The finishing touch to any body scrub is a carefully selected fragrance oil. Since most body scrubs are oil-based, adding fragrance is straightforward. After melting your oils and waxes, add your preferred fragrance oil at the correct usage rate. The Bramble Berry Fragrance Calculator will help you determine exactly how much to use.
Choosing Skin-Safe Fragrance Oils for Scrubs
When you are making your next batch of body scrubs, you will want to ensure that the scents you select are fragrance oils for skincare. Look for the IFRA certification on each product description. The IFRA document will list the maximum safe usage rates for each fragrance oil. For scrubs, use the rinse-off category, which will allow for higher usage rates.
Getting Fragrance Usage Rates Right for Body Scrubs
- Add fragrance to the oil phase first: Mix your fragrance oil into the carrier oils before adding sugar or salt. This distributes the scent evenly and prevents pockets of concentrated fragrance in the finished scrub.
- Use the total batch weight for your calculation: Include the total sugar or salt weight when entering your recipe into the Fragrance Calculator.
- Do a small test batch before committing to a full recipe: The final fragrance scent in your product can vary depending on the strength and any scents that may be in the oils and butters you are combining them with. A small test batch lets you confirm the final scent strength before scaling up.
- Patch test scrubs before use: Apply a small amount of scrub to the inside of your wrist, rinse off, then wait 24 hours. Watch for any irritation or redness. This is especially important for scrubs you plan to sell.
Store your finished scrub away from direct sunlight and heat. Fragrance oils have a long shelf life, so you should consider the carrier oil and other ingredients in your body scrub recipe to determine the product's shelf life. Fragrance oils should last around one year when stored properly. The scent strength will degrade slowly over time.
Can I use the same usage rate for all the different fragrance oils?
Each fragrance oil has its own IFRA certificate with its own maximum usage rate, so the rate will vary from oil to oil. Always check the individual product page and use the Bramble Berry Fragrance Calculator to find the right amount for your specific recipe.
At what point should I add the fragrance oil to my body scrub recipe?
Add your fragrance to the oil phase before mixing in the sugar or salt. Make sure your carrier oils and waxes are completely melted before adding the fragrance oil. This ensures even distribution throughout the scrub and prevents scent fade over time.