Let’s be honest, most of what’s on store shelves today marketed as “cologne” is little more than a synthetic cloud of chemicals that can do more harm than good. Plus, if you’re like me and are allergic to artificial fragrances (candles, cleaning products, cologne, etc.), you’ll need a healthy alternative for the man in your life.
Many men spray cologne on daily without realizing they’re exposing themselves (and their loved ones) to toxins that can impact hormones, skin, and even brain health. But there’s a better way!
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various masculine essential oil blends until I landed on one that smells just like Old Spice. This was my Grandpa’s favorite scent, and I wanted to create a new version that contained the essence of Old Spice without all the toxins.
Our cologne recipes will feel just like Grandpa’s hugs…without the hormone disruptors. Let’s walk through how you can create a fresh, masculine cologne that honors your body and keeps your home toxin-free.
Table of Contents
The Hidden Dangers in Men’s Cologne
You might not see it on the label, but most commercial colognes are loaded with synthetic chemicals that are anything but harmless. The word “fragrance” can legally hide dozens of chemicals that companies aren’t required to disclose…and many of them are harmful to your health.
Dangerous Chemicals Commonly Found in Cologne
Body or cologne spray, also known as “fragrance oils,” can contain harmful, even toxic chemicals. These body care chemicals are added to extend the scent’s longevity, enhance projection, preserve the product, or replicate natural aromas, but they come with a hidden cost to your health.
- Aldehydes, Benzaldehyde, and Benzyl Acetate – Contribute to unique scent profiles and longevity. These ingredients can cause respiratory irritation, organ stress, and have been associated with migraines and confusion.
- Musk Ketone – Used as a scent fixative to give perfumes lasting power. This synthetic musk builds up in the body, interfering with hormones and causing allergic reactions.
- Parabens – Serve as preservatives to extend shelf life. They mimic estrogen and are linked to cancer and hormone imbalance.
- Phthalates – Added to help scents stick to the skin and last longer. Found in nearly all mainstream colognes, these are known endocrine disruptors linked to infertility, lower testosterone levels, and even obesity.
- Styrene – Enhances the longevity of the fragrance, allowing you to enjoy the fresh scent for longer. A known carcinogen that affects the central nervous system, causing headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
- Toluene and Methylene Chloride – Used as solvents to dissolve other fragrance materials and create a smooth finish. Banned or restricted in some places, yet still found in many products. These chemicals are neurotoxic and harmful to the liver and kidneys.
If it’s not safe to eat or apply to sensitive skin, why would you want to breathe it or have it on your body for hours? Let’s ditch the toxins for something that supports your well-being.
Harm to Health from Cologne Chemicals
The toxicity of these chemicals isn’t a benign thing that we should ignore. In fact, there are some startling health impacts of using cologne regularly.
These short-term and long-term effects include:
- Carcinogenic effects (increasing your risk of cancer)
- Developmental toxicity (compounds can accumulate in fetal tissues)
- Disrupting the endocrine system and your hormones
- Neurological issues (dizziness, delayed reactions, headaches, memory loss, etc.)
- Reproductive issues (such as decreased fertility in men)
- Respiratory problems (asthma, coughing, etc.)
- Skin and eye irritation or allergic reactions
This is why making your own low-tox colognes that won’t harm your health is so important!
Why Essential Oils Make a Better Fragrance
Essential oils are a safe, God-given alternative to artificial scents. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also offer real wellness benefits. When used properly, essential oils can uplift your mood, calm your nerves, support your immune system, and more.
Aromatherapy Benefits for Men
- Cedarwood: A deep, woody oil that encourages peace and grounding.
- Cinnamon Bark: Warm and spicy with a cozy edge; perfect for energizing and enhancing circulation.
- Clove: Adds a brilliant, earthy spice reminiscent of classic men’s cologne.
- Nutmeg: Subtly sweet and woodsy, it brings a rich, masculine scent that supports emotional balance.
- Orange: Bright and citrusy, it helps ease stress and lift your mood.
- Patchouli: Earthy and musky, this bold oil grounds the spirit and lingers beautifully for long-lasting wear.
These oils don’t just smell good; they also each have unique benefits you can personalize for your favorite man. Consider what the guy in your life needs, and feel free to substitute our New Spice Blends with any of our signature essential oil blends.
Crafting the Perfect Scent: Top, Middle, & Base Notes
Want your cologne to last longer and evolve beautifully throughout the day? That’s where perfume notes come in.
- Top Notes (first impression): Orange
- Middle Notes (heart of the scent): Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Nutmeg
- Base Notes (lasting depth): Cedarwood, Patchouli
Blending these in balance helps create a complex, long-lasting scent that unfolds with time. It’s your very own signature aroma.
Don’t be afraid to play around! Jot down combos you love and tweak until it feels just right.
