Perfume Dilutions
Whether you choose to use a base oil, (carrier oil), wax or an alcohol as a
dilution agent, it is important to understand the positive properties each
substance contains.
Water & Alcohol
Distilled Water
Distilled water comes from the steam which is collected while boiling water.
Purified or filtered water can be used as an alternative to distilled water.
Hydrosol is distilled water collected from the boiling of floral waters such as
lavender infused water. This can be purchased ready-made or you can make your
own at home.
Rectified Spirit
Rectified spirit or alcohol is an agriculturally based ethyl
alcohol, (usually grain), which is repeatedly distilled to create a pure alcohol.
The purity level of most rectified spirits is 95.6%, however this can be difficult
to purchase due to the restrictions of such a high alcohol level.
A popular choice is a rectified spirit of 75.5% ABV, (151 proof) called
‘Everclear’ as this is more widely available.
Vodka
A clear, tasteless and odourless alcohol produced using grains or potatoes, this is
the closest commercial alcohol to rectified spirit and readily available and as
such it is a great alternative. The process of distillation used in manufacturing
vodka makes it a great fixative to stabilise scent and preserve essential oils.
If using vodka aim for the highest alcohol level you can find. Remember, the
higher the ABV the purer the alcohol.
Perfumers Alcohol
While this is readily available it is worth noting that it does
contain 3 different ingredients so is not as pure as rectified spirit or vodka.
Perfumers alcohol is made up of denatured alcohol, isopropyl myristate and
dipropylene glycol.
Solids
Produced by worker bees, this is a natural wax that is widely used in a variety of
different industries. Beeswax has a light honey scent and its health properties
include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Forms a natural barrier on the skin which aids in healing and skin protection
Floral Wax
Solvent extracted wax with a slight fragrance. These waxes are often used by
vegans as an alternative to beeswax however they are quite expensive and not as
widely available as the beeswax option. The most popular floral waxes are
jasmine, rose and mimosa.
Shea butter comes from the Shea Nut and is widely used within the cosmetic
industry. It has a slight nutty scent and its benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Moisturizing
- Collagen Production
Coconut oil is extracted from the
kernel of a mature coconut. It has a thick consistency and, unless warm, does not
resemble an oil. It has a lovely, mild coconut scent which can complement many
essential oils.
Base Oils
Carrier oils are made from vegetables, seeds, nuts and fruit. Many of the oils
used as a base oil are better known in cooking however, be certain that you buy
either unrefined, virgin or extra virgin when shopping for base oils in the grocery
store.
There is a large range of different base oils, the most
popular oils and their benefits are listed below.
A thick, sweet nutty oil that is highly moisturising and
removes impurities from the skin. This oil does not penetrate the skin well and
tends to sit on the surface making it ideal for the treatment of dry skin
conditions.
Light to medium density oil that has a nutty scent. This oil is quickly absorbs
and very hydrating. It contains anti-aging and protective properties and can help
with scars and stretch marks.
A light and nutty scented oil with healing and astringent
properties. Evening Primrose also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
A pale green oil with a light to medium density that has a mildly sweet scent.
Beneficial properties include anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and antibacterial.
This is a lightly scented oil with moisturizing properties. Its other benefits
include Skin strengthening and circulation, regenerative, astringent and soothing.
Jojoba is very thick, waxy oil with very little scent. Nourishing and quickly
absorbed into the skin. It contains anti-oxidant properties.
Olive Oil
This is a heavy oil with a fruity scent, better known in the food industry. Olive
oil penetrates the skin well and has anti-oxidant properties.