A Starter's Guide to Handling Perfume Ingredients: Sourcing, Dispensing, and Storage Tips

For the novice perfume crafter, handling fragrance ingredients may seem daunting. However, a basic understanding of sourcing, dispensing, and storage techniques can make the process smoother and enhance the overall perfume-making experience. Here, we delve into some beginner-level tips for working with perfume ingredients, helping you create scents that not only smell fantastic but also improve your personal wellbeing.

Sourcing Ingredients

The first step in creating your perfume is to source high-quality ingredients. This primarily includes essential oils, carrier oils, and alcohol.

When buying essential oils, consider their purity and grade. Pure, therapeutic-grade oils are often more expensive but provide a superior scent profile and longevity. Be wary of cheap oils that may be diluted with synthetic compounds.

Carrier oils act as a base for your perfume. They 'carry' the scent and ensure the perfume doesn't evaporate quickly. Commonly used carrier oils include jojoba oil and fractionated coconut oil. Make sure to purchase cold-pressed and unrefined carrier oils to maintain the oil's natural properties.

For alcohol, seek out high-proof, food-grade varieties. These serve as a solvent, effectively combining the oil and water components.

Dispensing Ingredients

Precise dispensing is crucial for a balanced perfume. A good practice is to start with the base notes, move onto the heart notes, and finally add the top notes. This order helps create a more harmonious blend as each type of note requires a different amount of time to reveal itself fully.

A dropper can be a handy tool for accurate dispensing. Be patient and take your time, especially when working with potent essential oils.

Storing Perfume

Proper storage of your perfume is critical to maintain its longevity and potency. Both the raw materials and the finished product should be stored in dark, cool, and dry places. Exposure to sunlight and heat can degrade the oils and lead to a change in scent over time.

For large volumes, consider using glass containers with airtight lids. Amber or cobalt blue glass bottles are especially useful as they can protect the contents from harmful UV rays.

When dealing with small volumes, such as samples or travel-sized bottles, roller bottles or small spray bottles can be a convenient option.

Best Practices

Always work in a well-ventilated area when dealing with perfume ingredients. The strong scents can sometimes be overpowering and may cause discomfort.

Before scaling up a recipe, it's best to create a small batch first. This allows you to test the scent and make necessary adjustments to the formula.

Remember, creating your own perfume is not only about the final product but also about enjoying the journey. It's an opportunity to experiment, learn, and ultimately create a scent that is uniquely yours.