How to Make Reed Diffusers: The Complete Guide

Why Reed Diffusers Are Booming

The UK home fragrance market is now valued at over £2.3 billion — and reed diffusers are one of the fastest-growing segments. It is easy to see why. Unlike candles, they require no flame, no supervision, and no electricity. Once assembled, a reed diffuser works passively around the clock, releasing fragrance through natural capillary action as the base oil wicks up through the reeds and evaporates into the room.

For small businesses, artisan makers, and home fragrance brands, reed diffusers offer a compelling opportunity. They are straightforward to produce, the margins are healthy, and they complement candle lines perfectly — giving your customers a flameless alternative that works in offices, nurseries, bathrooms, and anywhere an open flame is impractical.

Whether you are creating reed diffusers for your own home, launching a new product line, or scaling up an existing fragrance brand, this guide covers everything you need to know — from raw materials and ratios to bottle selection, reed choices, and packaging for retail.

What You Need to Make a Reed Diffuser

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the core components. Every reed diffuser consists of just four elements:

• Base oil — The carrier liquid that wicks up the reeds and disperses fragrance (e.g. Augeo Clean Multi, DPG, or fractionated coconut oil)
• Fragrance oil — A concentrated scent designed for cold diffusion (not the same as essential oils, though some makers do use them)
• Diffuser bottle — A glass vessel with a narrow neck to hold the reeds and control evaporation
• Reeds — Fibre or rattan sticks that draw the oil upward through capillary action
• Closure — A cap or cork to seal the bottle for transport and display (removed during use, or a decorative collar left in place)

That is it. The simplicity of the product is part of its appeal — but the details of each component make an enormous difference to scent throw, longevity, and the overall quality of the finished product.

Choosing Your Base Oil

The base oil is the foundation of your reed diffuser. It determines how well fragrance wicks through the reeds, how quickly it evaporates, and how long the diffuser lasts. There are three main options used in the industry today, each with distinct advantages.

Augeo Clean Multi

Augeo Clean Multi has rapidly become the industry standard for premium reed diffusers. Manufactured by Evonik, it is a plant-derived solvent (isopropyl myristate-based) with excellent wicking properties. It carries fragrance efficiently, has a low odour profile so it does not interfere with your scent, and is classified as low-VOC — making it a strong choice for brands marketing sustainability credentials.

Augeo is thinner than traditional oils, which means it wicks faster and delivers a noticeable scent throw from day one. The trade-off is that diffusers made with Augeo tend to run through their fill slightly faster than DPG-based alternatives, though this can be managed with reed count and bottle neck diameter.

Dipropylene Glycol (DPG)

DPG is the traditional reed diffuser base and remains widely used, particularly at lower price points. It is affordable, readily available, and compatible with the vast majority of fragrance oils. DPG wicks more slowly than Augeo, which can mean a gentler (some would say weaker) initial scent throw, but it also means the diffuser can last longer before needing a refill.

One consideration: DPG is a synthetic glycol, which may not align with brands positioning themselves as natural or eco-friendly. It also has a slightly higher VOC profile than Augeo.

Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)

For brands seeking a fully natural base, fractionated coconut oil is the go-to option. It is odourless, colourless, and liquid at room temperature (unlike regular coconut oil). However, FCO wicks more slowly than both Augeo and DPG, and it can struggle to carry heavier fragrance notes effectively. It works best with lighter, fresher scent profiles.

FCO is also more viscous, meaning you may need to use fewer reeds or thinner reeds to avoid over-saturation and dripping.

Base Oil Comparison

Fragrance Loading and Ratios

Getting the fragrance-to-base ratio right is critical. Too little fragrance and your diffuser will underwhelm. Too much and you risk the oil becoming too thick to wick properly, or overwhelming the room with an unpleasant concentration of scent.

Standard Ratios

The industry standard for reed diffusers is 15–25% fragrance oil to 75–85% base oil by volume. Here is how to think about it:

• 15% fragrance — A lighter, more subtle scent. Good for bathrooms, bedside tables, and smaller spaces. Works well with strong fragrances that do not need much help projecting.
• 20% fragrance — The sweet spot for most diffusers. Delivers a clear, recognisable scent without being overpowering. This is where most commercial reed diffusers sit.
• 25% fragrance — A strong, room-filling scent. Good for larger rooms or for fragrances that are naturally lighter. Be cautious going above 25% — the oil can become too concentrated for effective wicking.

