essential oil blends for men

Microsoft Word - Essential-Oil-Blends-for-Men.docxNATURAL FRAGRANCES FOR HIM
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Are you new to soapmaking?
Hello! We’re Amanda and Benjamin Aaron, husband + wife soaping duo!
Amanda Aaron began making soap in 2008. Amanda has authored several soapmaking books
including her most popular eBooks, Lovin Soap Studio’s Cold Process Soap Recipe Book and
How to Color Cold Process Soap + Swatch Guide. Her E-class, Formulating Cold Process Soap
Recipes, has taught soapmakers all over the world how to create skin-loving recipes. Amanda
teaches at conferences and seminars, spreading the craft of soapmaking far and wide.
Benjamin Aaron has been handcrafting and selling soap and body care products since 2007. From
wholesaling nationwide to health food chain stores to running a retail storefront, Benjamin has learned
countless lessons through trial and error, failing and learning. His book, How to Wholesale
Handcrafted Soap, has helped many soap makers get into the wholesale arena. His other book,
Essential Oil Blends for Handcrafted Soap, inspires soap makers to creatively blend scents for
soapmaking. Benjamin offers consulting to those wanting to turn their hobby into a business!
Together they run Lovin Soap Project, a non-profit that teaches soap making in developing countries
around the world. Find out more at www.lovinsoapproject.org.
Amanda and Benjamin reside in Kansas City, MO in a tiny minimalist apartment/studio and both enjoy
black coffee, craft beer, writing and connecting with soap makers all over the world!
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D E D I C A T I O N This book is dedicated to my Mother, Sheila Aaron, who taught me how to make soap and started a business with me, which has ultimately led me to a truly incredible life in all facets. Her essential oil expertise, which I soaked up as best I could, is ultimately the foundation of this book. Love you, Mama.
ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR MEN | BENJAMIN D. AARON
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C O N T E N T S ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 7 ABOUT THIS BOOK 9 METHODOLOGY 11 SCENT FAMILIES 13 APPLICATIONS FOR THE BLENDS 19 BEGINNING OF SCENT BLENDS 22 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 102
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A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S I intentionally named each blend with zero descriptive elements regarding the fragrance blends themselves. I did not want to sway you, the reader, by naming a blend “Forest Mint,” for example, when your scent palate does not agree with the name. Therefore, I comprised the names of 40 different men who have influenced me throughout my life to name each blend. I chose to do this to be both objective and lighthearted, as 40 different influential men seemed to be a fun way to name 40 different essential oil blends for men. That said, I must acknowledge their influence on my life. It was a fun, relaxed method to showcasing a little bit of who I am as a person, and as a man. To all the influential men out there, I acknowledge you.
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A B O U T T H I S B O O K The men’s soap and skin care industry within the larger skin care industry is still booming, and I don’t see it going away anytime soon. Millennial men (and female millennials who purchase for their men) have taken a deeply invested interest in how to take care of themselves, their skin and ultimately their appearance. But it hasn’t stopped with millennials. Men of all demographics are getting in on the fun. Companies of all sizes have invested masses of dollars on product creation and marketing efforts so that they can keep riding this lucrative wave of newly targeted customers. And, in my estimation, you can’t have a quality men’s skin care product without having a great scent. Men care about scent. A lot. Even if we say we don’t, we do. Furthermore, our scent palates are distinctive and individualistic. Yes, the majority of us enjoy woodsy scents, but we also enjoy lavender, rosemary and lemongrass. We have a wide range in our scent preferences, which go far beyond traditional musk or pine. That is why I wrote this book. I wanted to showcase to you all that I have comprised in the
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last 10 years of research, trial and error, experimentation and sales. These 40 blends have all been winners with men over the years, in a range of different product applications, from soap to room sprays.
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M E T H O D O L O G Y I am an incredibly visual person, which is why I have constructed this book the way it is. Each essential oil blend is accompanied by a radar chart, which is the means to showcasing multiple quantitative variables (my eight scent fields).
