Using Fragrance & Essential Oils

Not sure how much fragrance oil to use in your lotion, bath salts, or body splash? Here are some quick, basic guidelines to work from... but remember, nothing is set in stone, so do your own experiments.

Fragrance Oil Amount Guidelines:

• Eau de Perfume: 30% - 40% Fragrance Oil, the rest alcohol.
• Cream Perfume: 25% Fragrance Oil, the rest carrier cream, oil, or solid base.
• Body Splash: 5% to 10% Fragrance Oil, the rest water or alcohol carrier.
• Lotion and Scrub: 1% to 3% Fragrance Oil, the rest your unscented lotion recipe.
• Bath Salt or Bath Bombs: 1/2 to 1 tsp Fragrance Oil "per bath", the rest your fizzy or salt mixture.

Different Fragrance Oils Have Different Scent Strengths

Don't be surprised if you find yourself adding different amounts of fragrance oils to scent the same-size batch. Some scents are just stronger than others, and you'll have to adjust the amount of fragrance oil.

For example, when I'm using an incredibly strong fragrance called "Bonsai," I only add half the normal amount, or else my apartment will smell like a laundromat for days. On the other hand, if I'm making something with Green Tea fragrance oil, I might add 125% the normal amount because it's just not as potent.

Basically, trust your nose and scent your products to suit yourself. Don't be afraid to change the amounts.

Fragrance Oils Should Not Be Applied Directly To Skin

They won't, like, burn your skin off, but take care not to use fragrance oils in full strength, directly on the skin. They can be irritating because they contain concentrated amounts of scent-producing compounds, both natural and synthetic.

Also, this may be wrong, but in my experience, the fragrance is actually stronger and lasts longer on your skin when you use a carrier oil, lotion, or alcohol base.

As always, I hope this helps! - Cat.