Build Your Own 10 ml Fragrance

The term "fragrance notes" refers to the different scent layers that make up the final fragrance and are then picked up upon application. These "notes" are divided into three subsections: Top, Middle, and Base. 

 

Top Notes set the stage of the fragrance as this is what will give you your first fundamental impression of the scent: Woodsy, floral, cozy, etc. Top notes are light, energizing, invigorating, and typically provide a bright and airy sensation. 

 

Middle Notes are considered the heart and foundation of the scent considering anywhere between 40 and 80 percent of the entire aroma is made up of the scents that reside here. This is what will hold your attention and act as a carrier for the lighter, airier top note scents and will act as a buffer for the heavier and more robust fragrances that's more commonly found in the base notes. 

Base Notes are what leave the lingering impressions. They're often heavier, muskier, and provide a more calming effect than their top note counterparts.

Carrier oils get their name from the fact they "carry" the essential oils and other ingredients directly to your skin. They're also used to dilute essential oils to make them safe for use  as essential oils are strongly concentrated, so much so they can cause skin irritation and might even burn if directly applied without a carrier oil to protect the skin. 

 

Currently the only carrier oil we use in our natural perfumes is Jojoba Oil (said ho-HO-ba). It doesn't stain, and holds the lowest allergen risk, unlike other carrier oils including peanut or almond oils. With so many people allergic to peanuts, almonds, and tree nuts in general, using the oils of these plants poses far too great a risk. 

 

Jojoba oil is also an anti-inflammatory all-natural oil that structurally and chemically mimics the structure of our skin and contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties, specifically targeting bacteria and fungi that can cause salmonella, E. coli, candida, and more. It's also non-comedogenic (non-clogging) and often used for acne, psoriasis, sunburn, chapped skin, sensitive skin, as well as other problematic skin issues. 

In order to be safely useable on skin, essential oils have to be diluted. This is typically done by using a carrier oil. The total number of essential oil drops deposited in the carrier oil create what is known as a dilution ratio. 

For instance, 10 drops of essential oils in 10ml of a carrier oil gives a 10:10 dilution ratio. This ratio is then calcualted into a dilution percentage, which in this case is 5%. 
 

How to know the right dilution percentage for you: 

• 5% = Non-sensitive skin
• 3.5% = Better for working with more sensitive skin
• 2.5% = Ideal for those with extremely sensitve skin