I admit I am a perfume addict. If I am not wearing some kind of scent when going out, I feel like some piece of clothing is missing. As if I forgot to put on a hat or underwear:)
But I want my fragrance clean and non-toxic.
And, the majority of commercial perfumes contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous endocrine disruptors and even carcinogens. Enter solid perfume and a super easy and divine recipe for a DIY project.
Au Revoir Coco Chanel
I love, love, love sniffing perfume and dousing myself with the wonderful aromas of high-end, one-of-a-kind perfumery creations.
If Coco Chanel were alive, she would have to adore me as I have given her a good bit of business buying her unmatched creations.

Only recently did I start looking into what actually is in perfumes.
First I realized, following the Environmental Working Group’s guidelines that any product featuring the mysterious “fragrance” on its list of ingredients, could be suspicious.
If this is true for products where fragrance is only an addition, then actual perfume must be loaded with some “nasties.”
Toxicity in regular perfume
Especially, since for the last several decades, the European Union, where many of my favorites are made, has prohibited using animal products such as natural musk in perfumes.
The special notes that were obtained from such products are now substituted by synthetic materials (phthalates and synthetic musks).
Then there are solvents, fixatives, and other potentially hazardous ingredients that are commonly used in the production of perfumes and fragrances:
- acetone,
- ethanol,
- benzaldehyde,
- formaldehyde,
- limonene,
- methylene chloride,
- camphor,
- ethyl acetate,
- linalool
- and benzyl alcohol.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that, while many popular perfumes, colognes and body sprays contain trace amounts of natural essences, they also typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum.
the Scientific American
Solid Perfume Recipe
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I quickly realized that cleaning up my beauty routine has to include finding an alternative to my beloved, but potentially hazardous, synthetic fragrances (Goodbye Coco and Chanel 19!).
I want only clean, green beauty now!

I tried using essential oil roll-ons which work fine but seem to evaporate pretty fast. Then I discovered a better way to dilute and preserve the aromatic essential oils. And it is so simple anyone can do it!
It takes only three ingredients:
- 1 TBS beeswax (or vegan wax such as carnauba)
- 1 TBS liquid oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or olive oil
- 35-40 drops of essential oil or essential oil blend (whatever rocks your boat, possibilities are endless)
Melt the beeswax and oil in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave.
When melted, wait a few minutes for the mixture to cool down, then add the essential oil(s).
Pour into a 1 oz tin or jar.
That’s it!
It will solidify in a few more minutes and can be used right away.
The scent has a great staying power, a whole day or longer.
The best part is you can play with the scent, make it floral or citrusy, woodsy or musky, or herbal or sweet, or mix a few scent families. The possibilities are endless.
It makes sense to always include a top, middle and base note.
The top and base together should be about the same amount as the middle. For example 10 drops of grapefruit, 20 drops of cardamom, and 10 of rose.
Go ahead, play around, and make your own solid perfume. It’s so much fun!

Very insightful! Some great tips and recipes. Wonderful post, thank you!