Don’t know what’s the difference between fragrance oil and essential oil? Here are four basic ones to know!
When it comes to aromatherapy and candle-making, many people confuse between fragrance oils and essential oils – thinking they are the same. While both offer aromatic richness, they differ significantly in their composition, extraction methods, and applications.
In this article, I’ll discuss the primary differences between fragrance oil and essential oil, while highlighting the unique benefits of each and factors you should consider when using them.
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What are Fragrance Oils?
Fragrance oils, also known as synthetic or aromatic oils, are manufactured substances designed to mimic natural scents. These oils are formulated using a blend of synthetic compounds and natural aroma chemicals to replicate the fragrance profiles of various botanicals, fruits, spices, and other sources.
Fragrance oils offer a vast array of scents, ranging from familiar floral and fruity notes to exotic and whimsical blends.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are natural, volatile compounds extracted from aromatic plants through methods such as steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. These oils capture the essence of the plant, including its distinctive fragrance, therapeutic properties, and botanical complexity.
Essential oils are prized for their purity, potency, and holistic benefits, making them popular choices for aromatherapy and natural wellness.
Differences Between Fragrance Oil and Essential Oil
1. Composition
Fragrance oils are synthetic or aromatic compounds created in laboratories, while essential oils are natural, volatile compounds extracted from aromatic plants.
This essentially means that the scents you smell from fragrance oils are crafted by perfumers and fragrance chemists. The combination of chemicals, natural isolates and carrier oils allow them to achieve specific scent profiles and ensure scent longevity.
On the other hand, essential oils are typically purely made of various parts of plans, such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. These oils are highly concentrated, carrying the exact fragrance and therapeutic properties of the plant from which they are extracted.
2. Extraction Method
Fragrance oils are produced through synthetic processes, whereas essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants using methods such as steam distillation or cold pressing.
While fragrance oils are created through synthetic production processes in laboratories, essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants using more complicated methods.
Extraction techniques are quite meticulous to preserve the integrity and potency of the plant’s aromatic compounds. Through the process of steam distillation and cold pressing, high-quality oils are made with unique fragrance profiles and therapeutic benefits.
You can also read on the process of solvent extraction or enfleurage that is used for making essential oils.
3. Characteristics
It is commonly known that fragrance oils offer strong, long-lasting scents compared to essential oils. You can also find a wide range of options for fragrance oils to suit various preferences as they are crafted in labs, while essential oils derive from natural fragrances.
Fragrance oils can achieve a variety of unique scents that are not found in essential oils. Some examples include:
- Cotton Candy
- Pumpkin Spice
- Ocean Breeze
- Vanilla Bean
- Cherry Blossom
- Apple Pie
- Bubble Gum
- Tropical Pina Colada
- Fresh Linen
- Birthday Cake
These scents are created synthetically, allowing for a wider range of aromatic profiles that cannot be extracted from natural plant sources.
When comparing the two, one must also know that only essential oils carry natural therapeutic properties and holistic benefits. Fragrance oils are used primarily for their strong scent and does not carry any benefits when it comes to aromatherapy.
Due to this, it is only natural that essential oils are priced higher – as they are valuable assets in aromatherapy, skincare, massage, and holistic wellness practices.
4. Applications
Fragrance oils are commonly used in candles, soaps, perfumes, and other scented products, while essential oils are favored for aromatherapy, skincare, massage, and natural wellness practices.
Both can be used in candle-making but must be handled differently due to varying flashpoints.
Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil
Here’s a simple table highlighting the benefits when it comes to using fragrance oils and essential oils.
| Usage | Fragrance Oils | Essential Oils |
|---|---|---|
| On Skin Usage | Only if skin-safe, often synthetic | Natural, offers therapeutic benefits |
| Added to Body Butter | Primarily for fragrance, skin-safe versions | Moisturizing, calming, natural |
| Added to Soaps | Consistent, potent scent, affordable | Natural, therapeutic, more expensive |
| Candle-making | Stronger, consistent scent, affordable | Natural scent, therapeutic, more expensive |
| Using in Diffuser | Strong, long-lasting scent | Therapeutic benefits, natural aroma |
Difference Between Fragrance Oil and Essential Oil for Skin
When used in aromatherapy, natural skincare, and holistic health practices, essential oils are generally safe for skin if diluted with a carrier oil. They can cause irritation if undiluted.
The therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and calming effects from plants like lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils is often favored.
Fragrance oils on the other hand are commonly used in perfumes, lotions, and other cosmetic products. However, only skin-safe labeled fragrance oils should be used topically. Similar to essential oils, they should be patch-tested and diluted appropriately.
Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil in Body Butter
Thanks to their cost-effectiveness, fragrance oils are primarily used for adding fragrance to body butters. If you’re looking for something moisturizing or calming, you can still consider using essential oils to make body butter.
Remember – not all are safe for skin, so make sure they are skin-safe before use.
Essential Oil vs Fragrance Oil for Soap
Looking to make aromatherapy soaps? Essential oils should be your go-to.
I’m not sure about you but I prefer a natural scent when choosing my soaps, and preferably one that helps me relax after a long day or lift my mood in the morning.