I wanted to make the viewing of each essential oil blend in the book useful for seeing which variables (scent fields) are “scoring” higher or lower within the dataset, making them ideal for displaying “scent performance.”
Each variable is provided an axis that starts from the center. All axes are arranged radially, with equal distances between each other, while maintaining the same scale between all axes. Grid lines that connect from axis-to-axis are used as a guide. Each variable value is plotted along its individual axis, and all the variables in each dataset are connected to form a polygon.
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S C E N T F A M I L I I E S Each essential oil in this book is given a score from 1 – 8 in each of the following scent fields:
— WOODS
— SPICE
— FLORAL
— BRIGHT
— MUSK
— EARTH
— SWEET
— HERB
— RICH
— FRUIT
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I, Benjamin, the author of this book, have created each essential oil’s overall score. These are the basis for the book. And though the ultimate sniff test is subjective to one’s own experience and smell proficiency, I have researched each oil’s qualitative, quantitative and tangible (physical) scent values to reach the final scores for each.
Many essential oils are incredibly complex in their scent composition, which is why I have constructed these 8 different scent field scores for each. For example, Ylang Ylang essential oil comes from flower petals of the large, tropical ylang ylang tree. At first glance, and even first sniff, one will obviously pick up floral notes, as it comes from the flower’s petals. But, there is far more to the aroma than just a floral field. When I smell Ylang ylang, I experience a deep richness, musk and even a smoky/spicy quality. Thus, it would be unsuitable for me to give Ylang Ylang a score of 8 in the floral field and leave all other scent fields at zero.
Here is how I have graded Ylang ylang:
ESSENTIAL OIL WOODS SPICE FLORAL BRIGHT MUSK EARTH SWEET HERB RICH FRUIT TOTAL
Ylang Ylang 0 1 1 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 8
As you can see, Ylang Ylang is far more complex than just having “floral” notes.
After comprising a score for each essential oil that is found in this book, I converted each score within the score fields into percentages of the total score for each (8).
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Anise 1 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 8
Atlas Cedarwood 7 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 8
Bergamot 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 8
Bitter Almond 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 5 0 8
Black Pepper 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8
Black Pine 5 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 8
Black Spruce 4 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 8
Cardamom 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8
Cassia 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8
Cinnamon Leaf 0 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 8
Clary Sage 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 8
Clove Bud 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 8
Coriander 0 2 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 8
Cypress 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 8
Eucalyptus Radiata 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 8
Fir Needle 6 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 8
Frankincense 0 4 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 8
Ginger 0 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 8
Helichrysum 0 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 8
Hemlock Spruce 5 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 8
Hops 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 8
Juniper Berry 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8
Juniper Needle 6 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 8
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Lavender 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 8
Lemon 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 4 8
Lemongrass 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 2 8
Lime 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 8
Mandarin 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 5 8
Myrrh 0 4 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 8
Neroli 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 8
Nutmeg 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 8
Palmarosa 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 0 8
Patchouli 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 1 0 8
Peppermint 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 8
Peru Balsam 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 0 8
Petitgrain 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 8
Pink Grapefruit 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 8
Roman Chamomile 0 0 5 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 8
Rose 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 8
Rosemary 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 8
Sandalwood 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 8
Spearmint 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 3 0 0 8
Sweet Basil 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 0 0 8
Sweet Orange 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 8
Tangerine 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 4 8
Tea Tree 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 8
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Vanilla Oleoresin 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 8
Vetiver 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 0 8
Virginia Cedarwood 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 8
West Indian Bay 1 4 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 8
White Thyme 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8
Ylang Ylang 0 1 1 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 8
You can now visually experience the true complexity to scent qualities of each essential oil. Again, it would be shortsided of me to just give spearmint, which is an herb, a score of 8 under the “herb” scent field, as there is so much more to it’s aroma. The above table being the basis for each essential oil’s scent quality in the book, the next step was to give a “weight” to each essential oil within each blend, due to the different percentages of each essential oil within any given blend. Once this was done, I added the values from each scent field and displayed each blend on a radar chart, allowing you to “visually smell” with some foresight and precision. I encourage you to not only create these blends, but experiment with new blends, using each of these as a foundation or template.
