Learn how to make perfume using natural and sustainable ingredients that you can feel good about putting on your skin. And while you’re at it, double this recipe and give one as a thoughtful gift this holiday season.
This post was originally published in May 2019 and updated in August 2022
There is something special about applying perfume before running into the office or as you head out for a weekend dinner and a movie.
Maybe that is just the mom in me talking who will jump at any opportunity to look and smell beautiful.
But to be totally honest, I’m not a huge fan of most conventional perfumes. When I have worn ‘regular’ perfumes, I would always end up with a headache. Ugh.
The same goes for the cologne my husband would wear from time to time. Thankfully he wears the homemade cologne I made for him when we go out now, so no more headaches for me!
So how do you go about making a natural solid perfume?
You can check out the video tutorial HERE.
Otherwise, read on for the recipe.
How to make solid perfume
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.
Perfume Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of beeswax
- 30-50 drops of essential oils for fragrance (see blends below)
- 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil (not regular coconut oil)
Instructions
- Shred the beeswax using a box grater, then melt in a double boiler.
- Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the fractionated coconut oil.
- Next, stir in the essential oils and transfer it to your storage container.
- Allow the perfume to cool and harden completely before securing the lid.
How to use the perfume
Apply perfume to the wrists, back of the neck, or chest.
Tips for applying perfume:
- Simply swipe two fingers across the top of the perfume, then gently rub it onto the skin.
- Don’t dig down into the container since only very little perfume will be needed.
- Reapply as often as needed.
A few key ingredients
Beeswax: I chose beeswax for the solid in this recipe because of its light, earthy, almost sweet scent. Just be careful when buying beeswax and check that it was ethically sourced.
Fractionated Coconut Oil: The fractionated coconut oil complements the beeswax in this recipe to achieve the perfect texture.
Essential Oils: Who doesn’t want real ingredients to scent their perfume? Look for pure EOs without any additives or fillers. I use essential oils to scent all of my perfume recipes and even my deodorants, such as my baking soda-free deodorant recipe!
Essential oil perfume
When I think of perfumes, my mind immediately envisions a field of wildflowers. Who is with me?
Choose one of the blends below and add it to the perfume recipe. You’ll be smelling beautiful in no time!
Flora Flora
- 25 drops of lavender
- 10 drops of Hawaiian Sandalwood
- 5 drops of bergamot
The earthy aroma of sandalwood pairs perfectly with lavender and the sweet citrus scent of bergamot.
This blend promotes positive feelings, helps with mental clarity, and calms the nervous system.
Late night Date night
- 10 drops of jasmine
- 8 drops of cardamom
- 8 drops of cinnamon
- 6 drops of clove
- 5 drops of ginger
The beautiful spicy scent of this blend is kept under control by the incredibly intoxicating fragrance of jasmine.
Cloud Nine
- 15 drops of tangerine
- 10 drops of geranium
- 5 drops of patchouli
Don’t underestimate the power of patchouli in this one. Give it a few minutes on your skin, and you’ll notice the fragrant patchouli floating around you.
Tips
- Do not pour melted beeswax down the sink, as it will clog the drain.
- Because of the high amount of essential oils in this perfume, do a small patch test first to check for any skin irritations.
- Apply a DIY body oil first, then perfume for a longer-lasting scent.
- Store perfume out of direct sunlight. Keep the lid secured and avoid storing near windows. Heat and light will, over time, break down the EOs reducing the potency of the perfume.
Why I steer clear of conventional perfumes
Making perfume with essential oils is a great way to avoid potentially harmful ingredients in your perfume.
According to draxe.com, synthetic fragrances found in perfumes have been linked to numerous skin irritations and serious health risks.
Related: what is a body mist?
I have always wanted to know how to make perfume from essential oils. And now that I have tried it, making my own perfume with essential oils is quite easy and very much so enjoyable.
Make a girls’ night of it and enjoy experimenting with new combinations. But, of course, you’ll have to share those new perfume blends with me so I can also try them!
And if you enjoy DIYing, here are a few more beauty-related posts you might like reading.
- Lavender Vanilla body spray
- Reduce wrinkles with these top 10 anti-aging tips
- Natural lipstick recipe
- Homemade eyeshadow
- Smudge-free mascara
- Simple relaxing bath bombs
- Homemade lotion bars
Essential Oil Perfume
Equipment
- Double Boiler
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of beeswax
- 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil
- 25 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of Hawaiian Sandalwood
- 5 drops of bergamot
Instructions
- Melt beeswax in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and stir in fractionated coconut oil.
- Add essential oils and stir in well.
- Transfer to an airtight storage container.
Iris Cowie says
This is great! Thanks for sharing. Do you have any essential oil combinations for solid colognes for men? Thanks
Laura says
You could take a look at some of the combos I have on another post for men’s cologne for inspiration.
Iris Cowie says
This looks great! Do you have a solid cologne recipe suitable for men?
Thanks
Laura says
Hi, sorry I don’t have a solid option.
Margaret Jones says
How much perfume will this recipe make?
Laura says
4 ounces
Rinda says
Laura,
Is there a way to use this scent/recipe in a rollerball?
Laura says
I have a roller bottle perfume post. Search “women’s perfume” in the search box at the top.
clare caderao says
Hi Laura I watch your youtube videos and it’s stunning to see how essential oils can be part of everyday life. I was wondering if I can use fragrance oil rather than essential oil on solid perfumes. If yes, I was wondering how many drops of fragrance oil can I use? Thank you.
Laura says
Yes, you can, but fragrance oils are not natural and will kind of defeat the purpose.
EDNA GONZALEZ says
Hi! Can I use any other carrier oil in place of the fragmented coconut oil, maybe like sweet almond oil or Jojoba. Or grapeseed oil? Thank u kindly!
Laura says
Yes, any carrier oil is fine!
Nabs says
Hi Laura, excited to try to make solid perfume! My sister is allergic to beeswax though, any alternatives?
Laura says
You can use soy wax too!
Jennifer McCook says
Laura – that is quite a compliment! However, I believe the proof is in the final product, NOT the pictures. I have yet to be disappointed by anything in your blog.
Laura says
Thank you!
Lauren Caddo says
I used to read your blog, but I don’t believe you’re actually using your real work as the photos. While it makes the blog pretty, it lacks credibility.
Laura says
All the photos on my blog are taken by me of the projects or DIY’s I am using in my home.