Essential Oils V Fragrance Oils

I have been asked a few times what the differences between essential oils and fragrances are. The versatility of essential oils is made possible by the fact that they come in a convenient form. For example, pure lavender oil, wiped on a burn sees the skin return to normal within days, and rubbing one drop on the temples will bring relief to a headache. Fragrance oils are just as versatile, they can be used in a variety of products when you are looking for a long-lasting scent, for example, candles, perfume, potpourri etc. However, the differences between essential oils and fragrance oils lie in their composition, source, and purpose.

Source

• Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural oils extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, and trees. They are typically extracted through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils capture the plant's essence, including its scent and therapeutic properties. Common examples include lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils.

• Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are either completely synthetic or a blend of synthetic and natural compounds. They are designed to mimic specific scents, like "vanilla" or "rose," but they are usually created in a lab.

Composition

• Essential Oils

Essential oils are composed of complex mixtures of natural compounds (terpenes, phenols, esters, etc.) found in plants. These oils vary in composition depending on the plant's growth conditions, season, and extraction method.

• Fragrance Oils

Typically consists of synthetic chemicals designed to reproduce a specific scent. They don't have the variability seen in essential oils and are often more consistent in scent from batch to batch, making them perfect for things like candles where you want a long-lasting scent.

Therapeutic Properties

• Essential Oils

Many are believed to have therapeutic or medicinal properties due to their natural compounds. They are commonly used in aromatherapy and alternative medicine for their potential health benefits. For example, peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory and is used to treat rheumatism and arthritis.

• Fragrance Oils

These oils are mainly used for scent and do not have any significant therapeutic benefits. They are primarily used in cosmetics, candles, and household products for fragrance.

Allergenicity

• Essential Oils

While natural, essential oils can sometimes cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities in certain individuals. Their potency requires careful dilution, especially when applied to the skin.

• Fragrance Oils

These contain synthetic chemicals that may be irritating or cause allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like asthma.

Cost

• Essential Oils

Generally, more expensive due to the extraction process and the amount of raw plant material required to produce a small amount of oil.

• Fragrance Oils

More affordable because they are mass-produced and use synthetic ingredients, which makes them cheaper to produce.

Sustainability

• Essential Oils

Some essential oils, especially those from rare or endangered plants, may raise sustainability concerns due to overharvesting.

• Fragrance Oils

Being synthetically produced, these oils don't have the same environmental impact as essential oils, but they may still have issues related to chemical production and pollution.

In summary, essential oils are natural, plant-derived, and often used for therapeutic purposes and are one the great untapped resources of the world. They are a system of natural help that can prevent illness and alleviate symptoms. While fragrance oils are usually synthetic and primarily used for creating consistent and long-lasting scents in products, they have a wide variety of uses especially if you want strong-smelling candles, refreshing potpourri, and perfume, to name a few.

Further Reading:

Worwood, V.A. (1990). The fragrant pharmacy. Bantam Book. London. ISBN: 0-553-40397-4

Worwood, V.A. (2016). The Complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy. New World Library. Canada. ISBN: 978-1-60868-426-7