Crafting Custom Skincare: DIY Tips, Science, + Creating a Ritual

Crafting Custom Skincare: DIY Tips, Science, + Creating a Ritual

Happy Birthday Candle made by the talented Peggy-Ann Laroche from Respirer la Lumiere using our Birthday Cake Premium Luxury Fragrance Oil. Checkout her stunning work on Instagram here @respirer_la_lumiere or shop her products on Etsy - Breathe in the Light.

 

Ever thought your skincare routine could use a little personal touch and a sprinkle of science? Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting custom skincare! Whether you're a seasoned maker or a curious beginner, this guide will help you whip up body oils, candles, soaps, and lotions that are uniquely yours—and yes, we’re backing it all up with a bit of science.


Body Oils That Shine (Literally)

Imagine a body oil that makes you feel like you just stepped out of a luxury spa—enter our Baccarat Rouge 540 Premium Luxury Fragrance Oil. When creating your own body oil blend, the secret is to combine a nourishing carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) with a premium fragrance that uplifts your mood.


Science Tidbit: Research shows that the molecular structure of fragrance oils influences their absorption and scent throw. Lighter molecules (like those in citrus oils) evaporate quickly, while more substantial compounds (like Baccarat Rouge 540’s rich accords) linger longer, giving you that all-day radiance.


DIY Tip: Mix 20 drops of your chosen fragrance into 30 ml of carrier oil, stir gently, and do a patch test - keep in mind IFRA limits for fragrances used in leave on applications.


Candles: A Sweet Smell of Celebration

Now, let’s light up your creativity - literally! Custom candles are the perfect way to set the mood, and nothing says “party in a jar” like our Birthday Cake Premium Luxury Fragrance Oil. When crafting candles, the art is in the melt and pour.


Science Tidbit: The diffusion of fragrance in candles is governed by temperature and the wax’s melting point. As the candle burns, the heat helps release the volatile fragrance compounds. Birthday Cake’s playful blend creates a warm, inviting atmosphere as it slowly transforms your room into a celebration.


DIY Tip: Aim for a wax-to-fragrance ratio of about 6% to 8% to get a balanced scent without overpowering your space. Stir in the fragrance while the wax is just below its melting point for optimal scent retention.


Soaps: Expect the Unexpected

Soap-making can be as exciting as it is messy, especially when you’re experimenting with deep, luxurious scents like Pink Sugar Premium Fragrance Oil. But here’s a fun challenge: vanillin discoloration.


Science Tidbit: Vanillin, a common component in many fragrance formulations, can cause soap discoloration and accelerate saponification due to its chemical reactivity. Studies show that controlling the pH and temperature during soap-making can minimize this effect.


DIY Tip: To keep your soap from turning into a chemistry experiment gone wrong, use a lower concentration of Pink Sugar (aim for around 3-5 drops per 100 grams of soap base, or 0.6-1oz per 1lb of soap oils) and maintain a steady, moderate temperature during the mixing process. This keeps your soap not only beautifully scented but also visually appealing.


Lotions: A Creamy Dream with Vanilla Bean

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk lotions. Imagine a silky lotion infused with the warm, comforting aroma of Vanilla Bean Fragrance Oil that wraps your skin in a gentle hug every time you apply it.


Science Tidbit: Emulsions like lotions require precise ratios of oil to water to achieve the perfect texture. The addition of vanilla bean not only boosts your skin’s hydration but also stimulates the release of feel-good neurotransmitters when you inhale its aroma.


DIY Tip: Create your lotion using a 70:30 water-to-oil ratio, blend in your fragrance oil after emulsification, and let the mixture cool slowly to lock in that creamy consistency and delightful scent.


Final Thoughts: Science, Art, and a Dash of Safety

Regardless of what you're creating, this post is designed to spark some inspo. We encourage you to experiment with tried + true recipes, add your own flair, and most importantly pay attention to the IFRA guidelines for the fragrance oil you are using. Fragrances have different usage limits in different mediums, and this is also influenced by the product's use - a rinse off product may have a higher IFRA use limit than a leave on product, for example. You can learn more about how to use IFRA limits in our blog post here.

Using your creativity and IFRA guidelines is the recipe to creating a safe, successful product! Crafting custom skincare is not only about creating products that work—it’s about expressing your creativity and turning everyday routines into joyful rituals.

At Kulig Aromatique, we’re proud to support makers like you with premium fragrance oils that elevate every product you create. So go ahead—mix, test, tweak, and most importantly, have fun! Your skin (and your inner nose scientist) will thank you.

Back to blog