Make your own perfume with fragrance oil: Alcohol, concentration & fixatives

An alcohol-based perfume can be made from a suitable fragrance composition, ethanol and – depending on the formula – an additional fixative.

However, the most important question is not:

“How much fragrance oil should fundamentally be in every perfume?”

but:

“What concentration works with this specific fragrance composition and is permissible for the intended application?”

IFRA limits depend on the regulated fragrance ingredients contained and the specific end application. A general percentage therefore cannot replace a product-specific assessment.

What do you need for an alcohol-based perfume?

Typical components are:

• suitable fragrance composition
• ethanol suitable for perfume
• optionally a fixative
• optionally other components suitable for the specific formulation.

Which components are needed depends on the fragrance composition and the desired product.

What is the function of ethanol?

In classic alcohol-based perfume formulations, ethanol serves as a carrier and solvent.

After application, a large part of the alcohol evaporates, while the fragrance composition continues to unfold.

For high-quality perfume formulations, an appropriate, as odorless as possible, alcohol should be used.

How much fragrance belongs in perfume?

There is no single universal fragrance concentration.

The final concentration should be derived from several factors:

• desired scent intensity
• specific fragrance composition
• solubility
• stability
• product-specific IFRA documentation
• legal requirements.

Particularly important:

A high maximum value mentioned in the IFRA document is not a dosage recommendation.

IFRA states that quantitative upper limits describe the maximum acceptable content of regulated fragrance materials in the finished consumer product.

Example formulation with PFRP 17832

Aroma Nova currently provides the following intensive example formulation for an application test for PFRP 17832:

All components together must add up to 100 %. Aroma Nova explicitly points out on the product page that concentration and result must be adapted to the specific fragrance composition, IFRA documentation, and end application.

This formulation is therefore not a universal mixing ratio for every perfume.

It is a possible development approach.

What does PFRP 17832 do?

PFRP 17832 is an optional formulation component that can influence the evaporation dynamics of a fragrance composition and support a more even scent progression.

It does not replace the actual fragrance composition and does not have its own scent pyramid. Aroma Nova therefore recommends comparative tests with and without fixative.

More fixative does not automatically mean a longer or better fragrance effect.

Is a fixative always necessary?

No.

Many fragrance compositions can be formulated without an additional fixative.

A useful development test would be, for example:

Sample A

Fragrance composition + Ethanol

Sample B

the same fragrance composition + Ethanol + Fixative

Subsequently, both samples are compared regarding:

• scent intensity
• scent progression
• clarity
• stability
• long-term perception

compared.

Manufacture of a test perfume

1. Weigh fragrance

Work by weight, not volume, for reproducibility.

2. Add fixative

If the formula includes PFRP, first homogenize the fragrance and fixative.

3. Add ethanol

Add while mixing evenly.

4. Check for homogeneity

The liquid should be uniform.

5. Store sealed

Preferably cool and protected from light.

6. Observe development

For example:

• after 24 hours
• after 7 days
• after 14 days
• optionally after several weeks.

7. Filter if necessary

Only then fill finally.

How long does perfume need to mature?

There is no single scientifically defined maturation period for all fragrance compositions.

A controlled comparison over several time points is more useful.

This allows changes in:

• scent character
• homogeneity
• color
• clarity

to be observed.

Why can a perfume become cloudy?

Possible causes include:

• limited solubility of individual components
• composition of the fragrance
• other formulation components
• temperature changes.

A clear mixture immediately after production therefore does not guarantee long-term stability.

You can find more information in the article "Stability of fragrance oils".

Safety and IFRA

IFRA Standards impose restrictions on certain fragrance ingredients depending on the end application. A Certificate of Conformity confirms the compliance of a fragrance mixture with relevant standards for an intended use, but does not replace the safety assessment or applicable legal requirements.

Perfume as a cosmetic product in the EU

If a perfume is placed on the EU market as a cosmetic product, the finished product is subject to Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This includes requirements for safety, responsible person, and product documentation.

Since the end of the corresponding transitional period on July 31, 2026, newly placed products must also comply with the extended requirements for the labeling of fragrance allergens introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545; for certain products already lawfully placed on the market, the further transitional period applies until July 31, 2028.

FAQ

Can you simply mix 30% fragrance oil and 70% alcohol?

This can be a development approach for certain formulations, but it is not a universal recipe.

Is PFRP 17832 necessary?

No. It is optional and should be evaluated through comparative tests.

How much fixative does Aroma Nova use as a test approach?

For the current PFRP product, the example formulation specifies 10–20% of the finished perfume formulation.

Is the highest IFRA value the best perfume concentration?

No. A safety-related maximum value is not a sensory or technological recommendation.

Does a self-made perfume for sale need to be legally assessed?

For a cosmetic product placed on the EU market, the requirements of the EU Cosmetics Regulation apply.

Conclusion

A good perfume is not created from a single universal formula.

Professional development means:

Select fragrance composition → determine concentration → optionally test fixative → incorporate ethanol → observe stability → check IFRA and legal requirements.

Expertly reviewed: Aroma Nova Product Development
Date: August 2026

Expert sources

Aroma Nova – PFRP 17832 and current example formulations.
International Fragrance Association – IFRA Standards.
EU – Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
EU – Regulation 2023/1545 on fragrance allergens.