Fragrance oil is a popular ingredient in many lotions. It can add a subtle scent or a powerful aroma, depending on the amount used. So, how much fragrance oil should you add to your lotion?
You can add 1% to 4% fragrance oil to your lotion base. In addition, this measurement will depend on the potency of the fragrance oil you are making because some fragrance oils or essential oils will have more impact than others.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about the topic.
What Is Fragrance Oil?
Before we begin our step-by-step guide to adding fragrance oil to lotion, we need to talk about what fragrance oil is.
With this information, you will know how and where to look for it, as well as for deciding which types of fragrance oils to buy for your DIY scented lotion.
Types of Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are also known as aromatic oils. These are lab-made scented oils designed to mimic a scent. Because fragrance oils are synthetic, they are cheaper and more versatile than essential oils.
They can mimic all kinds of scents, from fruits to flowers, wood, food, as well as different mixtures of scents.
Essential oils are different than fragrance oils because the former is extracted from plants, and are, therefore, all-natural and are less allergenic or irritating.
Because of this, essential oils are more expensive and are less versatile since they are limited to what’s available in nature.
There are two types of fragrance oils: Synthetic and Natural.
Though the latter is labeled as Natural, it is still made in a lab. Here are the differences between these two types of fragrance oils:
- Synthetic Fragrance Oils
Synthetic fragrance oils are made from chemical compounds. These compounds are lab-made and are not derived from nature. They are typically made of petroleum by-products, therefore, they are cheaper.
If you’re looking for a unique scent or an aroma that’s not naturally occurring, you will find it in synthetic fragrance oils.
However, if you have skin sensitivities or allergies, synthetic fragrance oils are not for you.
This is because they’re made from chemical compounds that may be irritants or allergens.
- Natural Fragrance Oils
Natural fragrance oils are still made in a lab but they are made from natural aromatic components that have been extracted. Therefore, natural fragrance oils are more expensive and the scents are more limited.
Though they are made from natural components, natural fragrance oils are still considered synthetic since they are made in a lab and are not naturally occurring.
Fragrance oils are also made to be combined with cosmetics, perfumes, and toiletries. They should not be applied directly to the skin because they may contain harsh chemicals.
A carrier oil or cream is needed to be able to use fragrance oils on the skin. An unscented lotion can be a carrier medium for fragrance oils.
How To Add Fragrance Oil To Lotion
Now that you know what fragrance oils are, it’s time you learn how to make your very own DIY scented lotion using fragrance oil.
What You Need:
- Unscented Lotion
- Fragrance Oil of your choice
- Dropper
- Whisk
- Bowl
- Funnel
- Lotion Bottle
Step 1: Pour 8 ounces of unscented lotion into a bowl.
Step 2: Add 40 drops of fragrance oil to the lotion. Make sure each drop contains the same amount of oil.
Step 3: Whisk the oil and lotion together until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to ensure the oil is properly integrated into the lotion.
Step 5: Try some lotion on your skin by applying a small amount to your arm. Spread it thinly and rub it on your skin. Smell the scent of your lotion. If you like the aroma, it’s time you store your lotion in the bottle. If you think it’s too subtle, add more drops. If you think it’s too strong, add more lotion and mix again.
Step 6: If you’re satisfied with how your scented lotion smells, it’s time to transfer it to a container. Prepare your lotion bottle. Make sure it’s clean and dry. Place the funnel on the opening and pour your scented lotion.
Store your lotion in a cool, dry place, and away from direct sunlight. A pump bottle is an ideal container for your scented lotion since it’s easily accessible and convenient, and you won’t have to continually open and close your lotion bottle, exposing it to elements that could affect its texture, potency, and quality.
Depending on how much lotion you want to make, you can adjust how much fragrance oil to use on your formula. You can also add more drops if you want a more potent scent, or reduce the oil if you want a more subtle scent.
You can play around with different aromas by mixing different kinds of fragrance oils to create your very own scent. Make sure the fragrance oils you mix are made of the same type – whether synthetic or natural fragrance oils.
What You Need To Know About Making Scented Lotions
Before you make your own scented lotion, there are a few things you need to know.
In terms of fragrance oils, you need to ensure that the oil you buy is made for the skin. There are fragrance oils made for lip tints, and these are not ideal to mix with lotions.
Fragrance oils that are made for the skin can be added to hand and body lotions or creams, hair products, and soaps.
You can go to DIY or craft stores, or shops that offer essential oils, or you can buy online. The oils usually have labels providing information on their uses.
Manufacturers also label the maximum percentage of the oils to use. Never use more than what is labeled on the bottle.
Do not buy fragrance oils that are alcohol or water-based. These will not mix well with lotions and in the case of water-based oils, can thin out your oil. In the case of alcohol-based oil, it can make your lotion harsh and may cause rashes or irritation.
When making your formula or ratio of fragrance oil to lotion, and you don’t have a dropper, you can use the unit of mL to an ounce.
For every ounce of lotion, you would need 0.5 to 0.75mL of fragrance oil. This is the usual formulation but the potency of your scent will depend on your preference.
If you want to color your lotion, you can add natural food coloring to add a special touch to your homemade scented lotion.
These are safe and won’t add an irritating element to your lotion. Pink or rose-colored food coloring is a popular choice for many DIY lotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
This will depend on how often the lotion is used and how it’s stored. If it’s stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, it can last up to six months.
If you’re new to making scented lotions, start by reading the recipe and gathering all of the ingredients. Make sure you have a dropper and that you’re familiar with the fragrance oil you’re using.
If you’re not happy with the scent of your lotion, you can add more fragrance oil to the mixture and remix. You can also try a different fragrance oil.
Conclusion
Making your own scented lotion is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your beauty routine.
You can choose the fragrance oil you like best, or experiment with different combinations to find the perfect scent for you.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a luxurious lotion that will leave your skin feeling soft and silky.
