The combination of essential oils and alcohol is widely used in aromatherapy, cleaning, cosmetics and more. While essential oils provide therapeutic properties, pleasant aromas and antibacterial benefits, alcohol acts as an effective solvent, preservative and cleaning agent. In this article, we will explore how these two ingredients can be used together for different applications, as well as the advantages and precautions associated with their use.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts obtained from aromatic plants. They contain the active compounds of the plant, which offer properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing, energizing, among others. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, cosmetics and natural remedies for their ability to influence physical and emotional well-being.

Why Use Alcohol with Essential Oils?

Alcohol is an excellent solvent for essential oils because it helps dilute and disperse them evenly. In addition, it acts as a preservative and has disinfectant properties. Alcohol is particularly useful in applications such as perfumes, disinfectant sprays, and household products because:

1. Helps mix essential oils in water: Essential oils do not dissolve well in water, but they mix easily with alcohol. The use of alcohol facilitates the dispersion of essential oils in aqueous solutions.
2. Disinfectant properties: Alcohol is known to be a powerful antimicrobial agent. When combined with antibacterial essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender or lemon, you get a very effective cleansing solution.
3. Rapid evaporation: Unlike water, alcohol evaporates quickly, which is ideal for products such as perfumes or spray cleaners.

Types of Alcohols Used with Essential Oils

1. Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

Ethyl alcohol is the most common to combine with essential oils, especially in the manufacture of perfumes and disinfectants. It must be of high purity (ideally 70% or more) to ensure effectiveness as a disinfectant and preservative. It is safe for the skin in the right concentrations, but can be drying if used in excess.

2. Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol) is also used to create disinfectant sprays. It is effective at killing germs, but may be slightly stronger than ethanol and is not recommended for personal care products that are applied directly to the skin. It is ideal for cleaning surfaces.

Common Uses of Essential Oil and Alcohol Combination

1. Homemade Perfumes

Alcohol is an ideal base for creating homemade perfumes because it allows the essential oils to mix well and remain stable. Additionally, it helps the aroma disperse when applied to the skin.

Basic recipe for perfume:

• 30 ml of ethyl alcohol (96%)
• 10-15 drops of essential oils (you can combine lavender, rose, ylang-ylang, citrus, etc.)
• 5 ml of distilled water

Mix the alcohol with the essential oils in a bottle, add the water and shake well. Let the mixture sit for a few weeks so the aromas develop.

2. Hand Sanitizer Spray

Combining essential oils with ethyl or isopropyl alcohol is a great way to make a hand sanitizer spray that not only cleans, but also leaves a pleasant scent.

Disinfectant spray recipe:

• 3/4 cup alcohol (minimum 70%)
• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or lemon)

Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake before use.

3. Aromatic Home Spray

Essential oils can be used to create aromatic sprays that freshen the air, bedding or closed spaces. The alcohol helps the aroma disperse and evaporate evenly.

How to make an aromatic spray:

• 1/2 cup ethyl alcohol
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 15-20 drops of essential oils (mint, orange, lavender, rosemary, etc.)

Mix and spray into the environment to enjoy a fresh and natural aroma.

4. Multipurpose Cleaners

Alcohol, along with antibacterial essential oils, creates an effective all-purpose cleaner for various surfaces in the home.

All-purpose cleaner recipe:

• 1 cup isopropyl alcohol
• 1/2 cup of water
• 10-20 drops of essential oils (lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree)

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to clean kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and more.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils with Alcohol

1. Alcohol Concentration: Make sure you use alcohol with an appropriate concentration. For cleaning products, a minimum of 70% is necessary for effective disinfectant properties. In perfumes, high purity ethyl alcohol is usually used.
2. Dilution of Essential Oils: Essential oils are very concentrated and must be diluted properly to avoid irritation. Do not exceed the recommended quantities.
3. Skin Tests: Before applying any mixture directly to the skin, do a patch test to make sure it does not cause irritation.
4. Safe Storage: Mixtures containing alcohol and essential oils should be stored in dark, well-closed bottles to preserve their properties. Keep mixtures out of the reach of children and pets.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils and Alcohol Together

1. Effectiveness: Alcohol enhances the antibacterial and cleansing properties of essential oils, making the mixtures more effective for cleaning and disinfection.
2. Rapid Evaporation: Alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving the aroma of essential oils in the air without residue.
3. Natural Aromas: Unlike synthetic air fresheners, blends with essential oils and alcohol offer natural aromas that are less likely to cause allergies.
4. Versatility: This combination can be used for a variety of applications, from perfumes and personal care products to household cleaners and disinfectant sprays.

Conclusion

Mixing essential oils and alcohol opens up a world of possibilities for creating homemade, natural products that are effective, enjoyable, and safe to use when handled properly. This combination is ideal for those looking for more eco-friendly and customizable solutions for personal care and home cleaning. With the recipes and precautions mentioned, you can start experimenting and creating your own mixtures to enjoy the benefits of these powerful natural ingredients.