DIY Essential Oil Body Mist Recipe for Natural Refreshment
How to make a natural body spray at home with witch hazel and essential oils. An easy DIY body mist recipe that is fresh, light and long lasting.
In this guide
To make a natural body spray, mix 20 to 30 drops of essential oils with witch hazel or vodka, then add distilled water and vegetable glycerine in a glass spray bottle. That is all it takes to make a light, fresh body mist at home. Below you will find our easy base recipe and 6 scent blends to match your mood.
Key takeaways
- A body mist is lighter than perfume because it has more water and less alcohol.
- The base recipe uses 1 ounce of water, 0.5 ounce of witch hazel or vodka, 0.5 ounce of glycerine and 20 to 30 drops of essential oils.
- Use witch hazel instead of vodka for an alcohol-free body spray.
- Stick to 3 oils or fewer per blend for the best scent.
- Avoid sun-sensitising citrus oils, and always shake before you spray.
Why make your own natural body spray?
Your scent can set the tone for your whole day. A few spritzes of something you love can lift your mood and energy in seconds.
When the weather gets warmer, heavy perfumes can feel too much. A homemade essential oil body spray is an easy, affordable way to smell lovely using only natural, skin-friendly ingredients. You can make a fresh, light scent to match your mood every day of the week.
It also lets you skip the harsh chemicals found in many shop-bought perfumes. You choose every ingredient that goes onto your skin.
What makes a body mist different from perfume?
A body mist is much lighter than perfume because it contains more water and less alcohol. The scent is softer, so you can spray it more often and wear it all day without it feeling heavy.
If you would rather not use alcohol, use witch hazel as the base instead. It gives you a more natural, alcohol-free formula.
What is witch hazel?
Witch hazel is a natural remedy made from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant, Hamamelis virginiana. The plant is native to North America and has many traditional uses. It is not an essential oil, but a clear liquid that mixes well with water.
Witch hazel is rich in tannins, which makes it an astringent. Astringents tone and tighten the skin, help skin tissue contract and support healing. This makes it a lovely base for a body mist.
Witch hazel is known to help the skin in these ways:
- Relieves inflammation
- Reduces skin irritation
- Fights acne
- Protects against skin damage
Body mist ingredients and what each one does
You only need five simple things to make a natural body mist. Here is what each one does.
| Ingredient | Amount | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled water | 1 ounce (about 30ml) | The light, gentle base of the mist |
| Vodka or witch hazel | 0.5 ounce (about 15ml) | Helps the essential oils blend into the water |
| Vegetable glycerine | 0.5 ounce (about 15ml) | Softens the skin and helps the scent last |
| Essential oils | 20 to 30 drops in total | Gives your mist its scent |
| Glass spray bottle | One | Keeps the oils fresh and makes it easy to spray |
How to make a body mist with essential oils
This base recipe is the starting point for every blend in this guide. Make it once, then swap the oils to change the scent.
1. Base Body Mist Recipe
Best for: any scent you choose
- 1 oz Distilled water
- 0.5 oz Vodka or witch hazel
- 0.5 oz Vegetable glycerine
- 20 to 30 drops Essential oils in total
Mix the vodka or witch hazel with your essential oils. In another container, mix the water with the glycerine. Pour both into a glass spray bottle and shake gently for about one minute. It is now ready to use.
Pro tip
Essential oils and water do not fully mix, so always shake the bottle before each spray. Store your mist in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
Choosing your essential oils for a homemade body spray
Scent is very personal. When you pick oils for your body mist, think about how you want to feel. Do you want something energising, calming or romantic?
There is an essential oil for every occasion, and you can create your own signature blend from the oils you love most. We recommend using no more than 3 oils per scent for the best results.
Some citrus oils react with sunlight and can make your skin more likely to burn. Avoid lime, lemon, grapefruit and standard bergamot in a body mist you wear outdoors. Our Bergamot FCF has the sun-sensitising compounds removed, and sweet orange is not known to be sun-sensitising, but always patch test first.
6 essential oil body spray recipes
Add each blend to the base recipe above in place of the 20 to 30 drops of essential oils. Feel free to experiment until you find your favourite.
