What Are Good Carrier Oils For Perfume?
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of plants, such as nuts, kernels and seeds. They are called “carrier” oils because they can carry essential oils and disperse them evenly when making perfumes or other beauty products.
The purpose of using carrier oils in perfumery is to dilute and extend the scent of essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if applied directly. Carrier oils help disperse the essential oils and make them safe to apply to skin. They also allow the scent to last longer. Common carrier oils used in perfumes include fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil.
Carrier oils don’t contain a strong scent of their own, so they don’t overpower the essential oils. They also have moisturizing properties to condition skin. Overall, carrier oils allow for the safe use and enjoyment of essential oil fragrances in perfumes and body products.
Popular Carrier Oils for Perfume
Some of the most popular carrier oils used for making perfume include:
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is one of the most commonly used carrier oils for perfumes. It has a light, golden color and does not have much of its own scent, making it ideal for blending with essential oils [1]. Jojoba is moisturizing and absorbs well into the skin.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is a carrier oil derived from coconut oil. It stays liquid at room temperature, has no scent, and does not stain. This makes it a versatile, lightweight oil for perfumes [2].
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has very little scent of its own, so it won’t overpower other fragrances. It mixes well with most essential oils and provides a smooth, silky feel. Sweet almond oil is skin nourishing and absorbs easily [3].
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil has a very light, sweet scent and feels luxurious on skin. It absorbs well without leaving skin feeling greasy. Apricot kernel oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil has very little odor and blends easily with other oils. It absorbs quickly without leaving skin feeling oily. Grapeseed oil contains antioxidants and linoleic acid to moisturize skin.
Benefits of Using Carrier Oils
Carrier oils provide many benefits when used in perfumes and fragrances. Some of the main benefits include:
Diluting and diffusing the fragrance – Carrier oils help dilute concentrated fragrance oils so they can be applied directly to skin without irritation. The carrier oil helps diffuse and distribute the fragrance smoothly.
Hydrating and nourishing skin – Carrier oils like jojoba, coconut, and apricot are moisturizing and can condition skin when used in perfumes. This helps counteract the drying effects that alcohol-based fragrances can have.
Providing texture – Carrier oils help provide silky, luxurious texture to perfumes. This allows the fragrance to be smoothly applied and absorbed into skin. Thicker carrier oils like fractionated coconut can provide more body.
Overall, carrier oils allow fragrance oils to be worn safely and comfortably on skin. They dilute and diffuse the scent while providing skin benefits like hydration and nourishment. Carrier oils are key for enhancing the texture, application, and wearability of homemade or natural perfumes.
Factors to Consider
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a carrier oil for perfume:
Absorption Rate
The absorption rate of the carrier oil is crucial. As noted in an article on Buoy Health, “A carrier oil that absorbs too quickly into the skin won’t allow the essential oils and fragrance to linger.”1 Oils that absorb more slowly, like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil, are often better choices.
Texture
The texture or viscosity of the carrier oil also matters. Thinner, dry oils like grapeseed or sweet almond may be preferable for spraying perfumes, while thicker oils like olive or avocado can work well for solid perfumes.2
Shelf Life
Some carrier oils, like jojoba, olive, and coconut, have longer shelf lives than others. This is an important consideration if you want your homemade perfume to last.3
Allergies
When making perfumes, it’s also crucial to select an oil that won’t trigger allergic reactions. Some common allergenic oils include almond, apricot kernel, and wheat germ oils. Skin patch testing oils in advance is wise.
Blending Carrier Oils
When creating perfumes, blending two or more carrier oils can provide unique benefits compared to using a single oil. Certain carrier oils contain properties that complement each other well. Mixing carrier oils with harmonious scents can also help create a more complex, layered fragrance.
For example, jojoba oil has a neutral scent that mixes well with other carrier oils like sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil. Combining jojoba with these sweeter, nuttier oils creates depth. According to Gya Labs, “When blended with other carrier oils like sweet almond, jojoba can provide a well-rounded base for your homemade fragrances.”
Coconut oil contains antioxidants and moisturizing properties that can complement lighter, fast-absorbing oils like fractionated coconut oil. As Veda Oils suggests, mixing your coconut oil with oils like meadowfoam seed oil or argan oil can provide skin benefits while creating a multi-layered scent.
Testing different carrier oil blends on the skin first is advisable. But pairing oils with complimentary properties and aromas is a great way to create custom, signature scents in homemade perfumes.