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A P P L I C A T I O N S F O R T H E B L E N D S As it pertains to applying these blends to any given product you wish to create, your options are truly endless. Keep in mind, however, the sensitivities that some of your users might have when utilizing essential oil-based products. While some essential oils can be irritants to the skin, others can be irritants simply by their aroma.
Also, please be advised throughout this book about usage rates for any given product you create with these blends. I will not delve into product usage rates in this book, as these blends are of my own creation as standalone blends, not specifically designed for any assigned, particular product type.
That said, below is a list of different products I have created and successfully sold from using the essential oil blends in this book:
— BAR SOAP (HOT & COLD PROCESS)
— LIQUID SOAP
— SHAVE SOAP
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— AFTERSHAVE
— ROOM SPRAY
I encourage you to experiment with different product creations from the above list and beyond, utilizing the essential oil blends found in this book. I hope that the highly visual radar charts for each blend will help you in your quest to quickly surmise what is needed for you and your business at any given time.
I hope you enjoy reading and resourcing this book as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
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Atlas Cedarwood 30%
Pink Grapefruit 30%
Hemlock Spruce 15%
Fir Needle 15%
Bergamot 10%
Atlas Cedarwood is a beautifully rich essential oil – woodsy with a buttery undertone. It is balanced well with the much brighter Pink Grapefruit. More woodland notes underneath, with a subtle balsamic tone from Hemlock Spruce. If using in bar soap, allow a lengthy cure time for well-rounded fragrance.
S C E N T N O T E S wood | subtle bright | subtle resinous | strong
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I S A A C N E W T O N
Virginia Cedarwood 40%
Sweet Orange 40%
Ylang Ylang 15%
Bitter Almond 5%
Much like the Bob Dylan blend, buttery Virginia Cedarwood comprises most of the fragrance, with Sweet Orange cutting through the depth to add brightness. Smoky and subtly floral Ylang Ylang and nutty Bitter Almond add complexity.
S C E N T N O T E S wood | bright | citrus | subtle smoke | strong | butter
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H E N R Y D AV I D T H O R E A U
Lemon 45%
Rosemary 25%
Spearmint 10%
Ylang Ylang 5%
Rosemary is one of my favorite essential oils to use for men’s fragrance blends. A strong middle note, Rosemary blends well with brighter notes (Lemon) as well as deeper, base notes (Clove Bud). If allowed a lengthy cure time in bar soap, the Spearmint will mellow and provide sweetness. This is also a great blend for a room spray.
S C E N T N O T E S sweet | bright | fruit | herbaceous | subtle low notes
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Peppermint 10%
S C E N T N O T E S strong | wood | resinous | opening | camphor
Black Spruce is my favorite essential oil in the world. It’s constituents often utilized in cologne, Black Spruce provides a sweet, rich and balsamic note to any blend. I like to cut through the richness with a brighter, opening essential oil such as Eucalyptus Radiata and/or Peppermint. Sweet Orange for brevity.
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S I T T I N G B U L L Tangerine 50%
Juniper Berry 20%
Tea Tree 5%
Roman Chamomile 5%
One of the higher top notes, Tangerine needs solid fragrance partners. Juniper Berry is not only woodsy, but crisp and bright. Lavender and Rosemary provide even more crisp, fresh notes. And, even at only five percent, Roman Chamomile will still be evident in the blend, as it is quite pungent.
S C E N T N O T E S sweet | fruit | medicinal | crisp
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J O H N M U I R Rosemary 50%
Sweet Orange 25%
Spearmint 15%
Peppermint 10%
This blend is one of my favorites to use for any part of the shaving process. Whether using for a pre-shave, shave soap or aftershave, this is a very ‘opening’ blend that makes the face and neck feel vigorously fresh and clean. Also, a great room/body spray.
