Understanding Reed Diffusers with Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils

Thank you for reaching out! It's great you are experimenting with creating your own reed diffusers. Here's some information regarding your questions:

1. Time for Scent Diffusion

After mixing the essential oil or fragrance oil with the diffuser base and inserting the reeds, it takes some time for the liquid to travel up the reeds and for the scent to start diffusing into the air. You should typically start noticing the scent within a few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours for the full scent throw to develop as the reeds become fully saturated.

2. Duration of Scent (50ml / 100ml)

The duration of the scent from a reed diffuser depends on several factors, including:

• Volume: A 100ml mixture will generally last longer than a 50ml mixture, assuming the same concentration.
• Fragrance Concentration: Higher concentrations of fragrance oil or essential oil might diffuse faster, potentially reducing the overall duration, but providing a stronger initial scent.
• Type of Fragrance: Some essential oils or fragrance oils are more volatile than others and will evaporate more quickly.
• Environment: Room temperature, humidity levels, and airflow (like drafts or fans) can significantly affect how quickly the liquid evaporates.
• Number and Type of Reeds: More reeds or certain types of reeds can increase diffusion but also reduce the lifespan of the liquid.

Given these variables, it's difficult to give an exact timeframe. However, a 50ml diffuser might typically last anywhere from 1 to 3 months, while a 100ml diffuser could last from 2 to 6 months under average conditions. This is just a general estimate, and actual duration can vary widely.

3. Essential Oils vs. Synthetic Fragrance Oils

Yes, essential oils and synthetic fragrance oils can provide different scent experiences in terms of strength and diffusion:

• Composition: Essential oils are natural extracts from plants, while synthetic fragrance oils are chemically formulated.
• Scent Profile: Essential oils often have more complex, natural scents, but their strength can vary greatly depending on the specific oil. Synthetic fragrance oils are designed to achieve specific, consistent scents and can often be formulated for strong diffusion.
• Strength and Diffusion: Some essential oils are very potent, while others are quite subtle. Synthetic fragrance oils are often engineered for consistent strength and effective diffusion in diffuser bases.

Ultimately, the performance depends on the specific oil or fragrance used.

4. Concentration Ratio

The recommended ratio for mixing fragrance with a diffuser base like Reed Diffuser Base (Type 1) is typically around 25-30% fragrance to 70-75% base. This ratio is a good starting point for both essential oils and synthetic fragrance oils.

Whether essential oils require a higher proportion than synthetic fragrance oils depends entirely on the specific oils being compared. Some essential oils are naturally less potent than some synthetic fragrance oils and might require a higher concentration to achieve a similar scent strength, while others are very strong. It's best to start with the recommended ratio and adjust based on the desired scent intensity and the specific characteristics of the oil or fragrance you are using.

Experimentation is key to finding the perfect balance for your desired scent and diffusion!