How to Make Incense with Unscented Sticks and Fragrance Oils

Why Make Your Own Incense?

Sure, you could buy incense at the store—but making it yourself comes with some serious perks:

Customize your scent. Want lavender mixed with sandalwood and vanilla bean? Go for it.
Use what you already have. Got fragrance oils for diffusers? Perfect.
Avoid synthetic filler. You know exactly what’s going in.
Save money. One bottle of fragrance oil = dozens of incense sticks.
It’s a vibe. The process itself is calming and creative.

Whether you want incense for relaxation, meditation, energy cleansing, or just because it smells good, this DIY project is for you.

What You'll Need

🧪 Basic Materials

Unscented incense sticks or cones
Fragrance oils (safe for burning)
Glass or ceramic bowl
Dropper or pipette
Resealable plastic bag or airtight jar
Paper towel or drying tray

🧰 Optional (but helpful)

Gloves (for oil handling)
DPG (Dipropylene Glycol) – optional fixative
Labels

Choosing the Right Fragrance Oils

Use high-quality, IFRA-compliant fragrance oils designed for burning. Avoid body-safe or diffuser-only oils that may burn poorly or produce smoke.

Recommended Scents:

Sandalwood Amber
Lavender Vanilla
Patchouli Musk
Oud Wood
Palo Santo
Cedar Leather
Jasmine Blossom

Tip: Avoid overly sweet or sugary oils like "Birthday Cake"—they may smell great in a diffuser but not when burned.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Incense with Fragrance Oils

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Cover your table and ensure the area is well-ventilated. Fragrance oil can be strong!

Step 2: Add Fragrance Oil to a Container

Use 20–25 drops of fragrance oil per 5 sticks. Add optional DPG at a 3:1 oil to fixative ratio.

Step 3: Add Unscented Sticks or Cones

Ensure sticks are fully coated. Seal the bag or jar and shake gently.

Step 4: Soak for 24–48 Hours

Let the incense sit undisturbed, flipping halfway through if needed.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Lay out incense on a tray lined with paper towel. Dry 2–3 days in a cool, dry area away from sunlight.

Step 6: Store or Burn

Once dry, store in airtight containers or burn and enjoy!

Tips for Better Burning and Scent Throw

Use fixatives like DPG to extend burn time
Make sure incense is 100% dry before lighting
Choose bold fragrance profiles (woods, resins, spice)
Store incense properly to preserve scent strength

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too much oil: Can cause poor burn and excessive smoke
Wrong oil type: Use only oils safe for burning
Skipping dry time: Damp incense won’t burn properly
Storing too soon: May lead to mold or scent loss

Safety Tips When Burning Incense

Use a heat-resistant incense holder
Keep away from flammable objects
Never leave burning incense unattended
Ventilate your space
Keep away from pets and children

FAQs

Can I use fragrance oils instead of essential oils to make incense?

Yes! As long as the fragrance oil is labeled safe for burning, it’s perfect for incense making.

How long should I soak incense sticks in fragrance oil?

At least 24 hours, up to 48 hours for stronger scent. The longer it soaks, the better the saturation.

Why does my incense smell great unlit but weak when burning?

The oil may not be suitable for combustion, or the incense wasn’t fully dried. Use stronger fragrance types and ensure proper drying.

Can I use fragrance oils from my diffuser collection?

Only if they’re safe for burning. Some diffuser oils are not formulated to withstand heat and may produce smoke or unpleasant odors.

How do I make incense cones vs sticks?

Cones require a paste made with makko powder or charcoal powder—more advanced, but doable! This guide focuses on soaking unscented sticks and cones.

Can I mix different fragrance oils together?

Yes! Layering scents is a great way to create your signature incense blend. Just make sure the oils are burn-safe.

Final Thoughts

Making your own incense with unscented sticks and fragrance oils is a creative, calming, and customizable project that makes your space smell divine.

Whether you're crafting for meditation, relaxation, or just because you love good scent, this is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy your favorite fragrance oils in a whole new format.

Ready to try it yourself?

👉 Explore HIQILI’s fragrance oil collection and find your perfect incense blend today!