S C E N T N O T E S herbaceous | mint | opening | camphor | subtle sweet
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S T E V I E W O N D E R
Lavender 50%
Ylang Ylang 10%
Even though it comprises fifty percent of the scent blend, Lavender is not overpowering. There is a lot of depth to this blend, especially with both Patchouli and Ylang Ylang anchoring the mixture. Be careful of a quick, thick trace if utilizing this blend in bar soap. This makes an incredible beard oil blend as well.
S C E N T N O T E S herbaceous | floral | complex | subtle sweet | subtle smoke
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M A H AT M A G H A N D I
Sweet Orange 50%
Cinnamon Leaf 15%
Ylang Ylang 15%
Juniper Berry 10%
Juniper Needle 10%
I love this creamy, rich blend. You can see from the radar chart how truly complex this blend is. Please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Cinnamon Leaf in this blend, as it can be a possible irritant. Be careful of a quick, thick trace if utilizing this blend in bar soap.
S C E N T N O T E S complex | citrus | subtle sweet | subtle spice | subtle smoke
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Lavender 50%
Patchouli 10%
Rose 10%
Even at only ten percent, Rose essential oil is evident in the blend. Though Lavender is obviously an herb, it comprises immense floral notes, therefore, heavy base notes were needed (Clove Bud, Ylang Ylang, and Patchouli) to add depth.
S C E N T N O T E S herbaceous | floral | rich | smoke | sweet
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C H A R L E S D A R W I N
Pink Grapefruit 55%
Black Pine 25%
Hemlock Spruce 10%
The inspiration for this blend was from a wonderful IPA beer I enjoyed years ago. Due to the immense presence of different hops, many IPAs have citrusy, floral notes. Some even have woodsy, pine notes. When comprised well, these individual notes put together make an incredibly crisp fragrance.
S C E N T N O T E S bright | sweet | citrus | india pale ale
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M I L E S D AV I S Sweet Orange 80%
Vanilla Oleoresin 15%
Cassia 5%
The simplicity of this blend is what makes it so good. Vanilla Oleoresin is a viscous, thick oil, which can be finicky to work with in skin care applications, so be advised. Just a dash of Cassia makes this a sweet, subtly spicy and very rich blend.
S C E N T N O T E S creamsicle | bright | sweet | rich
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J O E M O N TA N A Lime 70%
Sweet Basil 20%
Myrrh 10%
This is one of my favorite blends for summertime skin care applications. This also makes a fantastic room/body spray. Myrrh is present to anchor the much lighter, fleeting Lime without getting in the way of the Lime / Basil combination.
S C E N T N O T E S citrus | herbaceous | subtle spice | bright | crisp
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M A R T I N L U T H E R K I N G J R .
Sweet Orange 40%
Anise 25%
Lavender 25%
Peppermint 10%
Anise is an awesome essential oil to work with in many different skin care applications, but it is strong, so be advised. In my opinion, if a blindfold test was conducted, it would be difficult to clearly pinpoint the individual essential oils in this blend, which is why it is so interesting.
S C E N T N O T E S complex | bright | spice | herbaceous | citrus | strong
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W I L L I A M S H A K E S P E A R E
Mandarin 55%
Ginger 5%
This is a great blend for stay-on products, such as beard oil, beard balm and cologne. Just enough West Indian Bay and Ginger to bring a spicy depth to an already complex blend.
S C E N T N O T E S exotic | bright | heavy spice | subtle smoke | rich
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C R A Z Y H O R S E Pink Grapefruit 50%
Clary Sage 25%
Lemongrass 25%
In my experience, Lemongrass has always been a favorite with men, as it gives all the punch of a camphor oil but offers a considerable amount of brighter, citrus notes as well. Be advised, Clary Sage is a very strong essential oil. I encourage you to rework this blend to better match your sensibilities if needed.
S C E N T N O T E S strong | bright | sweet | bright | summer
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T H O M A S E D I S O N Petitgrain 35%
Cinnamon Leaf 30%
Ylang Ylang 30%
Neroli 5%
This is a favorite for fall and winter, especially in soap. Please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Cinnamon Leaf in this blend, as it can be a possible irritant.
