Home Fragrance Oils Vs. Essential Oils: What's The Difference?

Essential oils and home fragrance oils are not interchangeable. While both are used for scenting, they are very different products.

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts from the roots, flowers, bark, seeds, and fruit rinds of plants. They are used for aromatherapy, which is a form of complementary or alternative therapy that uses essential oils for their health benefits. They can be inhaled, applied to the skin, or used in diffusers and humidifiers.

Home fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic or partially synthetic products formulated to mimic the scent of natural substances. They are used to add delightful scents to daily life and are commonly used in perfumes, colognes, and beauty products.

While home fragrance oils can be used in diffusers, it is important to consult the manufacturer's instructions first as the added chemicals in the oil may damage certain types of diffusers. They can also be used to create DIY room sprays, bath salts, and scented body oils. However, due to the potential for skin irritation from the chemical compounds in fragrance oils, essential oils are a safer and more skin-friendly alternative.

Home fragrance oils vs essential oils

Home Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils

Home fragrance oils, also known as fragrance oils, are a blend of aromatic chemical compounds, which can be synthetic or natural. They are commonly used in homecare products such as air fresheners and candles. Synthetic fragrance oils are made in labs using artificial compounds, while natural fragrance oils derive their scent from plant compounds. However, even natural fragrance oils are made in a lab and contain synthetic components, which means they have no medicinal properties and do not offer health benefits.

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts derived from different parts of plants, including roots, flowers, bark, seeds, and fruit rinds. They are obtained through steam distillation and cold pressing and are known for their strong, pleasant aromas and therapeutic properties. Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy to promote health and well-being. They can be inhaled, diffused using oil diffusers or warmers, or diluted and applied to the skin.

Key Differences:

• Source: Home fragrance oils are primarily synthetic, while essential oils are natural plant extracts.
• Aroma: Both home fragrance oils and essential oils offer pleasant aromas. However, essential oils have stronger scents due to their high concentration.
• Therapeutic Properties: Essential oils are valued for their therapeutic properties and are used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, stress relief, and pain relief. In contrast, home fragrance oils do not offer therapeutic benefits as they lack medicinal properties.
• Usage: Home fragrance oils are typically used in air fresheners and candles, while essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy and can be inhaled, diffused, or applied topically when diluted.
• Safety: Both types of oils can trigger allergies due to their chemical compounds. However, essential oils contain compounds beneficial for health, whereas fragrance oils do not.

In conclusion, while both home fragrance oils and essential oils provide pleasant aromas, essential oils offer additional therapeutic benefits due to their natural plant-based properties. Home fragrance oils, on the other hand, are primarily synthetic and are used for their scent rather than any health benefits.

Using essential oils in candles

While it is possible to use essential oils in candles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, essential oils are highly flammable, so adding them to candles can create a serious fire hazard. Additionally, essential oils are not designed to be mixed into candle wax, and may not blend properly, leaving an unattractive greasy residue on the candle.

However, if you are careful, it is possible to make candles with essential oils. Here is a basic guide:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Candle wax (soy wax flakes are an easy-to-use, non-toxic option)
• Essential oils (oils with higher flash points, such as Lavender Magnolia Blend or Tobacco Patchouli Blend, are better suited for candle-making)
• Candle container (made of heat-safe materials such as glass or tin)
• Wick (choose a size appropriate for your container to prevent candle tunneling)
• Wick stickers and holder (or use pencils to hold the wick in place)
• Double boiler (to melt the wax)
• Thermometer
• Heat-safe spoon
• Scale or measuring cups and spoons

Method:

• Measure your ingredients: Weigh your container, then fill it with water to determine the total volume of wax and fragrance needed. Most candle makers recommend starting with 6% or 1 ounce of fragrance per 1 pound of wax, but check the wax manufacturer's instructions for the maximum fragrance load.
• Melt the wax: Set up your double boiler and heat the water to medium-low. Add the wax and stir occasionally until fully melted. Monitor the temperature; once it reaches 185°F, remove from heat.
• Heat your candle container: Gently heat the container with a blow dryer or place it in a preheated 120°F oven for a few minutes. This will help the wax adhere to the container.
• Wick your candle: Place a wick sticker on the bottom of the wick and centre it in the container, using a wick holder or chopsticks to keep it upright and centred.
• Add your essential oils: Once the wax reaches 160°F, stir in your essential oils for 1-2 minutes. Do not stir too fast to avoid air bubbles forming in the wax.
• Pour your candles: Allow the wax to cool to 100-130°F, then slowly pour it into your container. Wait at least 24 hours or up to 3-5 days for the wax to cure before lighting the candle.

Tips:

• Experiment with different amounts and types of essential oils, wicks, containers, and brands of wax to find what works best for you.
• Soy wax is a good option for essential oil candles as it is non-toxic and has a higher fragrance load than other types of wax.
• When choosing essential oils, opt for pure and food-grade oils with high flash points to ensure they don't produce toxins when burned.

Safety Precautions:

• Always be cautious when working with hot wax to avoid burns.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Remember, candle-making with essential oils can be dangerous if not done properly, so always prioritize safety and be sure to do your research before beginning.

Electric diffusers for essential oils

Electric diffusers are a convenient way to fill your space with your favourite scents and can be particularly useful in larger rooms. They are powered by electricity and are great for prolonged use as they allow you to control the intensity of the scent. Electric diffusers come in various shapes and sizes and are produced by several brands.

