Blending means combining two or more oils to produce a new fragrance with depth that surpasses any single component. This is the foundation of perfumery and applies equally to scented cosmetics, candles, and diffusers.
This page covers the basics: drop counting, tier ratios, dilution percentages for each application, and common pitfalls.
One drop from a standard dropper bottle ≈ 0.05 ml = 50 µl. Conversion: 1 ml ≈ 20 drops. The number can vary ±20% depending on viscosity (thicker oils like vetiver and sandalwood produce larger drops).
Total concentration % = (essential oil drops × 0.05) ÷ total volume × 100.
The classic ratio for a balanced fragrance:
Variations by product type:
| Product | Top | Middle | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cologne · Cologne | 50% | 30% | 20% |
| Eau de toilette · EDT | 30% | 50% | 20% |
| Eau de parfum · EDP | 20% | 50% | 30% |
| Oriental / heavy · Oriental | 15% | 35% | 50% |
| Diffuser / candle | 40% | 20% |
See each tier in detail at Scent chart.
↑ TopThe recommended maximum concentration depends on the application. Exceeding it can cause skin or respiratory irritation.
| Application | Concentration % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face | 0.5 - 1% | Facial skin is thin; favor light oils |
| Body | 1 - 3% | Safe for most adults |
| Massage oil | 1 - 2% | Lower the level when used over large areas |
| Bath | 5-10 drops in 1 tbsp carrier | Always mix into a carrier first; do not drop directly into water |
| Water diffuser | 3-5 drops / 100 ml | Close the door if the room is small |
| Candle | 6 - 10% | Measure by wax weight, not volume |
| Perfume oil · Perfume oil | 15 - 30% | Pair with jojoba as the carrier |
| Eau de parfum (alcohol-based) · EDP | 15 - 20% in 90° alcohol | Needs 2-4 weeks of aging |
| Children > 2 | 0.25 - 0.5% | Some oils are prohibited for children — see the safety page |
| Pregnancy | ≤ 1% | Avoid many oils — see the pregnancy page |
Two families that sit next to each other on the scent wheel blend naturally. Two opposite families create contrast — handled well, it gives a fragrance depth; handled poorly, it turns into a battlefield.
| Main family | Pairs with | Contrasts with |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus | Floral, Herbaceous, Marine | Tobacco, Leather |
| Floral | Citrus, Aldehydic, Powdery, Woody | Animalic, Tobacco |
| Woody | Spicy, Tobacco, Leather, Floral | Marine, fresh Citrus |
| Spicy | Woody, Amber, Floral | Marine, light Aldehydic |
| Amber / Oriental | Spicy, Vanilla, Woody | Green, Marine |
| Chypre | Citrus + Mossy + Wood | Pure Gourmet |
| Fougère | Lavender + Coumarin + Mossy | Pure Floral |
| Aromatic | Citrus, Herbaceous | Heavy floral |
| Lavender | Citrus, Herbaceous, Powdery | Animal, strong Tobacco |