk? Just make a solid perfume :).

Solid perfumes are balm-like mixtures of beeswax, jojoba oil and natural plant essences (i.e. essential oils, absolutes and concretes).  They can be as beautiful as they are aromatically functional.

Because these are created with only pure ingredients, there is very little chance of allergic reaction – unless of course you are allergic to any of the individual ingredients (i.e. beeswax, jojoba, or one of the specific essential oils such as lavender, orange, neroli etc.)

Another bonus about natural perfumes is they do not have an overpowering scent.  That might sound like a detriment to some, but this way you can be sure you are not saturated in an overload of aroma.  This contrasts quite differently from synthetic perfumes, which are as tenacious as tar.  Granted, there have been a few synthetic scents that I have personally found appealing, but I would not consider using them any more than a few times a year (if that).  I usually find myself overwhelmed by the noxious and cloying cloud they create around the well intentioned, though desensitized wearer.  

Natural perfume, because it absorbs and dissipates through the day, is both subtle and elegant.  A well crafted natural essence is the sort of scent that, as the wearer walks by, people may turn their head to follow that which has piqued their olfactory interest.  They get a hint of scent, unlike chemical perfumes which can cause someones head to pull back, because they feel like their nose has been hit with an aromatic assault.

One thing though… in the name of full disclosure, there is one thing most people don’t like about natural perfume – they don’t last as long as their synthetic counterparts; not even close.  I agree, wearing off quickly can be a bummer, but truthfully knowing the problems synthetic perfumes can produce, I have adopted the mindset that when I re-apply, it is a beautiful opportunity where I can be mindful & grateful for such natural indulgence.

PS – those beautiful lockets in the photos, you can get them at our Apothecary!

What you will need:

• heaping 1/2 tsp. beeswax
• tiny, non metal pan (to melt the beeswax)
• 4 ml jojoba oil
• shot glass or “baby beaker” (to hold the perfume oil)
• a blend, or single bottles of pure essential oils (to create your blend)
• pipette, or eye dropper (to drop essential oils into the jojoba oil, or if the bottle has an orifice reducer you don’t need it)
• small container for finished perfume

Such Simple Instructions…

Before you begin, gather the ingredients in a quiet workspace.

Step 1. CREATE YOUR AROMATIC BLEND: After placing jojoba oil in your “baby beaker” (or shot glass), mix in your chosen essential oils.

There are 3 ways you can do this:

1. For a simple scent, use a single note like rose, patchouli or jasmine (the list here is endless).
2. If you love a particular blend made by a company, or are a little nervous to create a scent, add your favourite pre-crafted blend (like Lucious, by The Aromatherapist)
3. Or, if creativity has you in her grip, create your own blend!

Step 2.  MELT THE BEESWAX: After finely grating the beeswax, melt it gently in your tiny, non-metal pan (above is a “casserole” sold at our Apothecary). When the beeswax becomes liquid, remove from heat source.

Step 3.  MIX SCENTED JOJOBA OIL WITH BEESWAX: When the liquid has cooled, BUT BEFORE it begins to harden, pour perfume blend into the casserole.

Step 4: REMELT THE MIXTURE: Put the casserole back onto the heat source to remove all solids that have formed by stirring well. Remove from heat source as soon as it returns to a liquid state. Take care not to heat any longer than necessary, as the scent will evaporate prematurely.

Step 5. POUR LIQUID PERFUME IN CONTAINER : Carefully pour the liquid perfume into your chosen locket or container, and let it set for 15 minutes, undisturbed.

Voila! That simple!  With your fingertip, add your newly created perfume to your skin, and see what emerges. And don’t be shy about layering different natural solid perfumes atop eachother – imagine what magic you can create…

Flacon de Seduction
Here is a stunningly beautiful floral created by Mandy Aftel you can also try:

6 drops orange flower absolute or essential oil ( aka. neroli)
10 drops tuberose absolute
2 drops black pepper essential oil
4 drops nutmeg essential oil

(from Mandy Aftel’s book: Essence & Alchemy pg. 174 )