DIY Body Spray and Perfume Using Essential Oils

I was shocked by how easy it was to make my own fragrances at home by using essential oils and other ingredients.

I have a friend who always has that "just showered" smell. When I asked her what body spray or perfume she was wearing, she said, "I have never bought a body spray or perfume in my life."

Needless to say, I was intrigued.

"Then what do you use?" I asked

"I make my own body sprays with essential oils," she replied.

How had I not thought of that! It's so obvious. Essential oils smell heavenly, but I had never thought to use them to make my own perfumes or body sprays!

But that stops now.

Body Spray vs. Perfume

The main difference between these two is the amount of essential oils and water. they contain:

• Body spray has less essential oils and more water.
• Perfume has more essential oil and less water.

It all depends on how concentrated you want the scent to be.

What You Will Need

When I looked up what I needed to make my own fragrance, I was shocked at the simplicity of the ingredients. All homemade body sprays are made of four basic ingredients:

• Essential oils.
• Alcohol.
• Filtered or distilled water.
• Vegetable glycerin or vegetable oil.

That's it! Of course, these ingredients can be varied according to taste, but that's all you will need to make your very own body spray.

Ingredient Ratios for Body Spray vs. Perfume

DIY Body Spray or Perfume Recipe

Okay, here's what you have to do. Choose your ingredient variations and then follow this recipe:

Ingredients

For approximately 1 cup of body spray:

• 10 tbs of alcohol (or any other option you chose).
• 1/2 tbs of essential oil
• 4 tbs of water (or any other option)
• 1/2 glycerin or vegetable oil

If you want to make perfume, the amounts will vary a little:

Read More From Bellatory

How Much Do You Tip for Microblading?

How Much Do You Tip a Barber

How Much Should You Tip a Lash Tech?

• 10 tbs. of alcohol
• 2 1/2 tbs. of essential oil
• 2 1/2 tbs. of water
• 1/2 tbs. of glycerin

Instructions

1. Mix the alcohol and the essential oil slowly.
2. In a separate container mix glycerin and water.
3. Combine the two mixes
4. Let the fragrance rest for two weeks in a fresh, dark place. Shake it every day.
5. Your fragrance is ready to use!

Substitutions

Let's look at these ingredients one by one and see the different variations we can use.

Substitutes for Distilled Water

• Mineral water
• Hydrolates

Water is the simplest ingredient in your body spray. However, you can choose to get fancy and use mineral water instead. Or you can choose to take it a step further and use hydrolates, which will make your body spray last longer.

What Are Hydrolates?

Hydrolates are the water that is left when the essential oils are extracted. This water has a subtle smell and is actually good for your skin. It has been used for years for medicinal purposes as well as for skin care. So making your body spray or perfume with hydrolates will give your double benefits.

Another benefit of using hydrolates instead of water is that it keeps your body spray smelling good for a longer time.

Hydrolates have many different names, such as:

• Floral water
• Hydrosol
• Herbal water
• Essential water

The most common known hydrolates are:

• Rosewater
• Orange flower water

Options for Alcohol

• Rubbing alcohol
• Vodka
• Witch hazel

The easiest option is to use rubbing alcohol. Some people say that the alcohol smell will linger in your body spray, but for most people that doesn't represent a problem since the alcohol smell will disappear a few minutes after applying it.

However, if you don't want your body spray or perfume to have the slightest hint of alcohol smell, you should use vodka. Yes, you read that right: vodka. Vodka has a neutral smell, which means it will not interfere at all with scents of your essential oils.

Another option instead of alcohol or vodka would be to use witch hazel. It has the same effect as alcohol without the stinky smell.

Using Vegetable Glycerin/Oil

Vegetable glycerin and oil will keep your body spray or perfume together. They will make the scent "stick" to your skin and make the scent to last longer on you. They will also moisturize the skin they fall on. If you add vegetable oil or glycerin to your fragrance, you will get moisturized, scented skin.

You can choose not to add any glycerin or vegetable oil to your fragrance and it will
still smell good; you just might have to reapply it several times during the day to keep the scent going.

Options for Oils

• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Apricot nut oil
• Olive oil

One of the best oils you can use for this project is jojoba oil. It is a very moisturizing oil and it is not heavy at all. In fact, it feels like liquid, but don't let that fool you. It is a wonderful oil, especially for this project because it will not leave a greasy feeling and it has a neutral smell that won't interfere with the smell of the essential oil you choose.

However, you can also use almond, apricot nut, or even olive oil. (I find olive oil's smell a bit strong for this project, but many people like it. So go ahead a give it a try if you wish.) It's just a matter of finding the base oil that works for you.

