10 Essential Oils for Perfume Making that you should get your hands on!
Let’s be honest—finding a perfume that actually smells like "you" is about as easy as finding a WiFi signal in the middle of nowhere. You spend hours sniffing bottle after bottle in the store, only to realize that your "signature scent" is also the signature scent of about a thousand other people. Not exactly what you had in mind, right?
After feeling disappointed by the limited options available in the market, you decide to take matters into your own hands. You type '10 Essential Oils for Perfume Making' into Google— and here you are. Thankfully, you've come to the right place!
Whether you're making perfume for yourself (because you deserve better) or you're a business owner trying to impress your customers with a natural fragrance line, here’s everything you need to know about the 10 must-have essential oils for perfume making. But before jumping straight to the list, let’s find out why you should use essential oil in your DIY perfume.
Why Should You Use Essential Oils for Making DIY Perfume?
Most perfumes on the market are packed with synthetic ingredients—some of which don’t even make it onto the label. So, you’re left wondering what exactly you’re spraying on your skin. And if you have a sensitive nose? Good luck finding a fragrance that won’t trigger a headache. That’s where DIY essential oil perfume comes in. When you make your own scent using essential oils, you know exactly what’s going into it. It’s a natural, skin-friendly alternative to store-bought perfumes—without the mystery chemicals or the hefty price tag. Plus, your fragrance will turn out to be 100% unique, just like you.
Discover the 10 Best Essential Oils for Perfume – #10 is Our Personal Favorite
Now, let’s get into the best essential oils for perfume-making. We’ve rounded up the top picks that will take your DIY perfume to the next level— and yes, we’ve saved our favorite for last. So, let’s jump right in!
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a classic when it comes to perfume. It is like that effortlessly cool friend who gets along with everyone. The soft, sweet and floral scent of lavender makes it perfect for creating a perfume that smells high-end, even when it has been prepared by you in the back of your kitchen. The notes in lavender essential oil goes well with citrus for making a refreshing perfume and with vanilla for a cozy, warm scent.
Why you need it: Lavender essential oil is best suited as a middle note—the heart of your perfume that gives it character and balance.
2. Rose Essential Oil
Imagine stepping out of a warm shower, wrapping yourself in a fluffy towel, and somehow smelling expensive—that’s what rose essential oil does. It’s fresh, floral, and just the right amount of fancy without trying too hard which makes it one of the best essential oils for perfume making.
It pairs beautifully with sandalwood for a cozy vibe, vanilla for a little sweetness, or citrus for a fresh, modern twist. Whether you’re making a perfume for a special occasion or just want to smell effortlessly put together, rose oil has your back.
Why you need it: Rose essential oil is best suited as a heart note—the soul of your perfume that gives it warmth and elegance.
3. Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine smells sultry, mysterious, and intoxicating. It’s the fragrance equivalent of the "little red dress"—bold, unforgettable, and effortlessly alluring. Jasmine has a rich, floral aroma that has been treasured for centuries in perfumery. The fragrance of jasmine symbolizes romance, confidence, and sensuality. If this resonates with you, jasmine oil is the perfect choice for your DIY essential oil perfumes.
Use it in your perfume, and suddenly, you’re that person everyone remembers—the one who leaves a trail of mystery and elegance wherever they go. Whether you’re stepping out for a glamorous evening or just want to feel a little extra special every day, jasmine ensures you carry an air of sophistication and allure wherever you go.
Why you need it: Jasmine essential oil is a prized heart note—known for its rich, floral aroma that adds depth and elegance to the perfumes.
4. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang isn’t just a pretty scent—it’s the “Queen of Perfumes”! With its sweet, slightly fruity, and deeply floral aroma, this tropical beauty instantly transports you to a lush paradise. No wonder it has been a prized ingredient in luxury fragrances like “Chanel No. 5”. Ylang Ylang’s exotic scent blends effortlessly with citrus, woody, and even spicy notes, making it a must-have for adventurous, playful, and romantic perfumes.
Why you need it: Ylang Ylang essential oil is both a prized top and heart note—known for its sweet, exotic floral aroma that adds brightness and depth to perfumes.
