Making your own DIY cologne or perfume is easy with this quick recipe! This blend has a scent appropriate for a unisex audience, and it appeals to everyone in our office. Sweet Orange (neroli) gives a luxurious touch, and it’s a great way to introduce a perfume/cologne into your line. It definitely does not smell like vodka once completed, so swing by the store, pick up a bottle of vodka (we are not licensed to sell alcohol), and give this great mixture a try!
We also detail how to make your own oil-based (alcohol free) perfume and a perfume balm. It makes it so easy to customize products and appeal to a variety of customers with minimal effort and low-risk.
Equipment You’ll Need
• Scale or measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
How to Price Your Cologne
Difficulty level: Easy
Cost per pound: $10.30
Total time to make: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 pound or 48 – 10 ml roller bottles
Suggested packaging: 10 ml roller bottle or fine mist sprayer
Suggested pricing: $8 – $12
Cologne or Perfume Ingredients
• 1 Cup Vodka (90 proof or higher)
• 1/4 Tsp Polysorbate 80
• 3/4 Tsp Orange Blossom Distillate
• 1/8 Tsp Bergamot Essential Oil
• 1/8 Tsp Petitgrain Essential Oil
• 1/16 Tsp Sweet Orange Essential Oil
• 1/8 Tsp Lemon Essential Oil
• 1/16 Tsp Lavender Essential Oil
• 1/16 Tsp Neroli Essential Oil
Directions
1. Mix the Polysorbate and essential oils together – be sure to mix well.
2. Pour essential oil mixture into vodka.
3. Mix well and pour into your packaging.
4. Use whenever you feel the need for Eau De Cologne!
This formula has not been challenge tested for preservation efficacy. If you use this formula for market sales, it is up to you to ensure the safety of the product.
Ways to Personalize Your Perfume or Cologne
Your Own Essential Oils or Blends
Feel free to substitute in your own favorite essential oils, or start with one of our expertly-crafted blends that you can find here. We also carry a beautiful array of natural fragrance oils formulated from careful blends of essential oils to capture the aroma of plants, or parts of plants, that otherwise don’t produce oils. Think mango, coconut, and other tropical scents.
For a little guidance on how to create a dynamic and appealing essential oil blend, start with this blog. In it a certified aromatherapist walks you through base, middle, and top notes and what you’re looking for in various products.
Make an Oil-Based Perfume or Cologne (alcohol free)
Alternatively, you can create a perfume oil. This is a great option that doesn’t use alcohol and instead works well as a roll-on product. Get yours here. And here are the scenting guidelines depending on what type of product you’d like to create:
Make a Perfume Balm
Balms are ideal for longevity given their impressive shelf life and in addition to holding scent well, also moisturize skin. Think Coconut and Jojoba Oils for softness and easy absorption, in addition to whatever aroma you imbue them with.