Formulating Natural Oil Based Fragrances Course ONLINE: March 7th, 2026

 Beginner level class

This Introductory perfume class focuses on creating natural oil based fragrances utilizing a carrier oil base. We are offering this class based on numerous student requests as oil based perfumes are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Small roll on bottles of scents are trending with consumers as they are portable, travel friendly and easy to apply. Many prefer the long lasting moisturizing fragrance perfume oils provide.  

Formulating natural fragrances using oil versus alcohol as a base presents a plethora of unique challenges.  For example, many absolutes commonly used in natural perfumery are insoluble in carrier oil, and some scent categories sing in carrier oil while others sink. Students will learn techniques to assist them in creating stable, harmonious oil based accords. There is a lack of information available regarding creating sophisticated botanical oil-based fragrances, and Charna will share her knowledge gained from 15 years of experience formulating balanced and elegant perfume oils with her characteristic wit and generosity.

Topics covered in class include the following:

- recommended carrier oils. Pros and cons of various carrier oils. Carrier oils to avoid.

- proper ratios of top, heart, and base notes, necessary for creating balanced perfume oils.

- scent categories suitable for perfume oil formulation (i.e. fragrance families that work and don't work in carrier oils)

- reputable suppliers for sourcing ingredients and packaging

- botanical materials unsuitable for oil perfume formulation

- storage and aging of perfume oils

- packaging 

- pricing

- potency and longevity

- dilutions (ethanol versus oil dilutions)

- maceration

Registered students will receive a kit of essences, perfumery materials, carrier oils, bottles and lab ware valued at over $300 included in the price of the course.  Also included are the course syllabus and access to the live zoom class which runs from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm EST Saturday March 7th, 2026. The materials kit will be mailed to students prior to the class date and is necessary for all class exercises.  Students will have essences and additional materials remaining after class to ensure that they may continue to practice formulating on their own and develop learned skills after the class ends.  Materials kit includes:

16 qty. botanical essences

5 qty. labeled wide mouth vials for storing perfume oil mods

2 qty. labeled premade perfume oil samples for scent detection experiment

1 qty. 10 ml. perfume roller bottle 

16 plastic pipettes 

30 scent strips 

2 bottles of organic carrier oils

Attendees will focus on creating five different fragrance mods during class.

The only item not provided in the materials kit that is necessary for participation in class exercises is a small (10-50 ml.) beaker.  If you register for a perfume class, please make sure you have a small beaker available for class use.  Students must have access to wifi and a free zoom account to participate in class. Please note all classes are non refundable and non transferable. Class size is limited and registration is available on a first come first serve basis. Early discounted registration pricing is currently in effect for this course and the pricing will increase before the scheduled date, should the class not sell out first.