5. Bergamot Essential Oil
Ever wonder why some perfumes smell so effortlessly fresh and uplifting? That’s the magic of bergamot essential oil. There’s something about its bright citrusy aroma, with just a touch of floral sweetness, that smells like a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of scent that makes you smell, Ah, I’ve just stepped out of a long, refreshing shower.
One of the best examples of bergamot done right is Dior Sauvage—that crisp, invigorating opening? Yep, that’s Bergamot working its charm. But here’s the best part: you don’t need to splurge on designer perfumes to enjoy that fresh, clean scent. A few drops of bergamot essential oil in your favorite DIY perfume blend can do the trick just as well.
Why you need it: Bergamot Essential Oil has a fresh, citrusy scent with a hint of floral sweetness. It’s a popular top note that adds a bright and lively touch to perfumes.
6. Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood is that effortlessly cool friend who never tries too hard but somehow steals the show. The secret? It’s the creamy, warm, and woody undertones that makes it standout in a perfume formulation. Sandalwood essential oil is a popular base note that holds everything together and like the final piece of the puzzle it completes a fragrance. In a perfume composition, sandalwood oil enhances florals, deepens spicy notes and imparts a velvety richness to musky notes.
Individuals who want their homemade perfume to resemble a bottle of high-end fragrance, should definitely opt for sandalwood oil in their composition. Think of sandalwood as the secret behind perfumes that linger long after you’ve left the room.
Why you need it: Sandalwood Essential Oil has a rich, creamy scent with a hint of sweetness. Since sandalwood essential oil is heavy in nature, it is used as a base note in perfumes to impart them with depth and longevity.
7. Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli smells earthy, musky, and a little bit spicy. Patchouli essential oil is unapologetically bold in nature, which makes it perfect for people who love to stand out from the crowd. Patchouli goes well with rose and vanilla for making a perfume that lingers long after you leave the room.
This musky, slightly spicy aroma isn’t just a fragrance; it’s a whole mood. Patchouli is like that cool, mysterious friend who always smells amazing but never reveals their secret. (Spoiler: it’s patchouli.)
Why you need it: Patchouli essential oil has a deep, earthy scent with a touch of spice. It’s the perfect base note for adding warmth and staying power to perfumes.
8. Vanilla Essential Oil
We don’t have to tell you why vanilla is a staple in so many perfumes—its notes speak for themselves. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. If your goal is to make a perfume that makes people want to hug you, vanilla is your go-to.
Why you need it: Vanilla essential oil has a rich, sweet aroma with creamy undertones. It’s the perfect base note for adding warmth and depth to fragrances.
9. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood is totally an underrated gem in perfumery. It smells woody and slightly smoky in perfume compositions and it’s the quiet backbone of many high-end fragrances. Cedarwood essential oil is added to DIY perfumes to create a fragrance where all the notes are in a perfect harmony. Whether you’re creating a fresh daytime scent or a deep, sultry evening perfume, a few drops of this magic oil can elevate it from ordinary to exquisite.
Why you need it: When added as a base note in DIY essential oil perfume cedarwood smell rich, sophisticated, and effortlessly luxe—like the signature scent of someone who just stepped out of a private club.
10. Pink Pepper Essential Oil
Pink Pepper is that little spark of magic your DIY perfume needs. It’s warm, slightly spicy, and rosy sweetness can give your perfume a fun and modern touch. Whether you want to create a light and fresh scent or deep and mysterious one, a few drops of this oil can take your blend to the next level.
Why you need it: As a middle note, Pink Pepper adds a playful, sophisticated touch to the perfumes—like the scent of someone who knows how to turn heads without even trying.
Final Thoughts
Why settle for mass-produced fragrances when you can create something truly unique? With these 10 essential oils, you have everything you need to craft a signature scent that is 100% you—no artificial ingredients, no mystery chemicals, just pure botanical goodness. Whether you want to create a floral, woody, fresh, or exotic perfume, the possibilities with essential oils are endless. So, grab your favorite oils, start blending, and let your creativity take the lead. After all, the best perfume is the one that tells “your” story.
Looking for high-quality essential oils to get started? Explore SVA Organics' premium essential oils and find the perfect ones for your DIY perfume. And if you’re wondering how to blend them like a pro, don’t miss our step-by-step guide on How to Make Perfumes with Essential Oils—it has all the information you need to create a scent that’s uniquely yours!