S C E N T N O T E S strong | spice | deep | smoke
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B O B M A R L E Y Lime 35%
Sweet Orange 35%
West Indian Bay 10%
Coriander is a unique essential oil, and it blends very well with higher, citrus notes. West Indian Bay is very potent and sharp, so be advised.
S C E N T N O T E S citrus | subtle sweet | subtle spice | caribbean
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M I C H A E L J O R D A N
Black Pine 35%
Black Spruce 20%
Atlas Cedarwood 20%
Cypress 15%
Vetiver 10%
This is the forest blend of all forest blends. Deep and immensely woodsy, yet surprisingly fresh and sweet. Vetiver adds even more root-like depth. This is a very rich, heavy blend that does well in all soap and skin care applications. One of my favorites.
S C E N T N O T E S forest | rich | resinous | butter
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J O H N L O C K E Lime 50%
Hemlock Spruce 25%
Rosemary 25%
This is the blend that made me realize how truly complex the male preference for fragrance really is. This is obviously citrusy, opening and bright, but balanced incredibly well with the sweet, resinous notes from Hemlock Spruce.
S C E N T N O T E S citrus | bright | herbaceous | subtle resinous | wood
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L A N G S T O N H U G H E S
Spearmint 35%
Peppermint 25%
Lavender 20%
Sweet Basil 15%
Ylang Ylang 5%
Of all 40 blends in this book, this is the most opening and bright. Much like the John Muir blend, this will make a great shaving product fragrance. Whether using for a pre-shave, shave soap or aftershave, this is a very ‘opening’ blend that makes the face and neck feel vigorously fresh and clean.
S C E N T N O T E S mint | camphor | herbaceous | subtle sharp
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J O H N F . K E N N E D Y
Bergamot 45%
Cardamom 20%
Patchouli 10%
Thirty percent of this blend is comprised of spicy, musky notes in the form of Cardamom and Patchouli, which is why the rest of the blend is encompassed of lighter, richer notes from Bergamot and Virginia Cedarwood. This blend is great for leave-on products, such as beard oil, beard balm, aftershave and cologne. S C E N T N O T E S
bright | subtle floral | subtle wood | butter | spice
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N E L S O N M A N D E L A
Lemon 65%
Sandalwood 5%
This blend is great for leave-on products, such as beard oil, beard balm, aftershave and cologne. Great for a room spray in the fall and winter. Please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Clove Bud in this blend, as it can be a possible irritant. S C E N T N O T E S
complex | spice | subtle smoke | citrus
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M A R K Z U C K E R B E R G
Tangerine 40%
Nutmeg 5%
When carefully combined, Tangerine and Clove Bud together form one of my favorite fragrances. These are the two “poles” of this blend’s globe. Fir Needle has an immensely crisp fragrance, which balances the top and bottom feature notes. Great for leave-on products, such as beard oil, beard balm, aftershave and cologne. S C E N T N O T E S
citrus | wood | subtle butter | subtle spice
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D AV I D B O W I E Pink Grapefruit 80%
Cinnamon Leaf 20%
Simple, but wildly effective. Please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Cinnamon Leaf in this blend, as it can be a possible irritant. S C E N T N O T E S
citrus | spice | bright | subtle grounding
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M E R I W E T H E R L E W I S
Sweet Orange 35% Lime 25% Cardamom 15% Patchouli 10% Sandalwood 5% Vanilla Oleoresin 5% Vetiver 5%
One of my fondest scent memories is of Vetiver from my inaugural trip to the pearl of the Caribbean, Haiti. The best part about blending with Vetiver is that a very small amount goes a long way. This is one of my all-time favorite blends. Vanilla Oleoresin is a viscous, thick oil, which can be finicky to work with in skin care applications, so be advised. S C E N T N O T E S complex | bright | citrus | spice | rich | subtle smoke
