The season of holiday parties is upon us. Even though it’s not recommended to diffuse essential oils in a crowd or during public events, you can still enjoy them — trust us!
One of our favorite ways to get all the benefits of your beloved oils is to create your own essential oil perfume. Today we’re sharing this recipe for a sweet, citrusy spray you’re going to love.
Vanilla Orange Blossoms DIY Essential Oil Perfume
What you’ll need:
- 3 drops Orange Blood
- 2 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
- 1 drop Ylang Ylang Complete
- 6 drops Polysorbate 20
- 10 mL Witch Hazel
Add all these products to your cart
What you’ll do:
To make this perfume, add all your ingredients to your spray bottle or roll-on bottle and apply as desired.
Don’t forget to check out our blog DIY page for even more great ideas!
I would love to try this. Two questions: 1. if I used everclear instead of witch hazel, how does the recipe change (do I still need the polysorbate 20?) and 2. what’s the shelf life?
Liberty, using everclear is a great idea because it is known to help preserve the aroma of your blend longer if you’re wearing it. You also do not need to use the polysorbate if you go that route. The shelf life is going to depend on the essential oil that has the lowest shelf life, which in this recipe is the Blood Orange, with a 1-2 year shelf life.
Ugh. Too early for me. I just made this and used Everclear instead of the witch hazel. I was going to go ahead and add an emulsifier, even though it probably wasn’t needed. Instead I added Optiphen ND (my preservative). Other than a waste of Optiphen, is it still ok to use?
Absolutely! Even if you didn’t make the recipe quite like you intended, it is still A-OK to use 🙂
Thank you. I used the Balance Synergy. Smells great, btw!
Great recipe! I would love to try it.
Would love to try this. Just wondering if witch hazel is added so that it would evaporate? Water is not suitable as it would be wet?
Lynzie, the witch hazel in this recipe is intended just as the water base, but you can use just water if you would like 🙂
Thanks for the clarification Katrina. But if I were to add an emulsifier and preservative to water or hydrosol, will it still work? Coz I can’t find high proof alcohol where I live.
Absolutely — an emulsifier and preservative would work just fine. You can also blend these essential oils in with a carrier oil, eliminating the need for the emulsifier and preservative, just keep in mind that the fragrance will not last quite as long 🙂
Is there a good substitute for ylang ylang? My husband doesn’t care for the smell, but this sounds wonderful to try!
If you have Jasmine Absolute that would be a fantastic replacement. However, any sweet floral would work very nicely here. Magnolia Flower would be another great one to replace the Ylang Ylang with, or Palmarosa. You may need to experiment with some different sweet oils to find the one you and your husband like the best 🙂
This sounds so yummy! I think I might try to make this! I’ve always wanted to try to recreate an orange creamscicle but the addition of ylang ylang sounds perfect!
This sounds amazing! I made a few vanilla sweet orange inhalers for teacher Christmas gifts. They smell so refreshing and uplifting!
Do you plan on selling vanilla oil again or just the oleoresin? I prefer making roller bottle perfumes and would love to use vanilla in them.
I just made this perfume roller as directed, but with sweet orange instead of blood orange (due to what oils I already had). It smells amazing!
I am excited about this combination.I like concentrated perfumes so I will probably increase the drops.I will also use everclear and skip the Polysorbate 20. Yum!
What’s the difference between Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 80?
We have a blog that helps clarify the difference between emulsifiers, including Polysorbate 20 & 80: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2019/04/06/what-is-an-emulsifer-and-why-do-i-need-it/
I would think one could do without both the Polysorbate 20 and the alcohol if just used in a roller bottle with carrier oil.
OMG!!! I just pinned this recipe and have orange blood in my cart!!!! This is going to be something I make very very soon… I am a little concerned about the polysorbate because when I looked it up it just did not sound like something that should be used as it is a carcinogen but I am going to do some more research on it!! Thank you for sharing!!!
I am going to have to try this!!
Oh, I’m trying this! I knew there was a reason I ordered polysorbate 20.
Ooh, sounds nice! Thanks for the idea!
I can’t wait to try this because the combination of oils appear to conjure up visions of a orange creamsicle.
Can’t wait to try this! Must order polysorbate 20 asap!
