Fragrance Oil : How To Make Body Mist

Fragrance Oil : How To Make Body Mist

Sarah Sarah
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If there’s one fragrance oil trend that continues to thrive in 2025, it’s body mist. Light, wearable, and endlessly layer-able, body mists are having their glow-up thanks to Gen Z, social media, and some seriously nostalgic scents. From Sol de Janeiro’s beachy sprays to the sugary-sweet hits from Victoria’s Secret and Ariana Grande, body mist has found its way back into handbags, gym bags, and beauty routines everywhere.

And we’re here for it.

Whether you’re a home crafter, a small business owner, or just a fragrance lover who wants to make your own signature spritz - body mist is one of the most affordable, accessible, and creative ways to wear scent daily. And better yet? You can make your own using your favourite fragrance oil.


Why Body Mist?

Body mist has always been a lighter, more casual cousin to perfume. It’s designed to be spritzed generously throughout the day, offering a refreshing boost of scent without overwhelming the senses (or your wallet).

Here’s why body mists are booming right now:

  • Affordability – You can get the scent experience without the designer price tag

  • Layering Potential – Mist over body lotions, sprays, or perfumes for longer-lasting fragrance

  • Nostalgia Factor – Y2K and 2010s favourites like Victoria’s Secret Love Spell are making a comeback

  • Trending Brands – Sol de Janeiro, Bath & Body Works, and celebrity beauty lines are driving popularity

  • Customisation – DIY mists mean you can control strength, ingredients, and scent combos

So if you’re not offering body mists in your range yet - or haven’t tried making your own - now is the perfect time to start.


What’s in a Body Mist?

A good body mist is made up of a few key components:

  • Fragrance oil – The scent itself, diluted to skin-safe levels

  • Solubiliser – To blend oil and water (Polysorbate 20 is a common option)

  • Distilled water – Acts as the base

  • Optional extras – Glycerin (for moisture), a preservative (for shelf life), and a little alcohol (for quicker dry down)

And because body mist is applied directly to the skin, ensuring that you adhere to regulations and safe usage limits are especially important — particularly if you’re making it to sell. As this is a product that goes on to the skin, you are legally required to hold the relevant CPSR assessment in order to gift or sell body mist.


How Much  Oil Should You Use?

Fragrance oil in body mist should be used at a safe dermal level — meaning the amount your skin can tolerate without irritation. The IFRA (International Fragrance Association) provides guidelines on safe use levels for each fragrance oil based on category.

For body mist, that’s typically Category 2 under IFRA.

If you’re using fragrance oils from House of Scent (or any reputable supplier), always check the IFRA 49 certificate to find the maximum allowable percentage for category 2 products. It varies per scent and so please ensure that you check the IFRA for each individual fragrance oil that you use to make body mist with.

For this recipe, we’re going to use a fragrance oil with a maximum limit of 3% for safety. Be sure to adjust if your chosen fragrance allows more or less.


✨ DIY Body Mist Recipe ( 100g Batch)

Ingredients:

  • Fragrance oil – 3g (based on 3% usage rate – always check IFRA documentation)

  • Polysorbate 20 (solubiliser) – 6g

  • Vegetable glycerin (optional) – 2g (adds moisture to the skin)

  • Preservative (e.g. Geogard ECT) – 0.8g (0.8% of total weight, optional but recommended)

  • Distilled water – 88.2g


Method:

  1. Mix the fragrance oil and Polysorbate 20 together in a small beaker or container. Stir until it forms a uniform, slightly cloudy liquid.

  2. Add the glycerin and stir again.

  3. Slowly pour in the distilled water while stirring gently.

  4. Add your preservative, stir well, and transfer to a spray bottle.

  5. Let it sit for 24 hours before use - this allows the fragrance to settle and blend fully.


Storage & Usage

Store your body mist in a cool, dark place. Because this is a water-based product, we highly recommend using a preservative if you’re making more than a small batch - or if you're planning to sell.

Shake before each use and spritz onto clothes or body from a distance.


Choosing the Right Oil

Not all oils are safe for skin, so always check that your chosen oil is cosmetic grade and suitable for use in body products.

All House of Scent fragrance oils come with full IFRA documentation, making it easy to see what’s safe and what's not.


How to Sell Body Mist (The Safe Way)

If you’re planning to sell your body mist, there are a few things you’ll need to do:

  1. Product Safety Report (CPSR): This is a legal requirement for any cosmetic product sold in the UK.

  2. Proper Labelling: Your label must include ingredients (INCI names), batch number, shelf life, and responsible person details.

  3. Insurance: Always protect your business with the right product liability cover.

  4. Patch Test Advice: Encourage customers to patch test before full use, especially with scented products.

Selling cosmetic products takes more work than wax melts or room sprays - but the demand is there, and it’s a great way to expand your brand into beauty.


Body Mist vs. Perfume: What’s the Difference?

Body MistPerfume
Lower fragrance concentration (2–4%)Higher fragrance concentration (15–30%)
Water-basedAlcohol-based
Refreshing and lightLong-lasting and intense
Great for layeringGreat for a signature scent
Ideal for everyday useIdeal for special occasions

Final Thoughts

Body mist is more than just a throwback to your teenage years - it’s a smart, low-commitment way to enjoy fragrance every day. Whether you’re misting after the gym, layering before a night out, or just want your own blend of that trending scent, it’s never been easier (or safer) to make your own at home.

Armed with high-quality fragrance oil, a few simple ingredients, and a little know-how, you can create beautiful body mists that feel just as luxe as the designer brands — without the hefty price tag.


Discover Premium Fragrance Oils for Body Mist!

Looking to create your own body mist? House of Scent offers premium, undiluted fragrance oils that closely match popular scents. Whether you're crafting for personal use or starting a business, we have the perfect fragrances to bring your body mist creations to life!

SHOP ALL FRAGRANCE OILS

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