Essential oils and fragrance oils are often confused as the same thing. But, in reality, they are actually completely different. Aside from the sweet aromas they emit when blended into personal care products, there are different benefits and drawbacks that come with purchasing either one. Let's explore some of these distinctions.
Difference Between Essential Oil and Fragrance Oil in Chemical Component
If we take a look at the process of producing of essential oils and fragrance oils, we will find out that they are totally different on a fundamental chemical level.
Essentials Are Made Up of All-Natural Substances
Essential oils are all natural substances extracted from different parts of a plant, such as flowers, herbs, or roots. These oils are pure extractions that are obtained through the process of steam distillation or solve extractions and are not cut with a type of carrier oil. Sometimes, depending on the type of plant, the extraction may prove to be very complex and generally, essential oils are difficult to reproduce synthetically since they can be made up of 50-500 different naturally occurring chemicals found in the plant and not all of them have been identified.
Also, depending on the season, climate, or growing conditions of a plant, the chemical components of a particular essential oil may vary. Therefore, it is difficult for craft makers to keep their finished products consistent.
Fragrance Oils Are Manufactured
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are artificially manufactured oils. Since they are synthetically made, they are non-volatile and generally last longer than essential oils. There are some fragrance oils that contain a small percentage of essential oils. However, they should not be confused with being a natural product just because they have essential oils added. The only fragrance oils that can be considered non-synthetic. These are different blends of essential oils that have been cut with a carrier oil.
The Health Benefits Between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils and Essential oils also vary in their health benefits. This shouldn't be surprising since the production of the two is so different. Essential oils have many uses in aromatherapy to help ease muscle pain, skin problems, and other bodily afflictions. The reason essential oils are so valued is its use in skin and hair softening, skin moisturizing, rash, and eczema relief, and it's helpfulness on stress and migraine relief. Also essential oils can be taken internally while fragrance oils cannot. Many people apply essential oils directly to skin or use it during their baths. Other may apply it through an olfactory system, such as a humidifier.
Design purely for the purpose of mimicking a scent, Fragrance oils do not provide the same health benefits as Essential Oils. Its purpose is solely for invoking the feeling of being in a natural setting, fragrance oils enhance the aroma of many cosmetics and perfume products, as well as candles and incenses.
What Are Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils Used for?
Both essential oils and fragrance oils are used in candles and soaps to enhance the aroma of the product when in use. Despite the many health benefits that come with essential oils, many people prefer using fragrance oils over essential oils because they have a harder time blending essential oils.
The Price Difference Between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils
The prices for essential oils vary depending on the type of oil, the season of the year, and the availability of the product. It would be difficult to give a general estimate since the price changes so often. But you can expect some essential oils to always be pricey. Take rose essential oils for example. Their prices are usually quite high because those require a precise and timely extraction process, where around 1000 rose petals are required to make just one drop. Rose Otto essential oil can go higher that $100 if it is pure 100% concentrate essential oil depending on the ml. Alteya, a Bulgarian Essential Oil store, sells their pure Bulgarian Rose Oil for $265. Citrus essential oils, on the other hand, are normally not very pricey because they are a lot easier to extract. Either way, we can expect most essential oils to be more expensive than their fragrance oil counterparts. This is mostly due to the health benefits that come with essential oils that are not found in fragrances.
Now, the scent is amazing and health benefits are a plus, but not everyone can afford using essential oils on a regular basis. Which is why some may opt out and buy a fragrance oil, which is much cheaper. Its low price is mostly due to the fact that they are synthetically made, so producers don't have to account for the expensive cost of extraction.
Types of Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils You Can Find in the Market
Typically used in perfumes, cosmetics, and candles, fragrance oils can sometimes duplicate some of the same smells as certain essential oils. However, since some essential oils can be very complex, they are unable to copy every type. If you are someone who likes have variety, fragrance oils have an enormous range of scents. The array of aromas available on the market include flowers, natural settings, and even food flavors, such as melon, apple, berry pie, etc.
There are many benefits to purchasing an essential oil or a fragrance oil. It just depends on your personal preferences and what you are able to afford.
Resources:
https://www.57aromas.com/kb/display/222
http://www.livestrong.com/article/74592-differences-between-essential-oils-/
http://www.herbco.com/t-essential-and-fragrance-oil.aspx
b.a.r.e. soaps offers all-natural, handmade soaps that are preservative and synthetic free. We are partnering with a carepoint in Kaberamaido, Uganda where a portion of our proceeds will be invested.
Copyright © 2014 b.a.r.e. soaps. All rights reserved.
Ecommerce Software by Shopify