Want to make solid perfume without beeswax? This easy vegan solid perfume recipe uses just candelilla wax, jojoba oil, and essential oils. It takes only a few minutes to make and is easy to customize with your favorite scent.
Candelilla wax makes a great plant-based alternative to beeswax, but it is harder than beeswax, so you can’t simply substitute it at the same amount. This recipe uses a ratio that works specifically with candelilla wax to create a solid perfume that is easy to apply.
What Is a Solid Perfume?
A solid perfume is exactly what it sounds like — perfume in solid form, about the consistency of a lip balm, usually packaged in a small tin or jar. Instead of spraying it on, you swipe a little onto your pulse points with a fingertip.
If you’ve made my chocolate peppermint vegan lip balm before, you already have a feel for this texture and process.
This vegan version uses candelilla wax as its base, which gives the perfume its solid texture and makes it easy to apply directly to the skin.
Why Skip Beeswax? (Candelilla Wax vs. Beeswax)
Most solid perfume recipes default to beeswax, but that’s not an option if you’re vegan, or if you simply don’t want animal-derived ingredients in something you’re wearing on your skin all day. Candelilla wax is the easiest substitute:
- It’s 100% plant-based, made from the euphorbia cerifera shrub
- It’s actually harder and has more slip than beeswax — that’s why this recipe uses a bit less of it than a beeswax version would call for
- IIt helps create the firm, protective texture needed for a solid perfume.
- Candelilla wax is much harder than beeswax, so don’t substitute it at a 1:1 ratio in a beeswax recipe. If you want to use candelilla wax in another formula, you’ll usually need to adjust the amount of wax and oil.
Prefer a version that does use beeswax instead? I have a traditional solid perfume recipe with beeswax that follows the same basic method — just swap which wax you reach for.
Prefer to watch How to Make Solid Perfume Without Beeswax
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Candelilla Wax
The hard, plant-based wax that gives the perfume its solid structure.
Jojoba Oil
Helps soften the candelilla wax and makes the finished perfume easier to apply.
Essential Oils
Provide the fragrance. You can use a single essential oil or create your own blend.
Not sure which carrier oil fits your skin best? My guide to carrier oils in skincare breaks down jojoba vs. other options like sweet almond and fractionated coconut oil.
Best Essential Oils for Solid Perfume
| Essential Oil | Scent Type |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Floral, herbal |
| Sweet Orange | Bright, citrus |
| Geranium | Floral |
| Ylang Ylang | Rich, floral |
| Patchouli | Earthy, woody |
| Sandalwood | Warm, woody |
| Peppermint | Cool, minty |
You can use one essential oil by itself, or combine several to create your own scent.
How to Blend Essential Oils Like a Perfumer
A well-balanced perfume blend uses three “notes”:
Top Notes
The first scents you notice. Examples: lemon, grapefruit, eucalyptus, pine and blood orange.
Middle Notes
The heart of the fragrance. Examples: lavender, sage, rose and geranium.
Base Notes
The deeper scents that help round out the blend. Examples: patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla.
You don’t have to create a traditional three-note perfume. Experiment with different combinations and see what you like.
How to Make Solid Perfume Without Beeswax (Step-by-Step)
Before you start: Make sure your perfume container is clean and completely dry. Because this recipe contains no water, there is no water phase to preserve, but you still want to start with clean equipment and packaging.
- Place the candelilla wax and jojoba oil into a heat-safe container. Melt on a double boiler over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the melted wax and oil from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the essential oils and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Pour into your solid perfume tin and let it cool until fully solid.
That’s it — no preservative needed since there’s no water in this formula, and it makes such a nice handmade gift.
How Much Essential Oil Should You Use?
The essential oil blend makes up 5% of this particular formula. When making solid perfume, don’t assume that more essential oil automatically means a stronger or better perfume.
Essential oils have different recommended usage rates and skin-safety considerations, so always check the supplier’s recommended usage rate and relevant safety information for the specific essential oils you’re using.
If you change the essential oils in this recipe, check the recommended skin-use rate for your particular oils before making your batch.
How Long Does Solid Perfume Last?
On skin, the scent typically lasts up to 4 hours with that being said…
How long a solid perfume lasts on the skin depends on the essential oils or fragrance materials used, as well as your individual skin chemistry. You may need to reapply throughout the day.
Store your solid perfume somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight. Don’t leave it in a hot car, as the mixture can soften or melt.
FAQ
Can I use a different wax instead of candelilla? You can experiment with other hard waxes, but don’t substitute them 1:1. Different waxes have different levels of hardness and melting points, so the amount of wax and oil may need to be adjusted.
Do I need a preservative? No — since this recipe contains no water, there’s nothing for bacteria or mold to grow in.
How long does this recipe make? This batch makes about 1 ounce — plenty for a standard solid perfume tin, and easy to scale up.
Try another Solid Perfume
Loved this one? Try my Love Spell Solid Perfume for a different scent combination using the same base method.
If you don’t need a vegan recipe, try my traditional solid perfume recipe with beeswax.
Vegan Solid Perfume Recipe
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
- 0.16 ounce | 16% Candelilla Wax
- 0.79 ounce | 79% Jojoba Oil
- 0.03 ounce | 3% Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 0.02 ounce | 2% Geranium Essential Oil
Instructions
- Place the candelilla wax and jojoba oil into a heat safe container. Heat it on a double boiler until it is completely melted on a low heat. For a double boiler, I use a sauce pan with a silicone mat and an inch of water on the bottom. You are going to want to stir this occasionally while it is melting.
- Add you essential oils and mix well.
- Pour into your Solid Perfume Tin. Allow it to cool until it is solid.
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