Scent Stacking: The Art of Intentional Aromatherapy
If you've ever walked into a room and felt instantly calm, energised, or uplifted, you've already experienced the power of scent. But what if you could intentionally design that experience for yourself?
That's the idea behind scent stacking — the practice of layering complementary essential oils to create a personalised aromatic experience that supports your mood, energy, or intention.
What Is Scent Stacking?
Scent stacking is the art of combining essential oils in a way that creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Rather than using a single oil, you layer top, middle, and base notes — just like a perfumer would — to build a blend that evolves and lingers beautifully.
Each note plays a role:
- Top notes are the first impression — bright, fresh, and fleeting (think citrus or peppermint)
- Middle notes form the heart of the blend — floral, herbal, or spicy
- Base notes anchor everything — warm, deep, and long-lasting (think woods and resins)
Why Layer Essential Oils?
Blending oils isn't just about creating a pleasant smell. When oils are combined thoughtfully, their aromatic compounds interact in ways that can enhance their individual effects. A grounding base note like Cedarwood Himalayan can make an uplifting citrus feel more balanced, while a floral middle note like Geranium can soften a sharp top note beautifully.
How to Build Your Scent Stack
A simple starting ratio is 3:2:1 — three parts top note, two parts middle note, one part base note. This gives you a well-rounded blend that opens brightly and settles into something warm and lasting.
To a blending oil, try:
- 3 drops Orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) — top note
- 2 drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) — middle note
- 1 drop Cedarwood Himalayan (Cedrus deodara) — base note
This blend is uplifting yet grounded — perfect for a morning diffuser or a body oil to start the day with intention.
Ready-Made Scent Stacks from Tisserand
If you'd like to experience expertly blended scent stacking without mixing your own, our Energy Boost Body & Room Mist and Total De Stress Body & Room Mist are beautifully crafted examples — each one a considered stack of complementary oils designed to shift your mood in moments.
For on-the-go support, our Mind Clear Roller Ball is a pocket-sized scent stack that combines Bergamot, Lavender, and Jasmine Absolute — a trio that lifts, calms, and grounds all at once.
Tips for Successful Scent Stacking
- Start simple — two or three oils is plenty when you're beginning
- Smell each oil individually before blending
- Let your blend rest for 24 hours before judging — the scent evolves as the oils marry
- Keep notes on what works so you can recreate your favourites
Scent stacking is a deeply personal practice. There's no single right answer — only what resonates with you. We'd love to hear your favourite combinations. Share them with us in the comments below.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women's health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
