Homemade Perfume

[Crystal Thompson]

I like to make my own stuff and am interested in making my own perfume using eo's. Especially since stuff at the health food store is SO expensive. Besides, I'm a little picky about what I'm going to smell like. :-) 

From what I have read on the matter and know it involves some sort of specialty alcohol that would not be carried in a typical store (Walmart) and I do not want to visit establishments which solely sell alcohol. I'm leery of ordering online, too. Can rubbing alcohol be substituted? Or perhaps what I read was misinformation? Can anyone recommend a good website or book?

In Christ,

Crystal Thompson

[2cor...@gmail.com]

Hi Crystal, 

I applaud your efforts to find healthier alternatives! : )

I’ve said to several friends that once you start to “clean up” you become more and more aware of everything that touches your life. 

I personally would not want to use rubbing alcohol because of hazards associated with it such as cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, sore throat, skin irritation and so on). http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0554.html

If you don’t want to use Everclear, this website offers several different types of organic alcohols. Perhaps you can contact them to find a possible local source for their product.

http://organicalcohol.com/

This informant is from the above website:

Natural (Botanical) Perfumery involves the use of scents extracted from plant materials for personal fragrance. The aromatic art of crafting natural perfumes relies solely on plants as the source for the fragrances without the use of synthetic scents or isolated compounds. Perfumes are comprised of different scent qualities, or “notes.” The “top notes,” are the scents that are detected first, the “middle” or “heart notes” make up the main body of the scent that others perceive, and the “base notes” are the “dry down scents” that remain after a few hours.  These are combined in the ratios of 1part base notes, 2 parts middle notes, and 1-3 parts top notes to the desired result. Then this solution is diluted with organically grown, neutral grain or grape spirits in the ratio of 15-30% natural botanicals and 70-85% neutral spirits.

Information provided by: Jeanne Rose is the author of 24 books on herbs and aromatherapy, including The Herbal Studies Course in herbal study and two in aromatherapy, The Aromatherapy Course ‑ Home & Family and the Aromatherapy Studies Course for Practitioners.  Jeanne Rose has also authored, 375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols, which is a complete reference book of 375 aromatic plant extracts and hydrosols with phytochemical, clinical and botanical indices.   http://www.jeannerose.net/ https://organicalcohol.com/perfumes/

If you want to consider apply topically rather than spraying, aloe vera or a carrier oil will make a good carrier for your perfume.

I hope this helps, Sherri