Question
@Flash Gordon . In the one for Showroom Shine, you mention making natural/eco friendly interior cleaner. The also mention adding essential oils like lavender. I'd be interested in doing the lavender one for the wifes Acura. Do you have a "recipie" for making these that you-or anyone else-will be willing to share?
Thank you and be Blessed
Good question.
The amount of
lavender essential oil to add to an existing product for scent depends on several factors:
- The type of product (e.g., lotion, soap, bath product, oil-based, or something else)
- Whether it's a leave-on product (like lotion or body oil) or rinse-off (like soap or shampoo)
- Desired scent strength (light, medium, strong)
- Safety considerations (lavender is one of the gentler essential oils, but over-use can cause skin irritation or sensitization over time)
Lavender essential oil is typically added at a
percentage by weight or volume of the total product (or the base/carrier it's being mixed into).
General Safe Guidelines for Scenting
These draw from common aromatherapy, cosmetic, and DIY recommendations (e.g., from sources like NOW Foods, Tisserand guidelines via various sites, and soapmakers):
- Leave-on products (body lotion, cream, body butter, massage oil): 1–2% is standard and safe for most adults. Start at 1% for a noticeable but not overpowering scent, or 2%for stronger fragrance.
- Example: For 100g (about 3.5 oz) of lotion → add 1–2g (roughly 30–60 drops, since ~20–30 drops ≈ 1 ml or ~1g depending on dropper/thickness).
- Many sources recommend 2% as a safe default for topical daily use.
- Rinse-off products (liquid soap, shampoo, shower gel, bath bombs): 2–3%(sometimes up to 4%) is common, as less absorbs into skin.
- Example: For 500g of product → add 10–15g (about 1–1.5 tablespoons) for a good scent throw.
- Soap making (cold/hot process or melt-and-pour): Often 0.5–3% of the oil/base weight (not total recipe including water/lye). Lavender holds scent well, so many use 1–2% or around 0.3–0.5 oz per pound of oils for strong fragrance without waste. Some go up to 5% max, but that's strong.
- Perfume/cologne (alcohol-based): Can go higher, like 5–10%, but that's not typical for "an existing product" unless it's a fragrance base.
- Other products (candles, diffusers, cleaners): Varies widely — e.g., 10–15 drops per cup of wax for candles, but that's not skin-contact.
Quick Calculation Tips
- Decide your target percentage (start low: 1% for subtle scent, 2% for medium).
- Weigh or measure your product/base amount (e.g., 200 ml lotion).
- Add essential oil at that % — 1% = 1 ml per 100 ml of product (≈ 20–30 drops per 100 ml, depending on drop size).
- Mix thoroughly (ideally warm gently if needed), then test the scent after 24 hours, as it can change/mellow.
Start small — add a little, mix, smell, and add more if needed. Lavender is forgiving and one of the safest essential oils (often cited as okay even neat in tiny amounts for spot use), but
always patch-test on skin first, especially if for body products or if anyone has sensitive skin, allergies, or if it's for children/pregnant people (stick to ≤1%).
I hope this gives you some insight
