I love perfume! It’s the finishing touch to the beginning of my day. Making natural perfume at home is easy. In this article I’ll show you how to make perfume, using essential oils for a natural fragrance, and help you make your own custom scent. Today, you’re going to become a DIY perfumer and make homemade perfume in under 5 minutes and in 2 steps!
I remember as a child how I used to beg my mother to allow me to use her perfume. I felt so grown up when wearing it, almost like it was magical. Fast forward to today and my relationship with perfume is not as magical. The idea of going to a department store to sift through the hundreds of scents gives me a migraine (literally!) just thinking about it. The pushy sales people, the $100 price tag, and the inability to find a scent that is “just right” also adds to my disdain.
Finally, one day when I was at my local farmer’s market, I came across someone who made perfume out of essential oils. I found a scent that I loved and soon returned to buy more, but they were just traveling through. It was then that I had the idea to make my own. Who better to customize a scent for myself, but me! I would be in control of the ingredients, to make sure that what I was using was organic and complimentary to my health. Store-bought perfumes are loaded with toxic chemicals that have have links, in various studies, to cancer. Eeek!
This DIY homemade perfume recipe is so easy to make and easy to customize. You will never buy perfume again! And homemade perfume is perfect for gift giving, too! Making your own perfume at home so simple, I promise! Let’s get started…
How do you make your own perfume at home?
- Spray Perfume: The first option is to make a perfume spray by diluting an essential oil (or oils) in distilled water and alcohol. Or, you can use an oil and essential oils (that’s what we’re going to make today).
- Roller Bottle: The second option, is to use a roller bottle and dilute an essential oil (or oils) in a carrier oil. You’ll also learn how to make this option today.
- Solid Perfume: The third option is to use a carrier oil, beeswax, and an essential oil (or oils) to make a solid perfume.
Today, we’re going to make the first and second option, a perfume that you can spray or roll on your body. Here’s what you’ll need to make this perfume recipe.
What are the ingredients for making perfume?
- Perfume Bottle: I bought a glass bottle from Amazon (the bottle I bought is no longer available, this is a similar option). You can also use a small spray bottle, just make sure the oil doesn’t clog the spray nozzle. If you don’t want to make a spray perfume, use a roller bottle and apply the perfume by rolling the ball tip on your wrist and neck.
- Essential Oils for Fragrance: You can use one single scent essential oil, like lavender, a few different essential oils to create your own custom scent, or a pre-made blend of essential oils (most essential oil companies sell their own custom blends, making a custom scent super easy to achieve). The scent is where you can get creative and customize.
- Carrier oil: There are different types of carrier oils you can use. I like to use fractionated coconut oil (the liquid version of coconut oil), but any carrier you have on hand will work (such as: jojoba oil, almond oil, apricot kernel oil, or avocado oil.)
How to make perfume the easy way
Yes, there are more detailed ways to go about making perfume, but who has time for that? Unless you’re selling perfume or want to spend hours creating your own perfume. With this recipe, you can make perfume in just 2 simple steps!
Step 1: Fill a perfume bottle with carrier oil and essential oils
To make the perfume, simply fill the bottle of choice half-way with your carrier oil. Only half way? Well yes, there is a reason for that. It’s much easier to add then to take away and since you’re experimenting with the scents that work for you, you will want some leeway just in case. For more information on creating your own custom scent, scroll to the next section, “How to add a natural fragrance to your perfume.”
Step 2: Double the ingredients and shake
Once you find your perfect mixture, double the ingredients and shake! Seriously it’s that simple!
The end result is a customized perfume that is inexpensive (think of the cost of just one bottle of perfume that you can’t reuse) and healthy. I suggest putting the perfume on areas of your skin that heat up, such as: the arm crease at the elbow, behind the ears, or your wrists. As the day goes on, your body heat will trigger the oils and you will have a longer-lasting scent. Keep in mind, a natural perfume, made with essential oils, will never have the staying power like those made with toxic chemicals, like phthalates. You may need to apply this perfume a couple of times a day (learn more about the toxicity of fragrance).
How to add a natural fragrance to perfume
Individual essential oils may be combined to create your own custom perfume scent. Essential oils are divided into 3 main categories, based on their unique scent profile: Base Notes, Middle Notes, and Top Notes.
- Base Notes (scents are uplifting, very sharp, and slow to evaporate): cedarwood, frankincense, ginger (to Middle), jasmine (to Middle), patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, vetiver, ylang ylang (to Middle).
- Middle Notes (scents last a couple of hours, supportive): bay, cardamom, geranium, fir balsam, geranium, ginger (to Base), helichrysum, jasmine (to Base), lavender (to Top), lemongrass, palmarosa, orange (to Top), rosemary, ylang ylang (to Base).
- Top Notes (introduce the perfume, quick to evaporate, uplifting): bergamot, clary sage (to Middle), eucalyptus, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, lime, neroli, orange (to Middle), palmarosa, peppermint, pine, tangerine, verbena.
