This DIY cologne is made using the perfect blends and concentration levels of essential oils for a long-lasting, yet not overpowering scent. And, this natural men’s cologne uses only all-natural ingredients that are safe for the skin and smells great!

How to Make Cologne | Avoiding Artificial Ingredients

Conventional cologne is made using synthetic fragrances and chemicals; that according to draxe.com, synthetic fragrances contain carcinogens, respiratory irritants, environmental toxicants, and more. And since the FDA does not require manufacturers to disclose the specific ingredients used to make the fragrances, they can therefore be labeled simply as “fragrances” on the back of the bottle.

Making your own cologne ensures a product filled with natural ingredients to make the man in your life a cologne that is free of any toxins and customized to his liking.

Cologne Notes; What Does it Mean?

It’s helpful to understand fragrance notes before mixing up the perfect blend of essential oils for your cologne. Notes are divided into 3 classes, top, middle, base. The top note will be the first scent noticed after application. It will also be the quickest to fade, leaving you with the next most powerful lasting scent; the middle class. And finally, the base class will be the scent that lasts the longest. I generally add approximately 10-15% for my top notes, 25-30% middle, and 55-65% base. Those numbers are simply a suggested starting point, play with it and adjust as necessary.

Best Essential Oils for Men’s Cologne

When I decided to make a cologne for my husband, my main concern was that it wouldn’t smell “manly” enough.

I found out that scents such as lavender are a no-go while making deodorant for him!

The good news is that there are a number of essential oils that have a wonderful woodsy or earthy scent that men love, and paired with a spice or citrus essential oil smells amazing.

What is the Difference Between Cologne and Perfume?

The main difference between cologne and perfume is not that one is for men and the other for women, but percentages. Perfume is usually 15-30 percent scent, while cologne is only about 2-4%.

Top essential oils for men’s cologne:

Top Notes (most noticeable at first impression)

Basil
Bergamot
Lemon
Wild Orange
Lemongrass

Middle Notes (blends the scents together)

Cardamon
Cinnamon
Ylang yang
Clove
Peppermint
Copaiba

Bottom Notes (longest lasting scent)

Cedarwood
Douglas fir
Frankincense
Sandalwood
Siberian Fir
Vetiver
White Fir

Masculine Essential Oil Blends for Cologne

Blending essential oils is a fun way to make your own customized colognes or perfumes. However, I like to stick to the earthy, woodsy, spicy, and citrus essential oils for a more manly scent.

Below, the drops recommend are for a 2-ounce spray bottle. If you choose to make a roller bottle cologne, reduce each oil by 1-2 drops.

1. For the Office

This blend is the perfect blend to wear during the day while at work. These essential oils have a beautiful woodsy and citrus scent. The benefits of these essential oils include grounding emotions, balancing the mood, promoting focus, and stimulates the brain to function properly.

4 drops of wild Orange (top note)
6 drops of sandalwood (middle note)
10 drops of frankincense (base note)

2. Nightlife

This blend is the one to grab before heading out for a date night or a night out with the guys. The lemon adds the perfect twist to the earthy smell of vetiver. The benefits of these essential oils include immune support, positive feelings, and cleansing properties.

3 drops of lemon (top note)
4 drops of cardamon (middle note)
4 drops of ylang ylang (middle note)
6 drops of vetiver (base note)

3. Outdoor

This is the go-to blend for the outdoor guy. Cedarwood literally smells like the woods and mixed with lemongrass, gives off the most refreshing manly scent. The benefit of these essential oils includes calming and relaxing feelings, and they can naturally boost the immune system.

3 drops of lemongrass (top note)
3 drops of basil (middle note)
4 drops of cedarwood (base note)
6 drops of douglas Fir (base note)

4. Citrus Spice

This is my husband’s favorite blend and mine too! The citrus spice is the perfect combo for any man. These essential oils smell great together and they provide a natural boost of energy and immune support.

2 drops of bergamot (top note)
3 drops of lemon (top note)
6 drops of clove (middle note)
8 drops of white fir (base note)

5. Earthy

This simple blend can be used at any time of the day. Frankincense and copaiba are some of the best essential oils to use to reduce stress and anxiety, making this another great blend for the workday.

4 drops of lemongrass (top note)
6 drops of copaiba (middle note)
8 drops of frankincense (base note)

Below, I share both a spray cologne and roll-on cologne recipe. Choose a blend from the lists above that suits you.

Homemade Men’s Cologne Spray

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There are two different ways to make homemade cologne. You can either make it as a spray or as a roller bottle. Both ways work well, and it is just a matter of preference.

To make a spray cologne, Use a glass spray bottle, essential oils, and witch hazel.

Cologne Ingredients

2-ounce glass spray bottle
2 drops bergamot
3 drops lemon
6 drops clove
8 drops Siberian fir
1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin
Witch Hazel

How to Make Cologne

Add the essential oils to the spray bottle and shake up well.
Add in glycerin and shake well again.
Top off the bottle with witch hazel.
Secure spray nozzle and shake well.
Spray onto the chest, wrist, and neck.

Recipe Notes

This DIY cologne spray will last up to 6 months when stored properly.
You can use distilled water instead of witch hazel; however, this will shorten the shelf life. Also, adding an antioxidant like vitamin E antioxidant or rosemary antioxidant can extend the shelf life if you choose to use water.
You can also use rubbing alcohol or vodka for the liquid. I recommend using 100 proof if using alcohol in the recipe. It is important to note that using alcohol can dry the skin when used often.

Homemade Roll On Cologne

To make a roll-on men’s cologne, you will need a 10mL roller bottle, essential oils, and carrier oil. I am using fractionated coconut oil for my carrier oil since it does not have any scent. You can use any carrier oil you prefer; however, I suggest using one with little to no scent, so it doesn’t take away from the essential oil blend you choose.

Ingredients to Make Cologne

How to Make Natural Cologne

Add the essential oils to the roller bottle, shake well.
Fill the rest of the roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil.
Secure lid and shake well.
Roll onto the chest, wrists, and sides of the neck.

Recipe Notes

This DIY cologne roller bottle will last up to one year.
Adjust scents based on your preference.
Apply every few hours or as needed.

How to Store Homemade Cologne?

It is important to use glass when making anything will essential oils. I also suggest using an amber or a dark-colored bottle to avoid the chance of the essential oils losing their potency. Store the cologne in a cool dark place for best results.

Is Men’s Cologne Bad for You?

Like most things in my home, once I do a little research, I decide to pitch the conventional and make my own. Men’s cologne and women’s perfumes are made up of artificial fragrances and chemicals I didn’t want to spray on my body, so I decided to make my own.

Independent laboratory tests revealed that 38 chemicals were found in 17 leading fragrances. Studies have shown that these ingredients can be toxic for our bodies and cause many adverse side effects. Certain toxins were even linked to sperm damage.

Staying away from synthetics and fragrances is very important! Thankfully, using essential oils is a great natural alternative, and not only do they smell amazing, but they can also benefit you!

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Yield: 1 bottle