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W I L L I A M C L A R K Atlas Cedarwood 55%
Sweet Orange 20%
Frankincense 10%
Coriander 5%
Palmarosa 5%
Ginger 5%
This is one of the deepest blends in the book. Even at small percentages, the combination of Ginger, Palmarosa, Coriander and Frankincense creates a spicy, musky and earthy blend to cut through the heavy woodsy notes of Atlas Cedarwood. S C E N T N O T E S
forest | subtle butter | subtle resinous | spice
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W I L L I E N E L S O N Rosemary 35%
Lavender 20%
Basil 15%
Petitgrain 15%
Great for shave products such as pre- shave, shave soap and aftershave. This also makes for a fantastic room/body spray, as well as cologne. This is my go-to “wake-up” blend, as it is very stimulating and promotes a sense of energy. S C E N T N O T E S
herbaceous | camphor | opening
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Peppermint 20%
Fir Needle 15%
Peru Balsam 10%
Adding ten percent of Peru Balsam in almost any blend will be enough to add depth, sweetness and subtle resinous notes. In my opinion, if one adds any more than this, the blend will be too heavy. The middle notes of Fir Needle and Peppermint, combined with the high note of Sweet Orange makes for a beautiful balance. S C E N T N O T E S
bright | complex | subtle wood | subtle resinous
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E D WA R D A B B E Y Virginia Cedarwood 25%
Eucalyptus Radiata 25%
Awesome blend for a host of different skin care applications:
— bar soap | liquid soap — beard oil | beard balm — moustache wax — pre-shave | aftershave — cologne | room spray
S C E N T N O T E S
wood | subtle butter | camphor | opening | bright
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A N S E L A D A M S Bergamot 30%
Black Spruce 20%
Cinnamon Leaf 20%
Clove Bud 20%
Vanilla Oleoresin 10%
Very rich, intoxicating and deep blend. Great for fall and winter months. Vanilla Oleoresin is a viscous, thick oil, which can be finicky to work with in skin care applications, so be advised. Also, please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Cinnamon Leaf and Clove Bud in this blend, as they can be a possible irritant.
S C E N T N O T E S
complex | subtle resinous | heavy spice | subtle sweet
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D A N I E L B O O N E Tangerine 55%
Clove Bud 15%
Bitter Almond 10%
Cassia 10%
Neroli 5%
Vetiver 5%
Bitter Almond combines perfectly with Cassia, Clove Bud and most all citruses, particularly, in my opinion, Tangerine. Small amounts of earthy Vetiver and pungent Neroli bring depth and well- roundedness to the blend.
S C E N T N O T E S complex | deep | bright | spice | sweet | autumn
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T H O M A S PA I N E Ylang Ylang 25% Patchouli 15% Lavender 15% Clove Bud 15% Rose 10% Roman Chamomile 10% Sandalwood 10%
In my opinion, this is the most complex and rich blend in the book, with the “brightest” of all seven fragrances being Lavender and Roman Chamomile. The other five fragrances are very musky and deep. This can be used in all skin care applications, but be advised with usage rates for any particular essential oil.
S C E N T N O T E S
complex | deep | heavy musk | sweet | subtle floral
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R AY C H A R L E S Lime 40%
Juniper Berry 20%
Clary Sage 20%
Sweet Orange 20%
Another great summertime blend. Be advised, Clary Sage is a very strong, potent essential oil. This is one of my favorites for bar soap, as it lingers on the skin due to the overall strength of the blend.
S C E N T N O T E S
citrus | clean | bright | herbaceous | crisp
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J A C K I E R O B I N S O N
Pink Grapefruit 60%
White Thyme 5%
Helichrysum has some rejuvenating benefits for the skin, therefore this blend is great for leave-on skin care applications such as beard oil, beard balm, aftershave and cologne. This is a very well-balanced blend, as White Thyme has a potently herbaceous profile, which equalizes the rest of the blend, even at only five percent.
