Aromatherapy And Fragrance Oils: What's The Difference?

Aromatherapy is a healing practice that involves the use of aromatic essential oils to enhance one's mood, health, and overall well-being. While fragrance oils are not the same as essential oils, they can still be used for aromatherapy purposes in certain applications. Fragrance oils are typically blended with carrier oils, such as olive, sesame, or jojoba oil, and are commonly used in candles, soaps, skincare, and other personal care products to add a long-lasting aroma. These oils are carefully formulated and tested to ensure a true and pleasant scent experience, capturing various fragrance notes to cater to different preferences.

Fragrance oils are not essential oils

Firstly, essential oils are entirely natural products, whereas fragrance oils are not. Essential oils are obtained from plant extracts or other natural sources via distillation, or expression, which involves pressing the oils out. In contrast, fragrance oils are artificially created scents, made in labs, and designed to either imitate something found in nature or to produce a scent that you wouldn't find naturally. While fragrance oils may sometimes contain some natural products, they will always have synthetic elements.

Another difference is that essential oils are considered the 'essence' of a natural material and often contain the strongest impression of a plant's scent or benefits. These natural substances also contain chemical compounds that can promote wellness benefits. Essential oils have been used to treat physical and mental ailments across many different cultures for thousands of years.

In terms of specific applications, essential oils are used in a variety of scent-related products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines. They are also used for aromatherapy and can provide a range of benefits for the body and mind. On the other hand, fragrance oils are designed solely to smell nice and do not offer any aromatherapeutic benefits.

Additionally, essential oils are typically more expensive than fragrance oils, especially when purchased in bulk quantities. This is because essential oils are derived from plants and do not contain any synthetic components, whereas fragrance oils are made with synthetic ingredients.

Finally, when it comes to storage, essential oils are more sensitive to their environment than fragrance oils. Essential oils should be stored in airtight containers and kept refrigerated, separate from food, and out of the reach of children and pets. In contrast, fragrance oils should be stored in climate-controlled spaces, protected from light, extreme temperatures, and moisture.

They can be used for aromatherapy

When choosing a fragrance oil, it is important to consider the quality and concentration of the oil. Fragrance oils are often highly concentrated, and it can be difficult to get a true sense of the scent by smelling them directly from the bottle. A good practice is to dab a small amount on a tissue or cotton swab and allow it to dry to get a better sense of the fragrance.

The base oil used in fragrance oils can vary, but common options include olive oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, or a combination of these. Some companies add vitamin E to their base oil to help preserve the fragrance. It is also important to consider any additional ingredients or chemicals in the fragrance oil, such as parabens or phthalates, which may be undesirable to some consumers.

Fragrance oils offer a wide range of scent options, allowing for personalization and creativity in aromatherapy blends. They can be used to create unique and unforgettable fragrances that complement a space and enhance relaxation.

They are used in candles, soaps, and skincare products

Fragrance oils are commonly used in candles, soaps, and skincare products. They are specifically formulated to be suitable for these applications, and their scents are designed to be rich, complex, and long-lasting. When creating candles, soaps, or skincare products, it is important to test a small batch first when trying a new fragrance oil, as it may react unexpectedly and cause issues such as seizing, ricing, or discoloration.

In candle-making, fragrance oils can be added to the wax to create a scented candle. The fragrance oil should be added at the appropriate percentage of the total weight of the candle wax for optimal scent throw.

For soap-making, fragrance oils can be added to the soap base to create scented soaps. The amount of fragrance oil added will depend on the desired scent strength and the type of soap being made. It is important to follow safety guidelines, such as those provided by the IFRA (International Fragrance Association), when adding fragrance oils to soaps to ensure they are safe for skin contact.

Fragrance oils are also commonly used in skincare and personal care products, such as lotions, bath bombs, creams, face masks, and hand creams. The amount of fragrance oil added to these products will vary depending on the specific product and the desired scent strength. It is important to ensure that the fragrance oil is safe for skin contact and meets all regulatory requirements for cosmetic products.

When working with fragrance oils, it is important to remember that they are different from essential oils. Fragrance oils are created in a lab and designed to mimic the scent of a particular ingredient or blend of ingredients. On the other hand, essential oils are naturally derived from plants and offer potential therapeutic benefits in addition to their scent.

Fragrance oils are phthalate and paraben-free

While fragrance oils can be used for aromatherapy, it is important to differentiate them from essential oils. Fragrance oils are created to mimic a scent or aroma and may not contain any natural essences of the plant they are named after. On the other hand, essential oils are natural products, often containing the essence of the plant they are named after.

Parabens are another group of chemicals often used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. Like phthalates, they have also been linked to potential health risks, particularly as they can be absorbed through the skin.

By choosing phthalate and paraben-free fragrance oils, you can reduce the risk of exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. This is especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, as the absence of synthetic chemicals minimises the risk of skin irritation. Additionally, opting for fragrance oils without these chemicals can have a positive impact on the environment, as phthalates can accumulate in ecosystems and negatively affect wildlife and water quality.

Brands that offer phthalate and paraben-free fragrance oils include Bramble Berry, Abel Fragrance, and Aroma Designers.

They are made from olive, sesame, and jojoba oils

Fragrance oils are made from a variety of carrier oils, such as olive, sesame, and jojoba oils. These carrier oils are chosen for their ability to be easily absorbed into the skin, their moisturising properties, and their pleasant scents.

Olive oil is a rich, moderately heavy, and stable oil derived from pressed olives. It has a strong aroma and offers a range of benefits for the skin, especially for those with extremely dry, mature, or inflamed skin. Olive oil is also a common choice for medicinal salves and herbal infusions due to its shelf stability and skin-healing properties.

Sesame seed oil is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic body and skin care formulations. It is a rich, golden-coloured, nutty-scented oil extracted from pressed sesame seeds. Sesame seed oil provides omega-6 and -9 fatty acids, vitamins B6, K, and E, and minerals such as copper, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It is often diluted with lighter oils to reduce its heavy and emollient texture, but it is an excellent choice for dry, mature, or environmentally damaged skin.

Jojoba oil is a light, golden-coloured oil pressed from the seeds of a desert shrub. Chemically similar to human sebum, jojoba oil is highly penetrable, softening, conditioning, and balancing for all skin types. It is rich in vitamin E, the vitamin B complex, and several minerals and fatty acids. Jojoba oil is also exceptionally stable, with a shelf life of up to 25 years.

Carrier oils are a fundamental component of fragrance oils, and the choice of carrier oil can significantly impact the final product's texture, scent, and skin-nourishing properties. Olive, sesame, and jojoba oils each bring unique characteristics and benefits to fragrance oils, contributing to their popularity in aromatherapy and skincare applications.

Frequently asked questions