Fragrance Diffusion Formulas

Let's evaluate the two formulas you've proposed and address your question about perfume beads.

Formula 1 Analysis

1. Reed Diffuser Base + Perfume (10%)
2. Add preservative
3. Add water to 100%

This formula is not recommended. Reed Diffuser Base is designed to be mixed directly with fragrance oil at a specific ratio (typically 70-75% base to 25-30% fragrance) and used as is. Adding a large amount of water (to reach 100% after only 10% fragrance and some base/preservative) will likely cause the mixture to separate, prevent proper diffusion through reeds, and may lead to instability.

Formula 2 Analysis

1. Mix Flora Solve™ Clear 30% with Perfume 10%
2. Add preservative
3. Add water to 100%

This formula is a valid approach for creating a water-based fragrance product. Flora Solve™ Clear is a solubilizer specifically designed to effectively mix fragrance oils with water without needing alcohol. Your ratio of 30% Flora Solve™ Clear to 10% perfume (a 3:1 ratio) falls within the recommended usage range (2-5 parts Flora Solve™ Clear to 1 part perfume). Adding a preservative is essential for any water-based formula to prevent microbial growth.

While this formula will create a stable mixture of fragrance and water, its effectiveness as a reed diffuser might be less than a traditional oil-based system using Reed Diffuser Base without added water. Water-based systems generally do not wick as effectively through reeds as oil-based ones.

Perfume Beads Question

You asked if Perfume beads can be mixed with fragrance and Reed Diffuser Base to help scent diffusion.

Perfume beads are designed to absorb fragrance oil to create a solid form of air freshener or potpourri that diffuses scent over time. They are not intended to be mixed into liquid diffuser bases like Reed Diffuser Base or water. Mixing solid beads into a liquid diffuser system is not their intended use and will not enhance the diffusion of the liquid formula.

Summary

• Formula 1 (Reed Diffuser Base + water) is not recommended for a liquid diffuser.
• Formula 2 (Flora Solve™ Clear + fragrance + water + preservative) is a valid way to create a water-based fragrance mixture, suitable for applications where fragrance needs to be dispersed in water. Ensure you use a suitable preservative for water-based systems, such as NaturePreserve™ LB2 or Mild Preserved™ COS.
• Perfume beads are for creating solid diffusers by absorbing fragrance, not for mixing into liquid diffuser bases.

If you want a traditional reed diffuser with strong diffusion, use Reed Diffuser Base mixed directly with your fragrance oil at the recommended ratio (e.g., 70-75% base, 25-30% fragrance) without adding water or a preservative (as the base itself doesn't require preservation). If you specifically need a water-based system, Formula 2 is viable, but consider the diffusion method.