Perfume Supplies

Perfume is typically made from three main components:

• Essential oils or fragrance oils – These provide the scent and are divided into top, middle, and base notes.
• Carrier oil or alcohol – This dilutes the fragrance oils to make them skin-safe. Common bases include perfumer’s alcohol, ethanol, or jojoba oil.
• Optional ingredients can include fixatives (like benzoin or orris root) to make the fragrance last longer.

Start with the fragrance pyramid:

• Top notes (citrus, light florals) – First impression, but fade quickly.
• Middle notes (herbal, fruity, spicy) – The heart of the perfume.
• Base notes (musk, woods, vanilla) – Provide depth and longevity.

Use the ratio 30% top : 50% middle : 20% base as a starting point, and adjust according to preference. Always record your formula for consistency.

Perfume typically needs to mature (or macerate) for at least 2–6 weeks. During this time, the oils blend and develop a smoother, more balanced scent. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place and shake occasionally.

The key difference lies in fragrance concentration:

• Eau de Parfum (EDP) – 15–20% fragrance oil; long-lasting (4–6 hours).
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) – 5–15% fragrance oil; lighter and more refreshing (2–4 hours).
• Eau de Cologne (EDC) – 2–5% fragrance oil; very light and short-lived.

If you’re making perfume at home, aim for around 20–30% fragrance oil in alcohol for a rich, lasting scent.

• Always dilute essential oils before applying to skin.
• Patch test new blends to check for irritation or allergies.
• Use clean, sterilized tools and bottles.
• Avoid using phototoxic oils (like bergamot or lemon) in perfumes meant for sun exposure.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Apply perfume to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind ears).
• Use an unscented moisturiser or petroleum jelly beforehand to lock in scent.
• Layer with matching scented products (like lotion or shower gel).

Yes, but you must follow certain regulations and safety testing depending on your country.
In the UK and EU, for example, cosmetic products require CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Reports) and proper labelling (INCI format). It’s also best to register your products on the UK Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (SCPN) before selling.

We make cosmetic safety reports easy, please click here to access our cosmetic safety report generator.

Basic equipment includes:

• Glass beakers or droppers
• Measuring pipettes
• Amber glass bottles (for storage)
• Labels and a notebook (to record recipes)
• Gloves and goggles (for safety)

You can start small, then invest in precision scales and perfumer’s alcohol as you progress.