S C E N T N O T E S
crisp | bright | subtle wood | subtle resinous | herbaceous
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B E N J A M I N F R A N K L I N
Bergamot 30%
Neroli 5%
Both Bergamot and Black Pine’s constituents can be found in many popular men’s colognes on the market today. I’ve utilized this blend for a host of different skin care applications and room spray.
S C E N T N O T E S
clean | complex | subtle resinous | wood | fresh
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S O C R AT E S Bergamot 35% Clove Bud 20% Hemlock Spruce 15% Vetiver 10% Cinnamon Leaf 10% Patchouli 5% Vanilla Oleoresin 5%
Please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Clove Bud and Cinnamon Leaf in this blend, as they can be possible irritants. Vanilla Oleoresin is a viscous, thick oil, which can be finicky to work with in skin care applications, so be advised.
S C E N T N O T E S
complex | spice | resinous | subtle smoke
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Black Spruce 20%
Black Pine 20%
Fir Needle 20%
Juniper Needle 20%
This blend reminds me of the Rocky Mountain West. Sweet, woodsy blend that can be used in a host of different skin care applications. This is one of my favorite blends for beard oil and beard balm. Be advised, this might be a quicker, thick trace in bar soap. S C E N T N O T E S
forest | fresh | crisp | rocky mountain west
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R U M I
Sweet Orange 30% Lavender 20% Clove Bud 15% Petitgrain 10% Myrrh 10% Rose 5% Vetiver 5% Sandalwood 5%
This blend has more essential oils than any other in this book, but done so carefully. Small amounts of exotic essential oils (Myrrh, Rose, Vetiver, Sandalwood) delicately balance out the rest in the blend. This is my favorite blend for a simple, natural cologne. S C E N T N O T E S
complex | deep | rich | spice | bright | grounding
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D A L A I L A M A Spearmint 60%
Clary Sage 20%
Cypress 20%
This is one of my favorite scent blends for aftershave applications. I love the feeling of crispness after a shave, but I don’t necessarily want only mint. After some trial and error, utilizing Clary Sage and Cypress balances out the strength of the Spearmint. Be advised that Clary Sage is a very strong, potent essential oil. Adjust if needed. S C E N T N O T E S herbaceous | camphor | opening | mint | strong | fresh
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N E I L A R M S T R O N G
Sweet Orange 40%
Clove Bud 20%
Bergamot 20%
Rose 10%
Nutmeg 10%
In my opinion, Rose is the most under- utilized essential oil for men’s skin care products. It is obviously floral, but also incredibly deep, rich and musky. Using it carefully and sparingly is the key to incorporating it into men’s fragrances. Please be advised to research amounts by volume and/or weight in all skin care applications due to the amount of Clove Bud in this blend, as it can be a possible irritant. S C E N T N O T E S
subtle creamsicle | spice | sweet | subtle floral
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A B O U T T H E A U T H O R Benjamin Aaron owns and runs a life and business coaching business, The Inspired Odyssey. In addition to his coaching program, he is a partner for The Lovin’ Soap Studio, along with his wife, Amanda. Together, Benjamin and Amanda also co-founded and direct a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, The Lovin’ Soap Project, which aims to empower women in developing nations through the artisan trade of soap and skin care production. His purpose and passion is to provide individuals with a new lease on life. So many of us live a life of quiet desperation. Mentally and emotionally, we handcuff ourselves every day and tell anyone who will listen why things just won’t work out for us. Benjamin’s aim is to put a stop to this and open lives up to the real, raw ambitions we all have. You must set goals if you want anything in life. He has mastered the true power of goal-setting, and he loves to show people how to set unique goals.
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“A fulfilled life requires an emotional investment of your time, energy and resources. Decide what you want to pursue, no matter how big, and make these large, recurrent investments into seeing its fulfillment. Do this every day; you will then be truly living an inspired odyssey.” ~ Benjamin D. Aaron
WEB | www.inspiredodyssey.com
WEB | www.lovinsoap.com
WEB | www.lovinsoapproject.org
EMAIL | [email protected]

essential oil blends for men

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