To make your own custom perfume scent, experiment with just a few essential oils (3-6 individual oils– preferably a good mix of Base, Middle, and Top Notes). Add 2 drops of a Base Note to a small amount of carrier oil, smell the oil and evaluate which Middle Note (from your oil choices) will best accompany the scent. Add 2 drops of the desired Middle Note, and then repeat the smell test. Finally, add a drop at a time of the desired Top Note, taking time to swirl the mixture and conduct a smell test before adding new drops.
If you’d like to go back and add more of the Base Note or Middle Note, now is the time to experiment. Creating a custom scent is all about trial and error, so have fun with the process and take notes. You can also make a custom fragrance easily by purchasing a pre-made essential blend.
My favorite essential perfume combo, for a floral scent that’s not overpowering…
- 17 drops ylang ylang essential oil (should be avoided by pregnant women)
- 17 drops blood orange essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
How much does it cost to make a perfume?
Making your own perfume is about 2 things: saving money and ditching toxins (going natural and knowing exactly what’s in your body-care products). So let’s talk about cost. How much does it cost to make natural perfume?
- Glass Bottle: A bottle will cost anywhere from just a few dollars (roller bottle) to $12+ (for a perfume bottle). This is a one-time purchase, as you’ll reuse this bottle over and over again.
- Essential Oil(s): This is your biggest expense, particularly if you want to experiment with a custom scent as we talked about above. The cheapest option is to buy a single essential oil scent, like lavender, or buy a pre-made blend. I love Plant Therapy for pre-made essential oil blends (explore their essential oil blends).
- Carrier Oil: A carrier oil will cost about $10+. One bottle of carrier oil will make multiple bottles of perfume.
For about $30-40 you can make your own perfume. All of the ingredients will make multiple bottles, too! All in all, making your own homemade perfume is much cheaper, even with the upfront cost involved.
Best Natural Store-Bought Perfumes…
If you’re like, “Hey, I just want to buy perfume. Are there any natural perfumes out there?” I got you covered! Here are my favorite natural, non-toxic perfumes that are already done for you.
DIY Homemade Floral Perfume
Equipment
- perfume bottle or roller bottle for a roll-on perfume
Ingredients
- 4 oz carrier oil I use fractionated coconut oil but any of the carrier oils listed above in the article will also work.
- 17 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
- 17 drops blood orange essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Fill the perfume bottle or roller bottle with the carrier oil. You'll need less oil if using a roller bottle.4 oz carrier oil
- Add in the essential oil drops with a dropper. You can use my recipe or create one of your own (see suggestions in the article above for creating your own custom scents).17 drops ylang-ylang essential oil, 17 drops blood orange essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil
- Put the lid on the bottle and shake for thirty seconds. Congratulations you have just made perfume!
- Roll on or spray the perfume (depending on your bottle of choice).
Notes
More DIY Products To Make
- How to Make a Simple 3-Ingredient Lip Balm
- Best Natural Face Cleansers and Face Wash
- Homemade Foundation Powder
- Homemade Solid Perfume (& Video Tutorial)
- DIY Lavender-Rosemary Candles
They look wonderful!! I cant wait to try the Ylang Ylang, Blood Orange and Lavender combination, sounds scrumptious!!! Many thanks for sharing…
You’re welcome, Dechen. I’m grateful Christina shared her perfume knowledge with us :).
Thank you Kristin,I have not been able to find Blood Orange EO, could I make a close substitution with another citrus oil you think? I have pretty much all of them except for the blood Orange… Many thanks 😉
Hey Kristin, this looks like an amazing gift idea. I am just wondering where I can get a spray bottle like the one in your picture.
Thanks,
Alex
Hey Alex, They’re available on Amazon. Thank you!
You can find Perfjme bottles at Etsy.com and also Amazon.com
Love this and can’t wait to try it! I’m curious if there is a good option to use in place of the Ylang Ylang that won’t alter the scent too much? Any recommendations?
Hey Hannah, Ylang ylang has a light floral scent, so I think something with a similar floral scent would make a lovely replacement. I’m going to ask Christina (the author) and I’ll get back with you :).
That would be great, thanks! 🙂
I had no idea it’s this simple! Just mixing some essential oils you like with coconut oil. I already have these ingredients for making natural deodorant – I’m going to get them out and create a perfume! Thanks!
Hey Amanda, I didn’t know how simple making homemade perfume was either. When Christina told me about homemade perfume I immediately had to try and have been so pleased with the result. I get terrible headaches from store-bought perfume, so I’ve loved this simple answer. Enjoy!!
What is the difference between Blood Orange EO and doTerra’s Wild Orange EO?
Michell, I believe Wild Orange EO is a bit lighter and tarter than Blood Orange EO. I know Wild Orange is an EO that’s regularly used for perfume. I think it would create a lovely perfume!
Thank you very much for responding. I cannot wait to try this recipe. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
This looks great!
I’m curious though…would the carrier oil stain your clothes?
Thanks!
Hi Meghan!
I personally have not had an issue with staining my clothes because I am using the misting perfume bottle that you see in the pictures. So the mist is very fine and also I prefer to also use it on area’s that would get heated up like my wrists, behind the ears as well.
oh my goodness I cant wait to try this. just one question tho. Will the oils cause oil spots on clothes? I cant have that but I really want to try this!!! thanks for sharing!!