Practical Measurements for a 100ml Diffuser

Tips for Getting the Ratio Right

• Always test first. Make a small batch (one or two bottles) before committing to a large production run. Fragrance oils vary enormously in their throw, and what works at 20% with one scent may need 25% with another.
• Measure by weight, not volume. Fragrance oils and base oils have different densities. Using a digital scale (accurate to 0.1g) ensures consistency across batches.
• Note the flash point. Reed diffusers use cold diffusion, so flash point is less critical than in candle making — but it is still good practice to record it for your safety data sheets.
• Allow 48 hours for a true assessment. Reed diffusers need time for the oil to wick to the top of the reeds. Do not judge scent throw in the first few hours.

Choosing the Right Diffuser Bottle

The bottle is not just a vessel — it is the face of your product. It is what sits on the customer's shelf, mantelpiece, or bathroom windowsill for weeks or months at a time. The shape, colour, size, and neck finish all influence both the aesthetics and the performance of your reed diffuser.

Size Guide by Room

Bottle Shapes and Styles

The shape you choose affects both the visual appeal and the rate of evaporation. Wider openings allow more fragrance to release but also mean the diffuser runs out faster. Narrower necks give slower, more controlled diffusion.

Karen Round — Classic & Versatile

Square — Contemporary & Structured

Lotus Tall — Elegant & Slender

Clayton Tall — Modern & Angular

Shape Comparison

Glass Colour Options

Many of our diffuser bottles are available in multiple finishes — clear, amber, gloss black, gloss white, matt black, matt grey, and matt white. Coloured and coated glass serves a dual purpose: it adds visual appeal to the product while also protecting the fragrance oil from UV degradation, which can cause discolouration and scent deterioration over time.

Clear

Amber

Gloss Black

Matt Black

Matt White

Selecting Your Reeds

Reeds are the engine of your diffuser. They do the actual work of drawing oil from the bottle and releasing it into the air. Choosing the right reeds — and the right number of them — makes a significant difference to how your finished product performs.

Fibre Reeds vs Natural Rattan

Reed Length

As a rule, reeds should extend 50–60% above the bottle rim. If your bottle is 15cm tall, for example, you want reeds that are approximately 24–28cm in total length (with about 13–15cm exposed above the bottle). Reeds that are too short will not provide adequate surface area for evaporation. Reeds that are too tall can look ungainly and may topple the bottle.

Reed Thickness

Standard diffuser reeds come in 3mm and 4mm diameters. Thicker reeds wick more oil, producing a stronger scent but also running through the oil faster. For 100ml bottles, 3mm reeds are usually the right balance. For larger bottles (200ml+), 4mm reeds can be more effective.

How Many Reeds?

More reeds means more fragrance — but also faster consumption. Here is a general guide:

• 50ml bottle: 4–5 reeds
• 100ml bottle: 6–8 reeds
• 200ml bottle: 8–10 reeds
• 500ml+ bottle: 10–12 reeds

Advise your customers that they can control scent intensity by adding or removing reeds. This is a simple but effective selling point.

Browse Our Diffuser Reeds

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Reed Diffuser

With your materials selected, here is the complete process for assembling a reed diffuser. This method works for single units or small batch production.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Work on a clean, flat surface protected with paper or a silicone mat. Fragrance oils can damage certain surfaces (including varnished wood and some plastics), so protection is important. Have kitchen roll or lint-free cloths to hand for any spills.

Step 2: Measure Your Base Oil

Using a digital scale, weigh out your base oil into a clean, dry pouring jug. For a 100ml diffuser at 20% fragrance load, you need 80ml (approximately 72–76g depending on the base oil). If using Augeo, the density is close to 0.85 g/ml; for DPG, around 1.02 g/ml.

Step 3: Add Fragrance Oil

Weigh your fragrance oil and add it to the base oil. For 100ml at 20%, that is 20ml of fragrance. Stir gently but thoroughly for 60–90 seconds to ensure complete blending. Do not shake vigorously — you want to avoid introducing air bubbles.

Step 4: Pour into Bottles

Using a small funnel (stainless steel or glass, not plastic which can absorb fragrance), carefully pour the blended oil into your diffuser bottles. Fill to approximately 1–2cm below the neck to leave room for the reeds to displace the liquid without overflowing.

Step 5: Insert the Reeds

Place your reeds into the bottle. For the initial setup, insert all the reeds and allow them to soak for one hour, then flip them so the saturated ends are now in the air. This kickstarts the diffusion process and gives an immediate burst of fragrance.