Be Careful With These Oils

There are some oils that are just best to avoid. These oils can be toxic and may offer little value. So steer away from these unless you really, really know how to use them:

• Almond
• Boldo leaf
• Mustard
• Cassia
• Sage
• Oregano
• Bitter Birch
• Savory
• Savine
• Wintergreen
• Sassafras
• Pennyroyal

Storage

Keep your fragrance in dark glass bottles. Sun rays are the worst enemy of essential oils. They can rob the oil of its scent and properties, so make sure you protect your DIY project by protecting it from light in a dark glass container.

More About Essential Oils

Essential oils are the most important part of your fragrance. You can use your favorite essential oil, or you can mix them up to create a unique scent. However, before you go crazy choosing essential oils just based on smell, make sure you know the warning labels some of these oils carry. For example, some oils should not be used on skin that is exposed to sun rays, other oils need to be diluted, while others are not safe for use in children.

Make sure you know which essential oil does what before you choose your fragrance. Enjoy making different combinations and create your own scents. Have fun while being healthy and kind to your body and the environment!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

MadamAllureAJ on June 01, 2020:

Hello,

I would like my fragrance to be alcohol free. How much more of the base oil and water do I use?

HO on May 07, 2020:

This may be a stupid question, but when talking about "glycerin or vegetable oil" is regular vegetable cooking oil usable?

Sara on January 02, 2020:

You are listing almond oil under options for oils. But then below it's also listed under oils to be careful with.

So is this a good option to use or not?

I have seen many skin care products that include almond oil.

Jap Dolera on July 20, 2019:

Thank you so much for this info...God Bless You

Allen Gentle on June 17, 2019:

I so appreciate your directives on perfume production and I made the best body pef than I have ever made. and the extra notice you added were so helpful thank you boss

Mary C. on February 26, 2019:

How much oil do you put in the body spray? You've forgotten to write the actual amount. "1/2 glycerin or vegetable oil"

Ismail on February 18, 2019:

Sir I want perfume making raw material spary perfume long standing

Precious Adenike Alao on March 06, 2018:

thank you so much for this information.

Laurence on February 22, 2018:

Hi. I just want to ask, how much of the following is needed to make a 50ml roll on deodorant? :

glycerin

baking soda

arrowroot powder

essential oil

magnesium oil

distilled water

thank you.

Anil Patel on October 15, 2017:

Hey!

Question, After putting the body mist in a dark glass bottle, when can I transfer the body mist into a clear bottle?

Sharon on August 27, 2017:

Thank you for sharing so ready to make my own signature spray thank you I am so grateful.

Dawn on August 11, 2017:

What a great sight! So grateful!

Anne on July 26, 2017:

This was a very informational article and I'm super excited to make my own body spray now since I'm on a college kid budget. That being said, I currently have some coconut oil and I don't want to waste money and space if I don't have to. Can coconut oil work in place of jojoba oil?

Dan Sekerak on July 03, 2017:

Why do I need to let the perfume spray rest for two weeks before using it? What does this "resting" add to the equation?

Ray Smith on June 12, 2017:

Hello ,

Thank you for sharing. I've just got into oils and such. I was wondering if I can use a Glycerin and Rose water mixture? Once again thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!!!

Best regards,

Ray

Likhitha on April 29, 2017:

Can anyone tell me, which witch hazel form should be used here instead of alcohol or vodka?

Like in an astringent form?

Or in an oil form?

Or in hydrossol form?

Maggie on April 04, 2017:

ChicagoJan had asked about a Honeysuckle blend. There is not an EO for that, but there is an FO. I use the Honeysuckle FO in a roller ball & fill with Cyclomethicone which leaves a dry silky texture. If you want to use Distilled Water or Witch Hazel, you can blend your EO of FO with Polysorbate 20 (1:1) to help emulsify your spray or roll on. I use an EO & FO Modifier mixed with my blend which will give you a clear body spray. These are just the things I've tried. I'm sure there are a lot of good ideas out there.

Glenda Newton John on February 25, 2017:

I am going to try making a fragrance that smells like the original biJan for women. Any suggestions?

Gautam on February 24, 2017:

It's very nice to see the recipe and easy to make perfume at home. It is my humble request to you that if possible to write the recipe of moisturizing face cream please thanks

ChicagoJan from Chicago, IL on February 04, 2017:

Mia, it needs to remain in the dark glass bottle. Light will cause the properties of the essential oils to break down much faster, which is why essential oils are packaged in dark glass bottles (or should be).

Mia on February 03, 2017:

Hey!

Question, After putting the body mist in a dark glass bottle, when can I transfer the body mist into a clear bottle?

Nadeem Khan on January 28, 2017:

Hi Guys,

I want to make spray perfume at home with the help of essential oils. Kindly send me the combinations of essential oils.then I make spray perfume.

