Three Differences between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils

Distinguishing the differences between an essential oil and a fragrance oil may be confusing for beginners. So to make things a little easier, we’ve a post about three differences between these two different types of oils!

A row of essential oils we have in store!

1. Sources and Reproducibility

Essential Oils are extracted from plants, which make them products of natural sources. To have a precise reproduction of a certain batch is impossible as plants have a ‘bouquet’ of components that are synthetically difficult to reproduce.(1) Moreover, the grades of essential oils vary according to seasons and growing conditions as well.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic. They do not possess the natural healing properties and therapeutic benefits you can get from essential oils. Though, unlike essential oils, fragrance oils last longer and there is a wider range for you to choose from since they can be easily made in a laboratory.

Fragrance Oils being sold at our store.

2. Uses

Both oils can be used in the making of soaps, candles, cosmetics and such, but only essential oils are aromatherapeutic.

*According to Jane Buckle in Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare, ‘aromatherapy’ is divided into three types: aesthetics aromatherapy, clinical aromatherapy and holistic aromatherapy. However, they are all essentially the practice of using oils extracted from plants to enhance psychological, spiritual and physical well-being of a person.(2)

3. Price Difference

The price of essential oils varies depending on season, type, availability and the way it was extracted. In general, fragrance oils are cheaper than essential oils.

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References:

1. Christian Valnet, Essential Oils And Aromatherapy(Edizioni R.E.I, 2015).
2. Jane Buckle, Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare, 3rd edn (London: Churchill Livingstone, 2016).

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