If you’re just looking for something affordable and smells strong, fragrance oils would be a better option.
Essential Oil vs Fragrance Oil for Candles
Fragrance oils are usually preferred for candle-making as they provide a stronger scent throw, greater stability at high temperatures, and a wide variety of scents (refer list above). The downside is that they are synthetic and lack the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Although essential oils are more expensive and less stable at high temperatures (weaker scent throw), they are still used for aromatherapy candle-making. There are still people who wants a more natural alternative with actual therapeutic benefits and enjoy a more subtle, authentic aroma.
Read: How do scented candles work
Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil in Diffuser
Similarly, when opting for scented oils to use in a diffuser, the choice between fragrance oils and essential oils depends largely on what the consumer wants. Personally, I use both at home for different purposes.
When I need something to lift my mood or make me feel relaxed, I’ll switch on my diffuser with natural essential oils like lavender or peppermint. When I have guests over and I don’t plan to use candles, I’ll just use the diffuser with something that smells nice – and it doesn’t require essential oils to do so.
Just like I’ve explained above, fragrance oils smells stronger and are longer-lasting which makes them ideal for continuous scent diffusion in home fragrance diffusers.
Fragrance Oil vs Perfume Oil
Fragrance oils can be synthetic or a blend of synthetic and natural ingredients. They are used in candles, soaps, lotions, and home fragrance products, primarily for their scent. However, they are not necessarily skin-safe unless specified.
Perfume oils, on the other hand, are specifically formulated for use on the skin, usually comprising a blend of fragrance oils and skin-safe ingredients. These oils are used in personal care products like perfumes and colognes and are designed to provide a long-lasting scent while being safe for skin application.
Are Fragrance Oils Safe?
Fragrance oils are generally safe when used as intended and formulated according to safety standards. For skin contact, ensure they are labeled as skin-safe and follow appropriate dilution guidelines.
Inhalation or excessive exposure to non-skin-safe fragrance oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use in well-ventilated areas to minimize risks.
Is Fragrance Oil Safe for Skin?
Fragrance oils can be safe for skin, but it’s crucial to ensure they are specifically labeled as skin-safe. Skin-safe fragrance oils are formulated to avoid irritation and allergic reactions when applied to the skin.
Always use them in appropriate dilutions, and perform a patch test before widespread use. Fragrance oils not intended for skin contact can cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions.
Bottom Line
Fragrance oil and essential oil are two very different products that are commonly thought to be the same. Both carries unique characteristics and offers varying applications.
If you’re planning to use any of them, it’s best to check manufacturer guidelines on how to use as every product is different. Whether it’s for candle-making, using in diffusers or applying to skin, essential oils still remain the best option for aromatherapy while fragrance oils are preferred for their strong fragrance.
It’s always best to test!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, essential oils and fragrance oils are not the same. Essential oils are natural extracts obtained from plants, capturing their scent and beneficial properties. They are often used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic effects. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are either synthetic or a blend of synthetic and natural ingredients designed to mimic specific scents. They offer a wider variety of aromas and are commonly used in products like candles, soaps, and perfumes for their strong and long-lasting scent.
Fragrance oils generally last longer than essential oils. This is because fragrance oils are specifically formulated to have a strong and enduring scent, making them ideal for use in candles, diffusers, and other scented products. Essential oils, while natural and beneficial for their therapeutic properties, tend to evaporate more quickly and may not have as long-lasting a scent. Fragrance oils are designed to provide a consistent aroma over a longer period.
Yes, you can substitute fragrance oil for essential oil, especially in products where scent longevity and variety are important, such as candles or soaps. However, this substitution means you will lose the natural therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer. Fragrance oils provide a wider range of scents and tend to be more affordable, but they do not possess the same health benefits as essential oils. Always check the suitability of the fragrance oil for the intended use, especially if it involves skin contact.
Yes, essential oils can be used as fragrance. They provide a natural, aromatic scent and are commonly used in diffusers, candles, body care products, and natural perfumes. Besides their pleasant aroma, essential oils offer therapeutic benefits such as stress relief, mood enhancement, and improved well-being. However, they might not have as strong or long-lasting a scent as synthetic fragrance oils. When using essential oils as fragrance, it’s important to follow proper dilution guidelines to ensure safety, especially in skin-contact applications.
Fragrance oils can be used on the skin, but it’s essential to ensure they are skin-safe and properly diluted. Not all fragrance oils are formulated for direct skin contact, as some may contain synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Look for fragrance oils specifically labeled as body-safe or suitable for cosmetic use. Always conduct a patch test before applying any new fragrance oil to your skin to check for potential adverse reactions. When in doubt, use essential oils or fragrance oils that are designed for skincare products.
Fragrance oil is used to impart pleasant scents to various products. Common applications include candles, soaps, lotions, perfumes, air fresheners, and diffusers. These oils are valued for their strong and long-lasting aromas, which can create a desired ambiance or personal fragrance. Fragrance oils are also used in household cleaning products to provide a fresh scent. They offer a wide range of scents, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy, allowing for extensive customization and variety in scented products.
