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After a long and chilly winter, summer is finally here. And like many, you’re probably intending on spending much of it outdoors—whether it’s playing with the kids, enjoying a picnic with friends, or simply relaxing in the warm summer rays. 

However, sometimes the balminess gets a bit too much. A great way to cool down quickly is by using a cooling mist. You could use a simple water spray, but by adding essential oils, you enhance the cooling effect. 

In this article, we tell you how to make a DIY cooling spray that not only smells amazing but cools your body on a hot summer day. Essential oils also have numerous health benefits and healing properties.

Read on to find out how essential oils can keep you feeling fresh this summer. 

Benefits and Uses of Essential Oil 

The benefits of using essential oils date back to prehistoric times, the Egyptians knew the healing properties of them as far back as 4500 BC. Essential oils have a range of benefits and uses, such as:

• Improve sleep
• Insect repellent
• Deodorizer and disinfectant
• Can be added to body oil and used as perfume
• Scent your home using aroma diffusers

In this article, we will go into how to make a cooling spray that takes advantage of these multiple benefits. 

The Best Essential Oils to Use in a DIY Cooling Mist

Have you ever put the essential oil on your skin, and then immediately felt the area turn cool?

Some essential oils contain components that have a natural cooling effect on the skin. They work by activating the cold-sensing nerves in the skin. A good example of this is menthol.

Why Do Essential Oils Cool the Skin?

When some oils touch our skin, they activate a protein called TRPM8. This is a protein found in our cold-sensing nerve cells. The oil itself isn’t cold, but if the oil contains this protein then it tricks our brain into thinking it’s cold. 

Other oils have a slight numbing effect, which also gives this cooling sensation to the skin. 

Oil Selection for Cooling Mists

There are so many essential oils that have natural cooling effects. We’ve chosen some of the most popular scents with additional properties. All of these work well as a cooling body spray:

• Eucalyptus Globulus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Chamomile German Oil (Matricaria recutita)
• Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens var roseum)
• Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lime Oil (Citrus aurantifolia)
• Orange (Sweet) Oil (Citrus sinensis)
• Palmarosa Oil (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia)
• Peppermint Oil (Mentha x Piperita)
• Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album)
• Vetiver Oil (Vetiveria zizanioides)

How to Make a DIY Cooling Spray

Cooling sprays are simple to make. Why not make a selection for a whole range of uses, including relief from overexposure to the sun, hot flashes, natural insect repellant, and much more. You’ll need the following items before you begin:

• Suitable spray bottle
• Essential oils
• Funnel
• Water

Choose Your Bottle

The first step is to choose a suitable bottle to put your cooling spray in. You might want to consider where it’s going to be used and stored, and who will be using it. 

If you’re using it with children, then you’ll want to use a tamper-proof sprayer. If you’re taking it on a flight and you’re using hand luggage only, then you’ll have to make sure it’s in a 100ml container or less. 

Add the Water

After you’ve chosen a suitable spray bottle, then you’ll want to add fresh water to the bottle. If the bottle has a small neck, you will probably want to use a funnel to make this easier. 

Fill the water up to about three-quarters full. This is to take into account the spray mechanism in the bottle, and of course, the oils you will be adding. You can always top it up with a bit more water later.

Pick Your Oil

Now it’s time to add the oil. You might want to use just a single essential oil in your cooling mist or combine a few scents. Decide on what properties you want in your oil. For example, if you combine menthol and a citrus-based oil, the spray will also act as an insect repellant. 

You can get quite creative mixing scents to what works for you. Take note that the different oils have different potency, so make sure you check each oil’s product page for any individual safety concerns.

Safety and Essential Oils 

For example, some oils such as German chamomile are relatively gentle on the skin, whereas others, like menthol-rich oils, can be harsh on the skin if they aren’t diluted properly.

It’s also noted that some of these cooling oils, such as citrus-based oils, have phototoxic properties. This means that they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you want to use a citrus-based oil that’s safe in the sun, then opt for either distilled Lime Oil, which isn’t phototoxic, or Orange Sweet Oil.

Cap the Bottle and Shake Well

Once the water and oils are in the bottle, put the lid on. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients. 

Spray a small amount and check the scent, and tweak if needed. 

Clearly Label the Bottle 

Once you’re happy with your mix, it’s time to label the bottle. Make sure you state the ingredients included for future reference. 

Your cooling body spray is ready to use.

Store in a cool place. You might even want to keep it in the fridge for an additional cooling effect. 

Find Out Other Great Uses for Your Essential Oils

So, which DIY cooling spray are you going to use to stay cool this summer? Why not make a selection of them to take advantage of the different benefits.

Keep up to date with our latest essential oil uses and tips. A cooling mist is just one way to use essential oils this summer. Why not check out other ways to use them this summer, such as insect repelling aroma diffuser for your home, or relaxing linen scents to help you sleep better.