Looking for a healthy DIY fragrance recipe that is chemical- and allergy-free? Below is a natural patchouli perfume blend that not only smells wonderful, but is healthy and provides a number of complementary benefits.
This recipe is made purely from essential oils (and a “carrier” oil for dilution). And while most brands do not contain chemicals, you might consider researching the company you use, as some brands include fillers in their products.
Note that a small minority of people can have allergic reactions to patchouli (and certain essential oils as a whole), but this recipe does not contain chemicals that are most common for causing such reactions.
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Chemicals in Traditional Perfumes
You might already be familiar – or at least aware of – the potentially harmful chemicals in traditional fragrances. That’s why more and more people are embracing natural alternatives (which do in fact “work”).
And this isn’t hearsay. A number of studies have come to this conclusion. For instance, in 1991 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested several fragrances for chemicals and discovered an exhaustive list of toxic ingredients – everything from acetone to camphor to ethanol and methylene chloried (and much, much more).
Such chemicals are known to negatively impact the central nervous system, while in rare cases inflicting respiratory failure and kidney disease.
A few years back, the Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics took lab tests on 17 of the most popular fragrances. The ingredients revealed in the results were startling, to say the least:
- Endocrine phthalates and disruptors: Research shows that such chemicals link to a six-point drop in IQ for kids that were exposed to phthalates during pregnancy.
- Diethyl phthalate: Several studies show that this chemical can damage sperm.
- Musk ketone: Commonly known as a “skin irritant,” this chemical concentrates in fat tissue and can potentially disrupt hormones.
- More than 24 chemicals in the fragrances are known to cause allergy triggers that spark symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, headaches, and skin irritation.
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Easy DIY Patchouli Perfume Blend Using Essential Oils
While there are many, many essential oils that can make masterful perfume recipes, we’ll keep it simple with this blend.
Pure essential oils are very potent. And when applied to the skin, they can cause skin irritation (not for the same reasons that chemicals oftentimes do). That’s why you’ll want to use a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil. This will dilute the essential oils used in the recipe.
The following blend will produce about four ounces of this sweet and flowery aroma.
- 17 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of orange essential oil
First pour the oils into a 15ml glass bottle (note: essential oils should always be stored in a glass container). Then fill the rest of the bottle up with your carrier oil and shake well.
This is an easy recipe that delivers a “universal” scent, perfect for any occasion. But there are countless variations you can try.
For instance, you can replace the orange and lavender with cedarwood and peppermint for a more “woodsy” scent. Or, combine patchouli with rosemary for a more “earthy” aroma.
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Bonus Benefits of Adding Oils to Your Recipe
If you are an essential oil connoisseur, then you know, aroma is only one benefit. Essential oils can provide a range of amazing health benefits – stress relief, illness protection, and everything in between.
Take patchouli, for example. Sure, it has a very pleasant smell. But it harbors therapeutic qualities that can positively impact body and mind. It has a grounding effect that can balance emotions. After applying your natural DIY perfume, you will notice the effect immediately – as essential oils penetrate the blood stream within seconds after applying to the skin. Here are a few other health issues it is known to be effective in fighting:
Fever: Helps ward off infections that preempt fevers while curbing your body temperature- Flu and colds: Improves your immune system to help you avoid influenza, colds, and tonsillitis
- Fungal infections: Blocks fungal growth while providing protections from common infections like athlete’s foot
- Inflammation: Soothes irritation and/or inflammation and can even help with conditions like arthritis
- Impotence: Stimulates estrogen and testosterone to help increase sex drive in both men and women.
When adding other oils to the mix, the benefits of your patchouli perfume blend can intensify. Lavender is most commonly known for its calming effects. Orange is often used as a mood-enhancer. Peppermint can improve energy and focus. And on and on…
I really like the smell of Irish Spring soap. I have some Irish Spring ascension oil that I may candles with. Would I use the same concept to make Irish Spring Cologne using the instructions above?