People love to smell good and not everyone cares about the quality of the product they use to achieve that goal. Walking around and leaving a trail of enchantment can come with a cost, especially if you use synthetic perfumes or sprays. How can a few spritzes of perfume be damaging to your health? Please allow us to explain.
The Problem With Synthetic Fragrances
No matter the person’s age or health, synthetic fragrances pose several dangers. According to the National Academy of Sciences, roughly 95% of all synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum. They contain toluene, benzene derivatives, and other carcinogenic chemicals that increase the risk of birth defects, allergic reactions, and cancer. Some of these chemicals can even cause damage to the central nervous system and endocrine system.
It can be hard to pinpoint exactly which fragrances to avoid, since there are over 3,000 ingredients that pose health risks. The words “fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient label are legal ways to hide mysterious chemical ingredients. These blanket words can hide an unidentified mixture of ingredients that contain allergens, environmental toxins, neurotoxic chemicals, and endocrine disruptors. This is true for perfumes, shampoos, air fresheners, deodorants, plug-ins, sunscreens, and soaps.
Creating Your Own Body Spray
Creating your own spray or perfume is a very simple process, but it may require some experimentation. Ultimately, essential oil blends can change over time. Sometimes, the scents can be quite overpowering, so you have to learn how much of each oil to include. One thing to note is that patchouli oil is very overpowering and can scare off some people, so don’t go crazy with that oil.
Homemade perfumes or sprays made with essential oils are much better for your health and the environment. The fact that a homemade spray is easy to make is also an incredible selling point. Plus, all you have to do is purchase essential oils you enjoy and you can keep experimenting with new combinations every batch you make. Just keep in mind that DIY essential oil scents may not last as long as the chemical perfume fragrances you are used to. While you won’t have to worry about endocrine system disruption or potential headaches, you may have to apply the spray more frequently.
How To Make Your Own Body Spray
As a general rule of thumb, you should keep any liquid mixture containing essential oils in an amber glass bottle. The recipe below also calls for witch hazel with the optional addition of vegetable glycerin. Now, it can be beneficial to add the vegetable glycerin because it helps the scent last longer. In case you need a little inspiration about which essential oils to use and how much you need, there are several recipes below. Pick your scent or create your own. The possibilities are endless!
Citrus Body Spray
Ingredients:
- 10 drops tangerine essential oil
- 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 1/2 tablespoon witch hazel
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the essential oils to the dark amber glass bottle with a spray top.
- Pour in the witch hazel and vegetable glycerin, and fill the rest of the bottle up with distilled water.
- Shake well and use when ready. Store in a cool, dry place.
Floral Body Spray
Ingredients:
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 10 drops bergamot essential oil
- 1/2 tablespoon witch hazel
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the essential oils to the dark amber glass bottle with a spray top.
- Pour in the witch hazel and vegetable glycerin, and fill the rest of the bottle up with distilled water.
- Shake well and use when ready. Store in a cool, dry place.
Earthy Body Spray
Ingredients:
- 10 drops patchouli essential oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops cedar wood essential oil
- 1/2 tablespoon witch hazel
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the essential oils to the dark amber glass bottle with a spray top.
- Pour in the witch hazel and vegetable glycerin, and fill the rest of the bottle up with distilled water.
- Shake well and use when ready. Store in a cool, dry place.
