How to make a reed diffuser: the complete guide
Reed diffusers are one of the many ways to scent your home without burning anything: they look beautiful and need no flame. In this article, we walk you through making your own, step by step: choosing the base (Augeo, DPM, isopropyl myristate, etc.), selecting the fragrance, preparing the container, understanding the role of the reeds and looking after your home fragrance diffuser.
For your very first creation, our “My first reed diffusers” home fragrance kit brings together everything you need to make two 100 mL diffusers, with step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial.
Need ready-to-use refills?
Made with an alcohol base, our refills leave a clean scent trail and diffuse fragrance elegantly, while making everyday life easier. Our fragrance range caters to every taste, from the most delicate to the boldest, to convey emotions that reflect who you are.
Ready to use, they pour straight into the bottle with nothing to dilute or add, for consistent intensity day after day.
Pair them with rattan reeds for even, continuous diffusion. Flip the reeds regularly to revive the scent, and replace them whenever you change fragrance. Easy to handle, the refills suit beginners and professionals alike and fit into any space, from homes to offices and shops.
The only catch: handy as they are, these refills limit your freedom to choose from the full range of fragrances in our extensive catalogue. Here is the alternative.
Step 1: choose your base (solvent)
To make an effective diffuser, it is essential to choose a base that is not only compatible but also suits your own needs. You have four main options, each with its own advantages.
Augeo Clean Multi: the most accessible
Derived from renewable plant sources, Augeo stands out for its low evaporation rate, its near-absence of odour and its excellent ability to dissolve fragrances. It leaves no metallic undertone and prolongs diffusion without the need for alcohol. If you are looking for a low-odour base that enhances the scent and is easy to handle, Augeo is a safe bet.
DPM - Dipropylene glycol: the most versatile
Dipropylene glycol is a versatile, environmentally friendly solvent base. It ensures slow, even diffusion of fragrances. Fully soluble in water, it is ideal for reed diffuser home fragrances.
It stands out for its clarity and purity (a clear, colourless, slightly viscous liquid), its versatility as a solvent that is miscible with water and various organic compounds, and its safety in use thanks to its low vapour pressure and high flash point. An environmentally friendly option, it offers a diffusion base with 70% biogenic content, reducing toxicity while boosting fragrance intensity.
However, it can affect the performance of soft fragrances such as musk or cotton flower, which then need a specific formulation to optimise their diffusion.
Isopropyl myristate (IPM): the most stable
Isopropyl myristate, often abbreviated to IPM, is a popular solvent in cosmetics and perfumery. Of plant origin, it encourages slow, continuous diffusion of the fragrance. Safe and non-toxic, it makes fragrances last longer and can be used alone or combined with alcohol to adjust the diffusion speed. If you want controlled, stable evaporation, isopropyl myristate is an excellent option.
Perfumer's Alcohol: the most powerful
Designed for making home fragrances and room sprays, Perfumer's Alcohol also works very well in reed diffusers. It dilutes scents effectively while delivering a very powerful fragrance. It also gives a crystal-clear solution that does not turn cloudy, which can be an aesthetic bonus if you like to see the colour of the liquid in your bottle.
Step 2: choose your fragrance
It is important to favour lipophilic fragrances, even though hydrophilic ones can also work. Choose the fragrance that suits you from our range for candles, wax melts and diffusers.
Check the permitted dosage for a diffuser
Once you have found your fragrance, it is crucial to make sure the dosage you have in mind is within the maximum percentage on the IFRA certificate. You will find this information in the dedicated tab on each fragrance page, where you can then open the IFRA certificate. The “Category 10A” entry tells you the maximum concentration allowed for this type of creation.
Work out the fragrance-to-base ratio
The fragrance dosage depends on the maximum load allowed by the IFRA certificate. Here are a few guidelines to get you started:
- For a diffuser using Augeo base, mix 20% fragrance with 80% Augeo base for optimal diffusion.
- A formulation with isopropyl myristate and Perfumer's Alcohol contains 20% isopropyl myristate, 20% fragrance and 60% alcohol (90% vol.).
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For a DPM-based diffuser, go for one of the following formulations: 15 to 25% fragrance and 75 to 85% DPM, OR 15% fragrance, 15% DPM and 70% ethanol.
Testing is key to finding the ideal intensity for each fragrance. Remember to stick to the maximum permitted dosage if you sell your creations, and don't forget your labelling (CLP, UFI).
Step 3: choose your container and stopper
Glass is the most common choice, but you can also go for ceramic or any other airtight container. Then pick the shape you like best.
Don't forget a stopper or cap. These often come with an inner plug that seals the bottle airtight. The cap then provides a decorative finishing touch, framing the reeds.
Step 4: choose your reeds
Which reeds to choose depends mainly on the base you have selected and how strong you want the diffusion to be:
- With Augeo and DPM: go for fibre reeds for the best results.
- With isopropyl myristate: you can use either rattan or fibre reeds, depending on the intensity you want.
- With Perfumer's Alcohol: go for rattan reeds.
As for the number of reeds, it depends on the size of the bottle. As a guide, for a 250 mL container, you can work on the following basis:
- 2 to 3 reeds: gentle intensity
- 4 to 5 reeds: medium intensity
- 6 to 8 reeds: maximum intensity
Step 5: clean your container
Before pouring in the solution, wipe your bottle thoroughly to remove any trace of dust, dirt or fingerprints. A clean container helps the fragrance last longer.
Step 6: prepare your solution
Remember to leave a little space in the bottle (about 25% of it empty) to avoid spills when you insert the reeds.
Pour everything into your container, close it and shake gently to blend the solution.
Once the mixture is uniform, remove the stopper and insert your reeds. Your diffuser is now ready to use!
How do I use my fragrance diffuser at home?
Thanks to capillary action, the reeds draw up the scented solution and release it slowly into the air. To increase or soften the strength of the diffusion, simply adjust the number of reeds. The more you use, the stronger the scent, but the solution will also evaporate faster.
- Flip the reeds regularly: about once a week, or as soon as you notice the intensity fading.
- Go easy on the number of reeds: too many reeds use up the fragrance faster.
- Replace them once they are saturated: as a rule, plan to change them every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Refill your diffuser: once it is empty, you can refill it with the same scent or try a new one, after cleaning the container.
Caring for your diffuser properly
A few simple habits ensure ideal diffusion once you have made your reed diffuser:
- Choose the right spot: keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, which would speed up evaporation.
- Clean the bottle if you change fragrance: rinse and dry the container thoroughly before pouring in a new scent.
Well done, you have just created a personalised diffuser, perfectly suited to your taste in fragrance and your interior decor. Whether you choose Augeo, DPM, Perfumer's Alcohol or isopropyl myristate, you will enjoy a simple, accessible and powerful solution for your home! Did you know you can get the same benefits in your car? Find out in our article explaining how to make your own car diffuser.
