How to Mix Essential Oils - A Complete Beginner's Guide

Mixing essential oils is a fun and therapeutic experience. It involves bringing two or more scents together to give birth to something completely new.  With so many guides available about mixing essential oils and numerous dos and don'ts, one might wonder what is the right way to go about it. Short answer? There is no right answer. In this guide we aim to explore some common techniques trusted by aromatherapists for mixing essential oils. So let’s discover the world of essential oil blending in this complete guide. 

What Does It Mean to Mix Essential Oils?

The art of mixing essential oils implies bringing together two or more essential oils and mixing them to create a new scent altogether. In the world of aromatherapy, 1 plus 1 gets 11. Mixing even just two scents together doesn’t just result in a scent that smells like a combination of those two but something completely new and unique. 

Some of the common applications of mixing essential oils include:

• Diffuser blends for synergistic effects
• Perfumes and body mists
• Luxury fragrance in natural cosmetics
• Soaps and shampoo bars
• Aromatherapy candles

Essential Oil Mixing Guide - Tools & Supplies You'll Need

Ready to craft your own blend? Here’s a list of supplies you can collect before you get started. Please note that this is not a mandatory list. Feel free to modify it as per availability. 

1. Natural essential oils, absolutes or CO2 extracts that you want to work with

2. Empty essential oils bottles, preferably dark colored glass or metal bottles

3. Dropper lids

4. Notepad and pen

5. Gloves

6. Sanitizer without fragrance

7. Coffee beans

List of Carrier Oils For Diluting Essential Oils

1. Fractionated coconut oil

2. Jojoba oil

3. Almond oil

4. Grapeseed oil

5. Or any other odorless carrier oils that fits your need

An Introduction To Essential Oil Scent Notes

When it comes to creating a scent that feels whole, it is important to understand the basics of scenting- the notes. There are three types of notes in blending and each serves a unique purpose. Understanding and working around these notes helps create blends that weave a story. 

Base Notes

Base notes are the spine of any essential oil blend. This is what the blend smells like most of the time. Base note comprises oils that also carry fixative properties. These oils also have a lasting aroma. Some examples of base notes include patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense, vetiver, benzoin and even labdanum. 

Middle Notes

Middle notes are what creates a transition from top to base. These have medium evaporation properties and still give a life to the scent. Examples of middle notes include geranium, rose, jasmine, clary sage, champaca, rosemary, clove, tea tree, and tulsi. These are usually added in the maximum quantity in any blend. 

Top Notes

Top notes are what you smell in the first whiff. These are light, airy and disappear quickly. Examples of top notes tangerine, neroli, sweet orange, basil, eucalyptus, grapefruit and even bergamot. 

How to Mix Essential Oils?

1. Every outcome depends on intention. So, start by deciding what you intend to achieve out of the blend. Whether you want it to masculine, feminine, spicy, flirty, relaxing or exciting. 
2. Take an empty essential oils bottle and start adding the oils in drops as per the proportion. First comes the base notes, then middle and add top notes in the end. Write down the ratio to ensure you can recreate it. 
3. Close the bottle with the lid and let it sit for 24 to 36 hours. This helps the different oils mix well with each other. Store it away from direct sunlight. 
4. Test the scent using a scent testing paper after the resting time has passed. 
5. Scale up the scent as per ratio you had noted down. 
6. Once you have created the quantity of essential oil mix you need, dilute it with carrier oil for your desired application. You can refer to our essential oil dilution chart for details on the same. 

Essential Oil Mixing Ratios & Formulas for Beginners

A simple rule of thumb is to follow the following ratio of the three notes 

• Base note: Up to 30%

• Middle note: Up to 60%

• Top note: Up to 30%

How to Mix Aromatherapy Oils for Different Purposes?

Mixing aromatherapy oils require an understanding of essential oils aromatherapy properties. Here are some examples of blend ideas for different purpose:

1. Relaxation: Lavender, Frankincense, Eucalyptus
2. Romance: Patchouli, Rose, ylang ylang
3. Energize: Ginger, Basil, Lemon
4. Masculine: Amyris, Ginger, Bergamot
5. Focus: Rosemary, Grapefruit, Bay leaf

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mixing Essential Oils

Here are some important points to keep in mind to ensure you essential oil blends turn out fine:

1. Too many cooks spoil the curry. This holds true for aromatherapy blends too. Mixing too many essential oils together can spoil the blend. 
2. Not noting down the ratio when making the blend. 
3. Not letting the essential oil mix rest.
4. Not diluting before using.
5. Storing in a plastic or transparent container
6. Skipping in of the notes as this can make the mix feel incomplete

Concluding Thoughts

Mixing essential oils is like painting with nature’s scents. It involves an eye (or nose) for different components to come together. Mixing essential oils give rise to a new and unique scent that can be used for making diffuser blends, perfumes, lotions, bath bombs, soaps, candles and so much more. Add oils in the form of top, middle and base notes to ensure the scent feels whole. Aromachology offers a wide range of essential oils, absolutes and CO2 extracts to mix and create timeless blends. Sourcing essential oils in bulk and wholesale allows you to get creative with diverse botanical options and save money at the same time. With all this info, you are now ready to start mixing essential oils and crafting olfactory magic.