Step 6: Fit the Closure

If selling the product, fit your cap, cork, or collar now. The closure should seal the bottle for transport — customers will remove it when they are ready to use the diffuser. For cork-neck bottles, the reeds typically sit through a hole in the cork or the cork is removed entirely during use.

Step 7: Label and Package

Apply your labels (which should include CLP-compliant safety information — more on this below) and package for sale or gifting.

Step 8: Cure and Test

Allow the diffuser to sit for 48 hours with reeds in place before making any judgements about scent throw. The oil needs time to fully saturate the reeds. After 48 hours, assess the fragrance in the room and adjust reed count if needed.

Ready-Made Diffuser Bundles

If you want to simplify your production process, or you are just starting out and want a complete kit to get going, we offer pre-packaged diffuser bundles that include the bottle, cap, and reeds in one box. These are ideal for makers who want a consistent, professional setup without sourcing each component separately.

Lotus Round Bundle

Karen Round Bundle

Square Bundle

Gloss Black Bundle

Closures: Caps, Corks, and Collars

The closure you choose depends on your bottle's neck finish and the look you are going for. Here are the main options:

Screw Caps (28/410)

The most common option for Karen, Square, Lotus, and Clayton bottles. Available in various finishes — gloss gold, matt black, satin silver. These provide a secure seal for transport and are removed by the customer before use. Some designs allow reeds to pass through the cap for a clean, finished look.

Corks

Cork closures give a natural, artisan aesthetic that works beautifully with the Lia Round bottle. Options include natural cork, synthetic cork (more consistent sizing), and headed corks with decorative wooden or metallic tops.

Synthetic Smooth Headed Cork

Wooden Headed Cork

Satin Silver Aluminium Headed Cork

Decorative Collars

Some brands use a metallic or wooden collar that sits around the neck of the bottle while the reeds pass through. This combines aesthetics with functionality — the collar stays in place during use, adding to the product's shelf appeal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced makers run into problems from time to time. Here are the most common reed diffuser issues and how to solve them.

The Diffuser Is Not Scenting the Room

• Not enough reeds. Add 1–2 more reeds and reassess after 24 hours.
• Fragrance load too low. Try increasing to 25%.
• Reeds have not been flipped. Flip all reeds to expose the saturated ends to air.
• Room is too large. A 100ml diffuser will struggle in a very large, open-plan space. Consider upgrading to 200ml or placing two diffusers.
• Nose fatigue. You may have become accustomed to the scent. Ask someone else to assess it, or leave the room for 30 minutes and return.

Reeds Are Clogging

• Natural rattan reeds clog over time as the tiny pores become saturated with dried fragrance. Replace rattan reeds every 4–6 weeks. Fibre reeds resist clogging much better.
• Dust accumulation can also block the exposed reed tips. Keep diffusers away from dusty environments.

Oil Is Evaporating Too Fast

• Too many reeds. Remove 1–2 reeds.
• Positioned near a heat source. Move the diffuser away from radiators, sunny windowsills, and heat-generating appliances.
• Draughty location. Air movement accelerates evaporation. Move to a more sheltered spot.
• Augeo-based oil evaporates faster than DPG. If longevity is a priority, consider switching to DPG or a blended base.

Oil Is Leaking from the Bottle

• Bottle is overfilled. When reeds are inserted, they displace liquid. Leave 1–2cm of headspace.
• Cap or cork is not sealed properly. Check the closure fits snugly. For screw caps, ensure the thread is clean and aligned.
• Temperature changes during transport can cause the oil to expand. Pack with the bottle upright and avoid extreme temperatures.

Oil Has Changed Colour

• UV exposure. Fragrance oils can discolour when exposed to sunlight. Use amber, black, or coated glass bottles to mitigate this, and advise customers to keep diffusers out of direct sunlight.
• Vanilla-based fragrances are notorious for turning yellow or brown over time due to vanillin content. This is a cosmetic issue and does not affect performance, but it can be unattractive in clear glass bottles. Consider using darker bottles for vanilla-heavy scents.

Packaging for Sale: Labels, Compliance, and Presentation

If you are selling reed diffusers commercially in the UK (or EU), your packaging needs to meet specific regulatory requirements. Getting this right is not optional — it is a legal obligation.