I was hoping to find a liquid perfume idea and here it is. I may just try this over the holidays. Sounds very simple.
This is an excellent DIY project, I made this last week and it smells absolutely amazing. Another excellent project by plant therapy!
Oh, awesome! I plan to make these for gifts using Love Vanilla and Blood Orange. Thank you!
I just noticed this blog! What a wonderful idea for a gift! I have perfume bottle that I have not used yet. ( was a mystery gift from last year I believe) Would this work in that bottle?
Laura, definitely! That’s a great way to use that pretty bottle 🙂
This sounds great! Too bad I didn’t get those pretty mystery bottles to put it in! I guess clear will have to do!
This sounds like a lovely recipe. I’m going to try this blend to make some roll-one. Can’t wait!
Going to make this! Can you make it without the polysorbate?
Nora, we recommend the polysorbate as an emulsifier for this recipe. Without it, you may find the essential oils sitting on top of the witch hazel 🙂
This sounds amazing! I have all the ingredients but the polysorbate 20. I’m ordering it today, can’t wait to try this!
Excited to try this recipe…
I made a orange mint lotion the other day i love anything with orange in it ill have to add this recipe to my list
This blend looks like it would smell absolutely amazing. Even in a roller ball with fco…
I only have Polysorbate 80. Will that work?
Sandi, feel free to give it a try and let us know how it turns out 🙂
I have all of these products, guess who’s going to try this;) I really dislike ylang ylang, so I hope with the addition of the other oils it will make a nice combination.
This sounds really yummy. Gotta try it.
I’ve been toying with the idea of making perfume and I think this is going to her me started now. I think this would smell amazing!
Sounds lovely! Love the Plant Therapy’s DIY perfume recipes! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Ylang ylang is my nemesis (anything with ylang ylang gives me an instant headache) so I swapped it out for jasmine. Smells wonderful! I’m sure I’m not he only one who just can’t use ylang ylang, so I wanted to give a good smelling alternative.
That is a great suggestion, thank you! Ylang Ylang can be overwhelming because it is so intense. Personally, my stomach can’t handle it when diffused, but I absolutely love smelling it out of the bottle. Weird!
Ooooo this sounds so amazing and yummy, just like my fav orange dreamsicle! I wish I had all these oils to make it, dang.
Excited to try this, since I got some bottles as my mystery gift:) Need to buy a few of the ingredients though but they should be here soon you guys really ship out everything quick.
This sounds lovely! I need to get some blood orange!
I hope this will smell just as good with Sweet Orange! Can’t wait to try it.
Heading out to find Polysorbate today….have all the other ingredients and so excited to make this one!! Appreciate the recipe!
This sounds like an orange creamsicle, yum! I’m going to use the Love Vanilla synergy and orange together for this.
I love that you include if this is KidSafe, so there are no arguments when we are setting up our spa craft nights!
Cant wait to try this when my ylang ylang arrives, Thank you!!
This perfume sounds amazing! Now I just need to get my hands on some Polysorbate 20 and Vanilla. I’ve been wanting to make perfumes for quite some time now. Thanks Plant Therapy!! 🙂
can’t wait to try this
What would be a good replacement for Ylang Ylang? I’m looking for a perfume blend with Vanilla, and I’m sure this is lovely. But I’m allergic to Ylang Ylang.
April, contact our aromatherapists at [email protected] to discuss your particular allergy issue and they will be able to point you in the right direction! I would hate to recommend a certain essential oil without knowing what your allergy is 🙂
Is polysorbate a safe chemical? and why do you need to add this to the mixture? what is its function
Vivian, polysorbate is added because it is an emulsifier. As for the safety of this chemical, we encourage you to research it and make a personal choice for yourself and family whether or not to use it 🙂
This sounds so good! Creamsicles are my favorite, so I cannot wait to give this recipe a try. Thanks!
Ohhh!! This sounds awesome!! I really need to take the plunge and buy the Vanilla Oleoresin!! This recipe opens up all sorts of ideas for perfume!! Thanks Plant Therapy!!
Can’t wait to try this recipe out!
For the polysorbate 20, I’m assuming you buy the cosmetic grade? or there is one that is food grade?
Kerri, you can purchase food grade Polysorbate 20 🙂
Sounds wonderful! Hope to try. Not sure how I feel about preservatives. I need to better educate myself in that area. Love and trust Plant Therapy
Can’t wait to try this, but first vanilla. My next purchase, I hope !