ChicagoJan from Chicago, IL on January 07, 2017:

Maggie, thank you so very much for sharing your blend. I've experimented so much and haven't been able to find any mixture I like. I know from prior research that the vanilla and jasmine are pricey, but I love those scents and am going to get them, as it'll be worth it in the long run. I haven't priced the sweet orange yet.

I need to learn more about blending and about what oils are tops, middles, and bases. And of course what the oils are good for, etc. I have kind of taken a break from researching, as I've made so many drastic changes in my quest for DIY natural products that I didn't have enough time to devote to learning more about blending oils, but now do.

I originally found this page when I was trying to find a way for my hair to smell better, as I was using Castile soap to wash my hair (with ACV rinse) and my hair never smelled "clean." I've since switched to washing my hair with baking soda (same ACV rinse) and am MUCH happier with that, but having ditched perfumes and any hair care products that made my hair smell good, so I'd still like to find an essential oil combination that I'm happy with to spray on my hair. I sometimes mix clove and ylang ylang, which I like, but it needs something to soften the clove smell and add to the overall fragrance. I think. Lol. I really don't know what I'm doing. Maybe using rosewater instead of distilled water would help. Or maybe vanilla instead of ylang ylang. Or jasmine. I don't know. There are very few flowery aromas I like. I do remember enjoying honeysuckle when I was younger. Is there an oil for that? I'll look it up.

Ok, I'm babbing! ;-) But that's good. That means my mind is racing about all this which will set me in motion to start researching more. So, thanks again Maggie -- and everyone else who has left comments.

Maggie on January 06, 2017:

I have about 50 EO's. But the 2 I really splurged on where Jasmine Absolute & Rose Absolute. I use the 20/50/30 measurements for perfumes. And the only thing I add to my Blends is Everclear. I love Jasmine and made my perfume with Sweet Orange (top), Jasmine Absolute (middle), and Vanilla Absolute (base).

Samantha on November 01, 2016:

Can you use bath oil in place of the vegetable oil or glycerine?

Anto on November 01, 2016:

Can I neglect alcohol or witch hazel??.. My skin is sensitive to alcohol... Shall I use only distilled water??..

ChicagoJan from Chicago, IL on October 21, 2016:

This looks like a great recipe. I have everything but the glycerine, which I almost bought earlier today when I was at the health food store. Shoot!!! Ah well. Next week. I can't wait to try this! I sure would love some suggestions, though, on blends. I've not done very well with blending and it's very frustrating ;-( And it seems that most of the manufactured blends I've smelled have lavender in them. I'm not a huge fan of lavender, even though I know it's highly popular. I use it separately for its effects, but not my favorite and I find it overpowering in blends, even at a small amount.

Maybe someone could share a link to a site that list some good blends...?? I sure would appreciate it. Either way, so very grateful I found this page. Thanks SO much for sharing your wonderful recipe with us all.

Addi on October 10, 2016:

Hi! Can I use coconut oil instead of jojoba oil?

Meiza on August 18, 2016:

What about an emulsifier? Won't the essential oils separate in water?

Lacey on July 30, 2016:

Did the "fresh out the shower smelling" lady disclose which ess. Oils she used?

Anonymous on July 16, 2016:

Thanks for such an informative article!

Pam on April 14, 2016:

Mine has come out cloudy after making. Will that go away after a couple weeks 'rest' time?

Silver Q (author) on March 11, 2016:

Thank you, Rota.

The hub has been updated. :)

Silver Q (author) on March 11, 2016:

Sorry, Sid, I had not noticed. Oops!

It should be 1/2 tbs.

Thank you for reading!

Paola Bassanese from Ireland on March 09, 2016:

Congratulations on getting featured! That "hub of the day" sticker looks great!

I've always wanted to create my own personalised fragrance, so now that I've ready your hub I really want to have a go!

Karine Gordineer from Upstate New York on March 09, 2016:

Interesting article but the first recipe seems to be missing a measurement. It says "1/2 essential oil" and a little further down "1/2 glycerine"...can you say 1/2 of what? Thanks!

Mona Sabalones Gonzalez from Philippines on March 09, 2016:

This is such a helpful article. Aside from the recipe, your tips on alternative ingredients and info on what each ingredient does are most helpful.

Rota on March 09, 2016:

Very nice article. One of the units of measurement is missing in your recipe though. Please include it. Thanks

Sid on January 25, 2016:

Can you kindly advise what is 1/2 of essential oils, is it tbsp or some other measure?

LittleGreenPixie on August 14, 2015:

@Anthony, I personally LOVE sandalwood on a man. Cedarwood is also nice.

Nelle on August 13, 2015:

@Anthony and @Silver Q For men a good oil would be a combination of eucalyptus oil and spearmint oil

Nicole on August 11, 2015:

Is the oil supposed to mix with the alcohol or sit on top? I tried mixing very slowly. (10 drops of alcohol, 1 drop of oil, 10 drops of alcohol, 1 drop of oil) The oil isn't mixing in. Am I missing something?