Testing for Skin Reactions
It’s important to test your skin for potential reactions before using a new carrier oil, as ingredients may cause irritation or allergic responses in some people. Performing a patch test on a small area of skin can help identify any issues before using the oil more broadly.
To do a patch test:1
- Combine 1-2 drops of the carrier oil with a teaspoon of another carrier oil you know your skin tolerates.
- Apply the mixture to the inside of your elbow or behind your ear.
- Cover the area with a bandage and leave it for 24 hours.
- Check the area at the 24 hour mark for signs of irritation like redness, itching, swelling, or rash.
If any concerning reactions develop, discontinue use and avoid that carrier oil. If your skin remains normal, the oil can be safely used. Always monitor skin each time you use a new essential oil blend too.2
Amounts to Use
When making perfume with carrier oils, the ratio of carrier oil to essential oils or fragrance oils is important. As a general guideline, aim to use 10-20% carrier oil and 80-90% fragrance oils or essential oils.
For example, if you are making a perfume with 10ml total volume, use 1-2ml of carrier oil and 8-9ml of fragrance/essential oils. Some common ratios are:
- 10% carrier oil, 90% fragrance oils
- 15% carrier oil, 85% fragrance oils
- 20% carrier oil, 80% fragrance oils
Test out different ratios of carrier oils to fragrance oils to find your preferred concentration and longevity. Using less carrier oil will result in a stronger, more concentrated perfume. But too little carrier oil can cause skin irritation. Start low at 10% carrier oil and slowly increase the ratio if needed.
Refer to this guide for more tips on diluting essential oils for perfumes.
Storing Carrier Oils
Properly storing carrier oils is important to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. Here are some tips for storing carrier oils:
Store carrier oils in glass bottles or containers. Glass helps prevent the oils from oxidizing and losing their beneficial properties. Avoid storing in plastic containers (https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/carrier-oils.html).
Keep carrier oils away from light and heat. Light and heat can cause carrier oils to deteriorate faster. Store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard (https://theherbalacademy.com/carrier-oils/). The refrigerator is also an ideal place if space allows.
Monitor the shelf life. Most carrier oils have a shelf life of 1-2 years when stored properly. Refrigeration can help extend this. Discard oils if they smell rancid or off (https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/storagefragranceoils.asp).
DIY Recipes
Here are a few simple recipes to make your own perfume at home using different carrier oils:
Floral Perfume
A light floral perfume blend using sweet almond oil as the carrier:
- Sweet almond oil – 80 drops (base)
- Lavender essential oil – 15 drops (head note)
- Jasmine essential oil – 10 drops (heart note)
- Ylang ylang essential oil – 5 drops (base note)
Combine ingredients in a roller bottle or spray bottle. Let perfume rests for 1-2 weeks before using. (Source: https://www.byrdie.com/perfume-oils-4694519)
Citrus Perfume
A bright citrus blend using fractionated coconut oil as the carrier:
- Fractionated coconut oil – 80 drops (base)
- Bergamot essential oil – 15 drops (top note)
- Orange essential oil – 10 drops (middle note)
- Vanilla absolute – 5 drops (base note)
Combine in a bottle, shake well before each use. (Source: https://www.byrdie.com/perfume-oils-4694519)
Woody Perfume
An earthy unisex blend using jojoba oil as the carrier:
- Jojoba oil – 80 drops (base)
- Cedarwood essential oil – 15 drops (middle note)
- Patchouli essential oil – 10 drops (base note)
- Sandalwood essential oil – 5 drops (base note)
Mix ingredients, store in an amber bottle out of direct sunlight. Shake before use. (Source: https://www.byrdie.com/perfume-oils-4694519)
Summary
When choosing a carrier oil for your homemade perfume recipes, there are many factors to consider including aroma, texture, benefits and personal preferences. Popular carrier oils used in homemade perfumes include fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E oil, and even olive oil.
One of the main benefits to adding carrier oils to your fragrances is that it helps dilute and disperse the essential oils so they last longer on your skin and blend together more evenly. Carrier oils also provide additional skin moisturizing and nourishing properties. They help condition your skin rather than allowing the essential oils to evaporate quickly.
Testing small batches first and storing your carrier oils properly will ensure your homemade perfume creations turn out their very best. With so many options to choose from, you can create custom scents with carrier oils that complement both your essential oils and your own body chemistry.