There are three main types of electric diffusers, categorised by their mechanism of diffusion: nebulizing, evaporative, and ultrasonic.

Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers work similarly to aerosol spray cans, using high pressure to convert essential oils into tiny droplets that are dispersed into the air and diffuse around the room. They don't require water or carrier oils, resulting in a concentrated scent.

Evaporative Diffusers

Evaporative diffusers use a heating coil to warm up and evaporate essential oils into the room. The temperature can be controlled by a thermostat, allowing you to adjust the intensity of the scent. Many models come with a timer, making them convenient for sleeping.

Ultrasonic Diffusers

Ultrasonic diffusers use sound waves to diffuse essential oils into the air. They have a plate at the bottom that vibrates to create high-frequency vibrations, breaking down the oils into microscopic particles. Ultrasonic diffusers come with a water tank, and the amount of essential oil added depends on the volume of water and the desired scent intensity. Since they dilute essential oils with water, they are ideal for daily use as they won't deplete your oil stores quickly. Additionally, ultrasonic diffusers double as humidifiers, adding moisture to the air while creating a soothing atmosphere. They also preserve the therapeutic properties of essential oils by not using heat in the diffusion process.

When using electric diffusers, it is important to remember to clean them regularly to prevent the build-up of essential oils, which can inhibit their function.

Using essential oils without a diffuser

Home fragrance oils and essential oils are not the same thing. The former is a man-made blend of aromatic chemical compounds, while the latter is a plant-based oil. However, essential oils can be used to fragrance your home.

Inhalation

Directly inhale the aroma from the bottle. This method is great for oils with calming or invigorating properties.

Cotton balls

Add a few drops of your chosen oil to a cotton ball and place it in a drawer, cupboard, or pillowcase. The cotton ball can also be tucked into your kid's ears to help with earaches (use just one drop to avoid topical application).

Spray

Add 10-20 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle with water. Shake the bottle and spritz the room. This method is cost-effective and allows you to customize your fragrance.

Tissue

Sprinkle a few drops of oil onto a tissue, hand towel, or washcloth and place it near where you work or sleep.

Jewellery

Apply a few drops of essential oil to a terracotta pendant on a necklace or bracelet. The clay will absorb the oil and slowly diffuse it into the air.

Pillow

Add a few drops of oil to your pillow before bed. This will allow you to enjoy the aroma and benefits of the oil, such as soothing stress, promoting relaxation, or improving sleep.

Toilet Paper Roll

Add a few drops of essential oil to the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper. The oil will be diffused into the air each time someone unrolls the toilet paper.

Steam

Add a few drops of essential oil to a pot of hot water on the stove. Do not let the water boil, as this will destroy the therapeutic properties of the oil.

Bath

Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath. This allows the oil to be absorbed through your skin and bloodstream, promoting relaxation and easing stress.

Vacuum bag

Add a few drops of essential oil to your vacuum bag before vacuuming. As you clean, the aroma will fill the room.

HVAC filter

Add a few drops of essential oil to your HVAC filter. When you turn on your heating or cooling system, the scent will circulate throughout your home.

Car diffuser

Add a few drops of essential oil to a large pompom and stick it to a paperclip. Attach the pompom to the vent in your car.

Skin

Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but always check that the oil is safe for topical use and dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.

Other methods

• Handkerchief
• Clay sculpture
• Facial steamer
• Foot bath
• Carpet deodorizer
• Natural insect repellent
• Candle
• Cleaning cloth
• Inhaler
• Fan

The benefits of essential oils

While home fragrance oils are a great way to make your house smell good, essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts from various parts of plants, such as roots, flowers, bark, seeds, and fruit rinds. They have been used for centuries and offer a plethora of health benefits when used correctly. Here are some of the benefits of essential oils:

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy to help manage stress and anxiety. For example, studies have shown that orange oil reduced anxiety in male participants who inhaled it. Similarly, lavender oil is often used to relieve stress and anxiety and promote better sleep.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, has been used to treat wounds, athlete's foot, oral thrush, and fungal infections. A Johns Hopkins study also found that certain essential oils were more effective than antibiotics in killing a type of Lyme bacteria.

Antioxidant Properties

Many essential oils have antioxidant properties, which help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. This, in turn, may help reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancer.

Pain Relief

Essential oils can provide pain relief and are often used to soothe sore muscles during massages. For example, wintergreen oil can be added to massage oil to help relax tight muscles.

Improved Sleep Quality

Lavender oil, with its relaxing fragrance, has been found to improve sleep quality. In a study involving older adults with dementia, sprinkling lavender oil on towels around their pillows increased their sleep time.

Boosted Mood

Certain essential oils, such as lemon oil, are known for their mood-boosting properties. Citrus scents, in particular, can uplift your mood and create a pleasant aroma in your home.

Improved Digestive Health

Some essential oils, like peppermint oil, may help with digestive issues. There is evidence that peppermint oil can relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule.

Customizable Scents

Essential oils offer a wide range of scents, allowing you to create customized blends for different rooms in your home. You can mix and match various oils to find the perfect fragrance for your bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Versatile Application Methods

Essential oils can be used in diffusers, oil warmers, room sprays, or even added to bathwater. They can also be applied topically when diluted with carrier oils such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil.

Frequently asked questions