Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils in Candles
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils in Candles
Have you ever used the terms essential oil and fragrance oil interchangeably? Well, you’re not alone; it’s an honest mistake that many consumers of perfumes, cosmetics, and scented candles make. Despite our tendency to categorize both as the same; it’s important to understand the differences, uses, and benefits of each. Keep reading and by the end of this article you will have a better understanding of how and why they differ as it relates to scented candles.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are 100% natural oils extracted from plant material (flowers, leaves, trees, grass, fruit, etc.). They are sourced from all around the world; making some rare and very expensive. Unlike fragrance oils, the process of extracting essential oils is complicated and laborious. In order to maintain purity and potency, essential oils are extracted through distillation and solve-extraction. The final product is an all-natural oil that has an intoxicating aroma with a multitude of therapeutic properties.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are synthetic and can be a combination of both natural and artificial fragrance ingredients. Typically they are manufactured in laboratories and undergo chemical processing; making them relatively common and inexpensive (cost-effective) compared to essential oils. Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils have no therapeutic benefits and have the sole function of being fragrant. The final product is a cost effective, mass produced, and easily accessible fragrance oil. As an aside, there are manufactures that have expertise in producing (nature-identical) fragrance oils that are of higher quality.
Key Differences
Essential oils are all-natural.
Fragrance oils are synthetic.
Essential oils have therapeutic properties.
Fragrance oils have no therapeutic properties.
Essential oils have scents that derive from the plant source it was extracted from.
Fragrance oils have scents that are artificial and are designed to replicate a desired aroma.
Essential oils have a shorter shelf life (relative to fragrance oils).
Fragrance oils have a longer shelf life (relative to essential oils).
Essential oils are more expensive (relative to fragrance oils).
Fragrance oils are less expensive (relative to essential oils).
Benefits | Uses
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and are considered to have therapeutic properties (stress relief, headache relief, calming effect, etc.). In addition, essential oils are commonly used for perfumes, cosmetics, foods, and luxury scented candles.
Fragrance oils are used in a multitude of consumer products (perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, scented candles, etc.) and are a cost-effective way to mass produce a versatile and durable fragrant oil.
Conclusion
YouTopia Candle Co. hopes that our comparison and “expert” analysis has shed some light on the common misconceptions pertaining to essential oils and fragrance oils. Each has a unique purpose and benefit in the manufacturing and consumption of scented candles. If you’re a consumer that prioritizes health and wellness…the choice is obvious. If you’re a consumer that prioritizes price and accessibility…the choice is obvious. I’m intentionally being coy; because it’s a personal choice that depends on your individual needs, values, and budget. Digest the information above and you will have all the necessary tools to make an informed purchasing decision. Visit our Online Store if you wish to join the family and support an ethical luxury candle brand that promotes health & wellness.
Key Vocabulary: distillation, solve extraction, synthetic, therapeutic properties, aromatherapy, nature-identical fragrance oils