CLP Labelling (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)

Under UK CLP regulations, reed diffusers are classified as chemical mixtures and require hazard labelling. Your label must include:

• Product identifier — the fragrance name or blend code
• Signal word — "Warning" or "Danger" depending on the classification
• Hazard pictograms — typically the exclamation mark and possibly the environmental hazard symbol
• Hazard and precautionary statements — specific to the chemicals in your formulation (your fragrance supplier should provide the safety data sheets you need to generate these)
• Supplier identification — your business name and address
• Quantity — the volume of the product (e.g., 100ml)

Most fragrance oil suppliers can provide the CLP information you need, or you can use a third-party classification service.

Presentation and Branding

Reed diffusers are premium products — they need to look the part. Consider:

• Branded outer boxes — a printed box protects the bottle during shipping and elevates the unboxing experience
• Tissue paper or shredded fill — adds a luxury feel inside the box
• Instruction card — a small card explaining how to use the diffuser (insert reeds, flip after one hour, adjust reed count for scent strength)
• Gift-ready packaging — reed diffusers are hugely popular as gifts, so consider designing packaging that does not need additional wrapping

Custom Decoration

We offer a range of decoration services including screen printing, organic coating, label application, and more. Decoration transforms a standard bottle into a branded product that stands apart from the competition.

Price Breaks and Wholesale Savings

One of the advantages of working with Coloured Bottles is our transparent pricing structure. We offer automatic price breaks based on quantity — the more you order, the less you pay per unit. There are no minimum order quantities for standard stock items, so you can start small and scale up as your business grows.

For larger orders (pallet quantities and above), get in touch with our team for bespoke pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a reed diffuser last?

A 100ml reed diffuser typically lasts 8–12 weeks, depending on the base oil, fragrance concentration, number of reeds, and environmental factors (room temperature, airflow, sunlight). Augeo-based diffusers tend to be on the shorter end; DPG and coconut oil bases last longer.

Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?

Yes, but with caveats. Essential oils are generally more expensive, can have weaker throw in cold diffusion, and some (like citrus oils) evaporate very quickly. Most commercial reed diffusers use fragrance oils specifically formulated for diffuser use. If you prefer natural ingredients, look for diffuser-grade essential oil blends from reputable suppliers.

How often should the reeds be flipped?

Flipping reeds once a week is a good general recommendation for customers. Each flip provides a burst of refreshed fragrance. However, frequent flipping also uses up the oil faster, so it is a balance between intensity and longevity. Include this advice on your instruction card.

What is the best bottle size for a new reed diffuser business?

100ml is the industry standard and the most popular size for home use. It offers the best balance of longevity, scent throw, and price point. Start with 100ml, and expand into 50ml (travel/gift) and 200ml (large rooms) once you have established your range.

Do I need a licence to sell reed diffusers in the UK?

You do not need a specific licence, but you do need to comply with CLP regulations (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemicals). This means proper hazard labelling on every product, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available on request, and appropriate storage. You should also have product liability insurance and comply with general consumer safety regulations.

Can I refill a reed diffuser?

You can refill the oil, but you should always use fresh reeds. Used reeds become saturated with dried fragrance residue and will not wick a new scent effectively. Many brands sell refill bottles as an upsell — this is a great eco-friendly proposition and encourages repeat purchases.

What is the difference between a diffuser cap and a collar?

A cap fully seals the bottle and is removed before use. A collar sits around the neck of the bottle and stays in place while the reeds pass through, adding a decorative element during use. Caps are more common for transport; collars add a premium feel to the displayed product.

Is glass better than plastic for diffuser bottles?

Glass is vastly superior for reed diffusers. Fragrance oils (particularly those with a high concentration of essential oils or solvents like Augeo) can interact with plastic over time — causing warping, discolouration, or chemical leaching. Glass is inert, does not react with fragrance oils, looks more premium, and is fully recyclable. There is a reason the entire professional fragrance industry uses glass.

Start Making Reed Diffusers Today

Reed diffusers are one of the most accessible home fragrance products to make — and one of the most rewarding to sell. With the right base oil, a well-chosen fragrance, quality glass bottles, and good reeds, you can produce a professional product that competes with high-street brands at a fraction of the cost.

At Coloured Bottles, we have been supplying the UK fragrance and cosmetics industry with quality glass packaging for over 35 years. Our full range of diffuser bottles — from classic round Karen bottles to contemporary tall Clayton designs — is available with no minimum order, automatic price breaks, and fast UK delivery.

Browse the collection below and start building your reed diffuser range today.

Browse All Diffuser Bottles