And since everyone is different, do a skin patch test to make sure your favorite man doesn’t have a sensitivity to a particular essential oil.
To perform skin patch testing, apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to the inside of your forearm or inner elbow, cover it with a bandage, and wait 24-48 hours to check for any redness, itching, or irritation. If no adverse reactions occur, you can add the oil to your list of approved oils to use.
Choosing the Right Base: Carrier Oils vs. Alcohol
Every homemade cologne needs a base to hold and deliver the scent. In this post, I used organic jojoba oil and fractionated coconut oil. This makes the spray cologne double as a body oil or after-bath oil.
Here are a few other clean, non-toxic options for your spray cologne:
- Fractionated Coconut Oil and Organic Jojoba Oil: Ideal for roll-ons, especially for sensitive skin. Adds moisturizing benefits and can soothe skin.
- Organic Grain Alcohol (Vodka): Helps the scent last longer and evaporates like traditional colognes. Look for at least 160-proof.
- Perfumers Alcohol: A professional-grade option for those who prefer not to keep vodka in the house. It’s clean, effective, and specifically designed for homemade perfumes and colognes.
- Unscented Witch Hazel: Alcohol-free and gentle on skin, great for spray colognes. Perfect for acne-prone skin as it doubles as a toner.
Recommended Dilution Ratio
Use about 20-30 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of base (carrier oil or alcohol).
Homemade Cologne Recipes for Men
Ready to make your own essential oil cologne recipes? Here are two of my favorite cologne blends for men, New Spice and New Spice 1.
Similar to Chanel, these colognes have different undertones that make them unique. Our regular New Spice blend features citrus undertones, lending a bright and cheery feel. If your guy prefers earthy undertones, go with New Spice 1, which has a grounded vibe.
In this post, I provide instructions on how to make our New Spice blend into a roll-on and our New Spice 1 into a spray cologne, but either blend can be adapted into a roll-on or spray cologne. The methodology stays the same.
New Spice Cologne Roll-On
Quantity
Ingredients
- 8 drops clove essential oil
- 6 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 5 drops orange essential oil
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops patchouli essential oil
- 2 drops nutmeg essential oil
- Organic jojoba oil OR fractionated coconut oil OR a combination of both, to fill the bottle*
Supplies
- 10ml glass roll-on bottle
Instructions
- Add the essential oils to a glass roll-on bottle and gently swirl to mix.
- Fill the remaining space of your roller bottle with the carrier oil of your choice. Gently pop the roller top back on, secure the cap, and give it a good shake to blend everything together.
- Apply to wrists and back of neck each morning.
New Spice 1 Cologne Spray
Quantity
Ingredients
- 30 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 20 drops clove essential oil
- 15 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 10 drops nutmeg essential oil
- 5 drops patchouli essential oil
- Organic jojoba oil OR fractionated coconut oil OR a combination of both, to fill the bottle* **
Supplies
- 2-ounce glass spray bottle OR perfume bottle OR perfume atomizer
Instructions
- Add the essential oils to the glass spray bottle and gently swirl to mix.
- Fill the remaining space with the carrier oil of your choice.
- Shake to mix and spray on wrists and back of neck each morning.
Step One: Add Essential Oils
Add the essential oils to your glass roller bottle and gently swirl to mix.
Step Two: Add Carrier Oil
Fill the remaining space with the carrier oil of your choice. Shake to mix and apply to wrists and back of neck each morning.
Packaging, Storage & Safety Tips
- Use glass bottles – essential oils can eat away at plastic.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Shake before each use.
- Shelf life: approximately 6-12 months, depending on the ingredients and storage conditions.
Safety Note: Citrus oils like lemon, orange, and bergamot are photosensitive. Avoid applying these blends to sun-exposed skin within 12 hours of use to prevent irritation or burns. Click here to learn more about photosensitization.
Creating Your Signature Scent
Think of your homemade cologne as an extension of your personal style. Are you drawn to earthy woods, bright citrus, spicy warmth? Explore what makes you feel grounded, confident, and refreshed.
Your personalized essential oil blends can reflect your season of life, your intentions for the day, or simply what makes you smile. It’s a natural, daily reminder of God’s goodness and design.
Switching from synthetic fragrance oils to a clean cologne isn’t just about smelling nice. It’s about removing toxins from your routine and making wellness a daily choice. With each drop of oil, you’re stewarding your health and honoring the temple God gave you.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
You were created to live well, from the inside out. Go ahead and create the perfect blend for your own signature scent, walking in confidence knowing you’re caring for your body naturally.
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- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9163252/
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- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874124004793
- https://stanfordhealthcare.org/content/dam/SHC/clinics/menlo-medical-clinic/docs/Allergy/Patch%20Testing.pdf
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp53-c2.pdf
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- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp14.pdf
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- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1438463904700401
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