Hey Krystle, As long as the perfume isn’t applied to clothing or skin that will be in close contact with skin you’ll be fine!
I’m going to make my perfume with spirits instead of coconut oil. Recently I made vanilla and orange extracts (purposed for baking) from vanilla pods, orange peels and 40* vodka, so I was wondering if extracts like these could be used for making perfumes? I mean mixing different tinctures, made from flowers, fruits, etc
(instead of using essential oils) + 96% ethanol spirits. Then just leaving the perfume to “ripe” a certain amount of time and then the perfume is ready to be used?
Hey Christina, I don’t have much experience using extracts to make perfume, but I think it’s a great idea. If the extracts produce the scent you’d like for a perfume, then I say go for it! I’d love to hear how it goes.
Hey I was just wondering why you used oil in your perfume and not water or alcohol? I’m new to homemade products and am trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks!
Hey Alexa, The author of the perfume post, Christina, doesn’t care for alcohol on her skin since it can dry the skin out very easily. And water (and the oils) didn’t last very long. The oil with the essential oils was gentle on the skin and also helped keep the scent on the skin. You can definitely use water or a bit alcohol (I would dilute it or use witch hazel) if you’d like.
i wonder if these particular essential oils would stain clothing? The oil I separated in lab (clove oil) managed to stain my lab coat, and it is now a permanent resident there.
Hey Serendipity, If you get it on your clothes, they may stain. Usually I apply deodorant to my neck and wrists, so it doesn’t rub against fabric, other than a sweater or something (I haven’t had issues so far).
Hi ladies am glad that I bump into this page ‘ I’ve learn a lot thank you I can’t wait to start my own perfume. I.wrote all the details down ‘ my question is where can i buy all those oils ‘ am in South Africa ‘ Thanks
Hi Kristin,
Love this post.. I’ve been wanting to make my own perfumes for many years. My previous attempts didn’t turn out. I was trying to do an alcohol base because I wanted to mist it. I love the bottle you have here, but I too have been wondering how any oil would mist, especially like a fine perfume mister. I have never used fractionalized coconut oil, as it just recently popped up on my radar, but it’s on my list to pick up. Is it somehow thinner than other carrier oils? Appreciate your help and all your great recipes! I’m also going to try your foundation powder. Can’t wait to try out these simple but BRILLIANT recipes!
Hey Monica, Thank you! I’m not sure about every perfume mister, but oil will spray–may it may depend on the mister size. I’ve been using a daily body oil (recipe coming) made with almond oil and it sprays really well using one of the amber bottles and spray nozzles. That may be the best way to use the perfume to make sure that it will spray.
The first thing,I am very happy to see your presentation ,because I would love to create my own perfume
It’s great.
Thank you so much!
Glad you’re enjoying it, Isabel!
What a nice idea i cant wait to try it… be sure to see a feedback soon
Have just made this in a smaller quantity. Amazing! Thankyou ?
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Peta!
I am planning to try this but wondering if the oils will continue to spray for a lingerie period of time.. from a perfume bottle.
Hello
please reply ، can we share on our website??
Thank you
Maria
Hey Maria, Thank you for asking. Due to copyright, sharing recipes on another site isn’t allowed.
What about alcohol and distilled water? All of the main perfumed come with these, and I can’t find the right balance.
It seems if I out too much fragrenced oil, the smell is too strong! If I out too much alcohol, it’s weak and evaporates
Hi Kristin,
can you give me the DIY Perfume for Males, i need something with good sillage and long lasting perfume.
Thanks,
Hey Ruyaz, Anything natural won’t produce a long-lasting scent. It will fade after a few hours. You could look here for scent options: https://livesimply.me/2017/06/07/how-to-make-solid-perfume-essential-oil/
Thanks for all the information. It was great. What type of proportion do you suggest when mixing the essential oils as far as how many drops to the amount of carrier oil? Do you have a suggested proportion or one that has worked for you?
Hey Robleigh, This post goes into more detail about making perfume: https://livesimply.me/2017/06/07/how-to-make-solid-perfume-essential-oil/
These are great! Really enjoyed the approach and end results fo the perfume!
Good afternoon
Thank you so much for sharing your ides, much appreciated Based on your perfume recipe, can you please advise how long the perfume will last? Thank you for your help, I look forward to hearing from you soon. Kindest regards, Les
Hi Kristin
Are the homemade perfumes safe to use on babies and toddlers?
Hi Anita,
I wouldn’t recommend putting it on babies or toddlers.
LS Team.
The perfumes are nice such a nice gift to the person you are giving it to.
and, i think the perfume will not be good for babies and toddlers.
Hi Kiki,
I agree, I would not recommend putting this on kids.
LS Team.
i think my question is weird but ill just shoot it . I love how browned butter and brown sugar smell whenever i make cookies. Is it possible to make essense from that and use it in a perfume ?
Hi Shubham,
A vanilla essential oil would probably be the closet thing. Not sure if you can achieve that specific scent though.
Let me know how that works!
LS Team
Yes!