Thank you! This sounds like a wonderful winter pick me up!
I’ve been looking for a reason to use the pretty roller/spray bottles I won from the last Mystery Gift! I can’t wait to make this!!
Orange blood and vanilla…. sounds amazing. Orange cream. Yummy!
I used EVERCLEAR instead of witch hazel.No need for the polysorbate 20. But wow…you have to let it sit for a few days….that alcohol is STRONG!
I short of Vanilla! It’s a good time to get one in order to DIY this perfume! Yippee!
I was thinking Everclear as well. I already have an orange/vanilla body spray with ever clear
I just made it in a body butter ,no preservative needed and smels very nice
Sounds amazing. I have been looking to make a perfume blend. This sounds like a good one to try as I LOVE vanilla and citrus. Yum.
We are new to the game and are excited to try this!
Can I use Poly 80?
Yes you can, Shelly. However, we recommend Polysorbate 20 for many water-based DIYs, like sprays, but 80 should still work just fine 🙂
I imagine that this smells heavenly. I will definitely be purchasing all of these ingredients and trying it out. Sounds like s good bday present to myself next month.
I got the grab bag (mystery gift)
This sounds lovely, I usually do a mix of orange and vanilla. I need to check the age appropriateness of ylang ylang.
Is Polysorbate 20 a preservative or an emulsifier?
Candace, Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier. If you’d like to learn about preservatives, check out this blog: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/10/18/preservatives-and-essential-oil-diys-an-overview/
I asked this question because it appears that Polysorbate 20 is mentioned in this blog post as a preservative. I think that it may be an inadvertant slip, like I do on a daily basis, lol!
Thanks for letting us know, Candace! I do not see that mention on this blog, so perhaps it has already been taken care of 🙂
Yes it has been changed. Thank you!
Orange and Vanilla together? Yes please!! I am going to have to pick up some polysorbate 20!
This sounds delightful! Thanks for this recipe. I need to buys some more oils
This blend sounds like it will smell amazing! I think I will use my Ylang Ylang Extra and try this out.
I have already tried mixing Vanilla with Ylang Ylang before, and it’s beautiful! Now I will try adding Blood Orange to the blend, really excited! Thank you for the recipe!
I wouldn’t have thought to put ylang ylang in this…can’t wait to try!
I just received the beautiful spray and roller bottles. I have never tried to make a perfume so wish me luck…lol. I am assuming you can use any EO that you like..
Oooooo!!!! Sounds DELICIOUS!!! ☺️
Polysorbate 20??? Where the heck do you find that? What else can be used instead that is readily available? Can it be omitted?
Kacie, Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier. Honestly, it’s easiest just to order Polysorbate 20 on Amazon or another online retailer, but you may also find a local craft store that sells it 🙂
I make my perfumes with vodka or 100% grain alcohol (you cant find vodka over 80 proof in CA because its illegal but you can buy it in other states, or 100% grain alcohol in Mexico) I know PT doesn’t recommend that because they feel an emulsyfier should be used. But the whole reason I use oils to make my own products is to avoid things like that! Alcohol preserves things, and all you have to do is shake your spray bottle before use to blend everything together. People are always telling me how much they love the perfume I wear!
I’m concerned about this additive. I Googled it, and it says it is a carcinogen. I tried to find a way to ask a question about it on here and can only see how to reply to someone else’s question.
For any concerns you have, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing team of aromatherapists directly at [email protected] 🙂
I love orange and vanilla this is going to be perfect!
Oh this sounds fun to make
My wife will love this as a perfume. Thanks
I absolutely cannot wait to give this one a try. I think I’m going to go ahead and finally give in and order the vanilla oleoresin! This will make perfect gifts this season!
Vanilla is worth it, in my opinion. I have never met anyone who did not like the aroma of vanilla, unless it was fake. This vanilla is real and very comforting.
Vanilla Oleoresin has been by FAVORITE new oil. It adds a richness and sweetness to whatever blend. So yummy!
It lasts forever so it’s worth it. You can use a blob of it to infuse carrier oil several times.
this sounds like it would smell amazing! Sounds like I’ll be buying more oils lol!!