We are often asked – what is the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils? Aren’t they the same?

No, there is a big difference between fragrance oils and essential oils.

Essential oils are derived, usually by distillation, from plants.  They are then mixed with a carrier oil or base.  A pure, distilled oil, not added to a carrier is referred to as ‘absolut’.  It can take hundreds of pounds of a flower or plant to derive a single ounce of oil.  As a result, essential oils can be very expensive.  Essential oils, even those added to a carrier base, are highly concentrated.  For most applications, a few drops are all that are needed.  Using too much, or putting directly on the skin, can result in burns or severe irritation.

Fragrance oils are man-made.  They may contain some essential oils, but for most they are synthetic chemicals combined to approximate fragrances we love.  With advancements in gas chromatography (GC), chemists can define what components a fragrance contains and then combine compounds to duplicate it.  Fragrance oils vary in price and in quality.

Are their uses different?

Yes and no.  Essential oils can be used in soap and candles.  But because their price is quite high, it is usually not economical to use them except for specialty applications.  Also, not all essential oils should be used in skin applications.  Cinnamon oil is an example of an oil not suitable for skin products.  There are also some, like juniper oil, which should not be used by pregnant women.  Fragrance oils are more economical for use in most products.  However many, based on their formulations, are not safe for skin applications. You should always check with the manufacturer before using a fragrance oil in a skin application.  Also, fragrance oils should not be used in any application that might be ingested (like lip balms).

Tags: essential oils, fragrance oils