The role of fragrance in cosmetics

How to choose and balance the right scents

Fragrance is an important part of how we experience cosmetic products. A well-balanced scent can create positive emotions, enhance the product’s theme, and give a luxurious feel – but an overpowering or wrong scent can quickly become a deal-breaker. How do you actually choose the right scent, and how do you make sure it harmonizes with the rest of the product? Read on for tips and techniques!

What affects the fragrance in cosmetics?

The fragrance in a cosmetic product can come from several different sources:

• Essential oils are natural extracts from plants that, in addition to their fragrance, often have therapeutic properties. Examples include calming lavender, invigorating citrus, or earthy cedarwood.

• Perfume oils Synthetic or natural fragrances that provide a more stable and intense scent. These are often used to create complex scent combinations.

• Fragrance-free alternatives For those of you with sensitive skin or allergies, it may be better to avoid fragrances completely and instead focus on the natural properties of the ingredients.

Tips for choosing and balancing scents

1. Start with small amounts
   Add a few drops at a time and smell between each addition. It is always easier to add more than to try to remove.

2. Create harmony
   Combine scents that complement each other, such as citrus and herbal notes or floral and woody notes. To find the balance, you can test different proportions between top, heart and base notes.

3. Test the durability
   The scent may change over time, so let your product sit for 24–48 hours and smell again to make sure the results are what you want.

Safety aspects to consider

• Never use more than 1–2% essential oils in your formulations to avoid skin irritation.

• Avoid photosensitizing oils, such as bergamot and other citrus oils, in products used during the day.

• Always check the ingredients' safety data sheets (SDS) and recommended use levels.

Where do you find fragrances?

• You can buy essential oils from suppliers such as Organic Makers or Crearome.

• Perfume oils are available at specialty stores for DIY cosmetic supplies or on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, etc.

Ready to experiment?

Creating your own signature scent can be a creative and fun process! Test different combinations, find the balance and feel free to share your results with us on social media with the hashtag #NSLFormulationSchool .

With the right scent, your cosmetic product will not only be functional – it will be a holistic experience. Good luck!