Silver Q (author) on August 05, 2015:

Hi, Anthony,

that's an awesome question that I don't have the answer to. I'll do some research and write a hub about the best combination of oils!

Thanks for the idea!

Anthony on July 16, 2015:

What is a good combination of oils for a man smell?

Susan Trump from San Diego, California on May 27, 2015:

It is always curious to me that people don't consider the toxicity to the lungs as important. Fragrance, wether perfume or plug in room deodorizer, is ingested just like cigarette smoke and damages the body. Essential oils is a good start for change. Thanks for informing. Nice hub.

Emily on May 27, 2015:

I would never make any of these. I prefer expensive and luxury design status perfumes like Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Gucci, Hermes and better stuff. NO ONE LIKES A SUCKER!

vasantha T k on May 27, 2015:

Interesting voted up. It's good to use home made perfumes.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on May 27, 2015:

Congratulations on the HOTD award. Very well done. I see I have commented before. Enjoy your day!

Mary Hyatt from Florida on May 27, 2015:

I have tried making body oil before, but I was never satisfied with my results. I will try using your recipe. I use Oil of Lavender on my pillow (just a drop or two). Supposed to cause you to sleep well and have good dreams!

Congrats on HOTD.

Mell Watson on May 27, 2015:

I have to make my own perfume now :) thanks

The Little Shaman from Macon, GA on May 27, 2015:

Hi! This is a great recipe but don't forget to let people know that citrus essential oils (including bergamot) applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight can cause phototoxicity and result in permanent dark marks or scarring on the skin.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015:

Congratulations for the HOTD!

Great suggestions to make our own perfumes and body spray. Going to try some of them.

Well presented and useful hub. Voted up!

Jill Spencer from United States on May 27, 2015:

Wonderfully put together hub. Congrat on HOTD!

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on May 27, 2015:

What a great idea. I have never thought of this.

Chata on December 23, 2014:

Here is a new way to make perfume. I just purchase body sprays at $ store, mix in the designer fragrance oil, shake and we are done! A $100 retail perfume made for less than $2!! The $ mist has all the alcohol, poloysorbate 20/80, and mixes beautifully clear. Bodyology brand at Walmart also mixes really well, not cloudy. So there you have it.

anne on August 29, 2014:

I've been searching for a good perfume recipe for two days and this is by far the best I've seen. Thank you. I will definitely try it.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on March 03, 2014:

This is an easy DIY to make. I have tried making my own body spray before with essential oils. It was good. I think I have to start making again. Thanks for reminding me.

LuxCrawford on December 14, 2013:

Since the body spray is mostly water is it ok to use in an old used 4oz body spray bottle?

Silver Q (author) on November 14, 2013:

Hi jessbraz:

DIY projects are the best! I'm sorry to hear about your husband's allergies, so I'm really hoping the DIY body spray works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting!

Jess Brazeau from Canada on November 14, 2013:

Lovely hub!

I've managed to make my own lip balm today (not sure if I like it just yet.. feels great when I first put it on, but something in it feels like it dries my lips out after it wears off... I'll have to play with it a bit.) ... My own deodorant will be next.... Then I'll have to try this!

I'm especially excited about the idea of making my own body spray. My husband has a lot of allergies, so I haven't been able to wear perfume for years otherwise he breaks out in hives- I seem to be able to get away with body spray once in a while, but sometimes they upset his asthma (Geezzzee! lol. What's a girl to do?!) So I'm hoping making my own body spray will alleviate that. :) Thanks for all the useful information! I'll definitely end up coming back when I'm ready to make my body spray.

Cheers!

Silver Q (author) on November 07, 2013:

Hi avinesh:

Thank you for your kind words. I'm sure you will love your home made perfume.

Avinesh Prahladi from Chandigarh on November 07, 2013:

I will surely try making my own perfume. I really appreciate sharing a different & unique hub. Keep up the good work.

Silver Q (author) on November 06, 2013:

Hi lady summerset:

I'm glad you found this useful. The best part about making your own body spray is that you have total control over the scent. I'm sure you will love it. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Silver Q (author) on November 06, 2013:

@beeskneez:

Yes, essential oils are the best. I agree, everyone should be using them! Thanks for commenting and reading!!

BEEZKNEEZ on November 06, 2013:

I think that essential oils are something that everyone needs. I love them and I loved using them as body spray. Voted up!

Lady Summerset from Willingboro, New Jersey on November 06, 2013:

This was a very interesting article. I never thought about trying to make my own body spray but I think I'm gamed to do it now!

Thanks for the information and instructions!

www.heartofawomanministries.com

www.crowningglorycoilsandkinks.com