2. Refreshing Blend
Best for: a cool lift after a workout or on a hot day
- 12 drops Eucalyptus oil
- 12 drops Peppermint oil
Fresh, cool and clean. Spray it after the gym or whenever you need to feel more awake.
3. Flower Love
Best for: a soft, feminine floral scent
- 10 drops Rose oil
- 8 drops Jasmine oil
- 6 drops Neroli oil
A rich bouquet of rose, jasmine and orange blossom. It is perfect for a special day or a summer evening.
4. Calming Bliss
Best for: winding down and feeling relaxed
- 12 drops Lavender oil
- 12 drops Rose oil
- 6 drops Cedarwood oil
Soft lavender and rose with a warm woody base. Spray it in the evening or before bed.
5. Earthy
Best for: a warm, grounding, unisex scent
- 15 drops Cedarwood oil
- 15 drops Sandalwood oil
Dry cedarwood and creamy sandalwood make a simple scent that suits everyone.
6. Holiday Romance
Best for: date nights and warm evenings
- 10 drops Ylang ylang oil
- 10 drops Patchouli oil
Sweet, exotic ylang ylang with deep, earthy patchouli. A sultry scent that feels like a summer holiday.
7. Good Vibes
Best for: a calm, positive mood
- 10 drops Rose oil
- 10 drops Frankincense oil
Rose and frankincense make a soft, balanced scent. Spray it whenever you need a little calm.
How to use your body mist
Use your natural body mist after a shower, after a workout or whenever you want a fresh lift. Spray it lightly over your skin or clothes.
- Shake the bottle well before every use.
- Hold the bottle about 15cm away from your skin and spray lightly.
- Keep it away from your eyes and face.
- Store it in a cool, dark place to keep the scent fresh.
Is homemade body mist safe?
Safety first
Always do a patch test before using a new mist. Spray a little on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to check for any redness or itching.
- Keep to 20 to 30 drops of essential oil per batch, as in the recipe. More is not better.
- Avoid sun-sensitising citrus oils such as lime, lemon, grapefruit and standard bergamot if you will be in the sun.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or midwife first.
- Do not use on babies or young children, and keep the bottle out of their reach.
- Spray away from pets, especially cats, as they are sensitive to essential oils.
FAQs
How do you make a body mist with essential oils?
Mix 20 to 30 drops of essential oils with 0.5 ounce of vodka or witch hazel. Add 0.5 ounce of vegetable glycerine and 1 ounce of distilled water, pour into a glass spray bottle and shake. Shake again before each use.
How do you make body spray without alcohol?
Use witch hazel instead of vodka in the base recipe. It helps the oils blend into the water and gives you a gentle, alcohol-free body spray.
How do you make body mist with fragrance oil?
Mix 1 ounce of distilled water, 0.5 ounce of witch hazel and 0.5 ounce of vegetable glycerine in a spray bottle. Add 15 to 20 drops of your favourite fragrance oil, shake well and store in a cool place.
Do I need polysorbate 80 in a body spray recipe?
No, our recipe does not use it. Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier that some recipes add to stop oil and water separating. Without it, simply shake your bottle well before every spray.
How do I make my homemade body spray last?
The vegetable glycerine helps the scent stay on your skin for longer. Spray onto clothes as well as skin, and keep the bottle in a cool, dark place so the oils stay fresh.
Are homemade body mist sprays safe?
Yes, when made with pure essential oils, clean water and natural ingredients such as witch hazel. Always patch test first, and avoid sun-sensitising citrus oils such as lime and standard bergamot for daytime use.
Is a body splash the same as a body mist?
They are very similar. Both are light, water-based scents. A body splash is usually poured or dabbed on, while a mist is sprayed, so you can use this same recipe in a splash bottle if you prefer.
How should I use body mist spray?
Spray it lightly over your skin or clothes after a shower, after a workout or whenever you want a fresh lift. Shake the bottle before each use and keep it away from your eyes.
The bottom line
Making your own natural body spray is simple, fun and easy to change with the seasons. Start with the base recipe, pick one of the 6 blends, and enjoy a fresh scent without harsh chemicals. For more ideas, try our DIY essential oil room sprays or learn how to add essential oils to your body wash. Find every oil in these recipes in our essential oils collection.
