Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to aromatherapy and massages, I always recommend essential oils. But, I know there are some misconceptions when it comes to fragrance and essential oils.

Some even think that they’re the same thing. It’s all about the smell, right? Wrong.

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It’s been observed that there is a significant difference between the two and they are in fact, not the same. In a nutshell, the primary difference between the two lies in the source from where the oil is obtained.

Mainly, fragrance oils are synthetic in nature while essential oils are natural (source). While the products may differ in their composition, some oils can be used for achieving the same goals.

That’s why when it comes to comparing fragrance oil vs essential oil, there might be some confusion.

Both oils have their own advantages and disadvantages. But let’s first understand individually what essential oils are.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are pure extracts from plants. In fact, they don’t contain fatty acids normally found in traditional oils.

Basically, essential oils are highly concentrated distillation obtained from plants. But, you should know that not all plants can produce these types of oils.

The plants that do produce essential oils may do so in various parts. That includes flowers, stem, root, resins, bark, wood, blossom, or herb.

The oils are largely extracted from the plants that have aromatic qualities and can be used as remedies to treat certain health issues. Essential oils can take on a range of problems. Some of them include skin issues, mental health, muscular pain and other aches (source).

Pure essential oils are distillations of the organic part. Normally, when in topical use, they are mixed with a carrier oil.

Plant-based essential oils contain 50 to 500 naturally occurring chemicals. Depending on the plant used, the effect of these chemicals could be both good or bad.

Hence, it’s important to figure out what each essential oil could be used for before actually doing it. Take time to familiarise yourself with the oils available in the market. Understand what chemical compounds they consist of.

Some may work better when ingested, others when applied topically. Feel free to consult your doctor before using any herbal product. Caution can never hurt.

Essential Oil Benefits

• Essential oils boost immunity and aid in recovery from illnesses (source).
• They can restore hormonal balance, especially estrogen (source).
• They make for good cleaning agents.
• Get rid of bad odor.
• When used topically with a carrier oil, they can release muscular stress and tension.
• Act as natural pesticides and bug repellents.
• Concentrated. Even a small amount lasts a long while.
• They’re often multipurpose, so can be used for various causes.

Essential Oil Drawbacks

• Essential oils are potent and it’s not always advisable to use them excessively. There is a thin line between them is useful and harmful. The key to them is the dosage.
• Might not be a sustainable option since many plants need to be used to create a small amount of essential oil. Thus, over-consumption may lead to a negative impact on the environment.
• Essential oils are rather expensive. The affordable ones are often diluted or produced with high heat.
• Studies point out that some essential oils may have a drug-like effect. So, they could be dangerous if used wrong.
• Strong allergic reactions to essential oils are possible. Thus, it’s important to test them in small amounts before using regularly.
• Applying bergamot, lemon, lime, orange and angelica essential oils can cause Phototoxicity (source) if you’ve been exposed to sunlight right after application. Therefore, you might experience severe burns.
• Just like regaining hormonal balance, certain essential oils might cause hormonal imbalance. According to a study, some oils such as aniseed, sage, fennel, and even lavender have estrogen-like qualities, which can cause those imbalances.

Fragrance Oils

Just because a natural product smells good, it’s not always suitable for human use.

Fragrance oils offer a good way to imitate the scents of the naturally occurring herbs. Especially the ones that could be dangerous, and protect us from the harm.

Fragrance oils are also known as perfume oils or aromatic oils.

They’re mostly synthetic. But, that too is not universally true. Sometimes they’re a blend of synthetic smells and natural essential oils.

Yet, one thing is common for all fragrance oils – they’re mostly used for scent.

Fragrance oils can be used in soaps, cosmetics, and lotions if they’re safe for skin.

Fragrance Oil Benefits

• If you’re looking for the calming effect that scent offers, then these oils can be a cheaper option.
• Products made of fragrance oils are usually more affordable.
• Since they’re synthetically produced, fragrance oils can mimic any scent possible.
• Fragrance oil scents stay on for a while and don’t evaporate so quickly.
• They have a longer shelf life.

Fragrance Oil Drawbacks

• Pure and direct fragrance oils can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
• Certain scented oils can be dangerous if they come in contact with the skin or are ingested. Such oils normally contain caustic compounds which cause corrosion.
• Companies don’t have to declare a full disclosure on the components of the fragrance oils. Thus, be careful, you never know what a bottle of such an oil might contain.
• Fragrance oils are a strict no to those suffering from respiratory illnesses. Inhaling the scent may cause wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, nausea, and even dizziness.
• Fragrance oils are not well researched, so the effects on human’s health aren’t that well known (source).
• When fragrance oils come in contact with the skin directly, they may cause rashes, burns, and itching. Ingestion of such oils may lead to vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil

You may now be clearer on what the basic composition is like. But, there are various factors that also act as markers for understanding what each oil is like.

Cost

Synthetic products are always cheaper. Thus, you can get fragrance oils for a smaller price.

In fact, large-scale manufacturers prefer making fragrance oils to cut production costs. Even then, the quality of the fragrance oil can be a cost determining factor.

Purpose and Uses

Essential oils affect can affect your body emotionally and physically. They aid mental health by helping to relax.

Many know essential oils for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These can come to use when you’re ill.

On the other hand, fragrance oils are normally used in the manufacturing of other end products: perfume, candles, cosmetics, and flavoring.

Mode of Usage

Essential oils can be applied to your skin, used to give a massage, diffused, and even ingested. But, fragrance oil can never be taken internally. Obviously, something that is chemically created can be dangerous to your health.

Uniformity

The outcome and the effect of essential oils depend on a number of factors. Some of these: the type of crop produced, the harvesting season, and weather conditions while extracting. Thus, the quality of the oil and the fragrance varies.

On the other hand, fragrance oils are synthetically produced. Thus, there is no external factor beyond the control of the manufacturer. That may hamper the way the final product smells.

Volatility

Most essential oils are volatile (source) in nature. They dissipate into the air at a very rapid pace when exposed to the environment. Since fragrance oils are synthetically prepared, they are non-volatile.

Storage and Shelf Life

Of course, shelf life depends on how you store and care for your oils. However, since essential oils are volatile in nature, it’s important to store them in dark, tinted bottles.

Additionally, fragrance oils have a longer shelf life than essential oils. That’s something that might be important to know.

Diversity

While essential oils naturally occur in nature, fragrance oils are synthesized in laboratories. Like I said before, only a few plants can produce essential oils. Hence, the range of smells is quite limited when it comes to them.

But, fragrance oils are like a blank canvas, offering you the opportunity to derive various smells. I think that’s the reason why they’re so popular in the first place.

Health Benefits

Essential oils have a lot to offer in terms of health benefits. Fragrance oils can only make you feel peaceful and create a more pleasing ambiance.

Personal Verdict

I’ve always been a fan of essential oils. I do agree that they can cost a bomb depending on the quality, brand, and scent but they are indeed magically helpful.

You can use them to apply to your skin and get rid of acne, ingest them and make that cold go away, or even clean your room. A tiny bottle lasts long enough to justify the sum we have to pay for it.

Therefore, it does seem like a fair deal.

Plus, I am a big fan of natural smells.

On the other hand, I love to get perfume and use these fragrance oils just for the smell. I mean, why not? I just don’t think that skin products should contain them.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read this whole piece on fragrance oil vs essential oil, what are your thoughts on each of them? Which ones do you prefer using? What do you use them primarily for?

Do let me know because I’m interested to find out how my fellow readers feel about these products. Might actually learn something new! Other than that, have a good day and take care!