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

Fragrance oiland Essential oils are beloved for their delightful scents and various uses. While they share some similarities, such as their use in soaps, candles, and perfumes, they have distinct differences. In this blog post, we’ll explore these differences, their benefits, longevity, and more!

#What is Fragrance Oil?

Fragrance oil is a key component in all perfumes, diluted with ingredients like alcohol. There are two types of perfume oils: synthetic and natural. Let’s dive into each type.

Synthetic Fragrance Oils

Synthetic fragrance oils are created in laboratories. They come in different forms:
– **Full synthetics**: Completely man-made.
– **Semi-synthetics**: Combine natural and artificial scents.
– **Natural isolates**: A mix of synthetic and natural products.

Synthetic fragrance oils are known for their long-lasting scent, which can linger longer than natural fragrance oils.

Natural Fragrance Oils

Natural fragrance oils are derived from natural ingredients like wood, plants, and flowers. Extracting these oils can be challenging and resource-intensive. Natural oils typically last between one and two years, whereas synthetic oils can last up to five years.

Perfume oils can also be used directly on the skin, offering a longer-lasting scent compared to spray perfumes.

Uses for Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils have a variety of applications, both at home and for personal use.

Home Uses for Fragrance Oils

1. **DIY Air Freshener**: Add a few drops of oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray to freshen up any room.
2. **Oil Burner**: Place up to five drops of oil with water on top of an oil burner, light a candle below, and enjoy the aroma.
3. **Fabric Sheets**: Add a few drops to a fabric sheet and place it in your wardrobe or drawers for scented clothes.

Personal Uses for Fragrance Oils

1. **Scented Shampoo or Lotion**: Add up to 10 drops of oil to unscented shampoo or body lotion.
2. **Bath Bombs**: Create your bath bombs with your favorite scents for a luxurious bath experience.

Popular Scents in Perfume Oils

– **Woods**: Cedarwood, frankincense, and vetiver offer robust, long-lasting scents.
– **Florals**: Black rose and lavender provide a range of light to complex fragrances.
– **Citrusy**: Spearmint, lemon, and eucalyptus add fresh, crisp notes to perfumes.

#What is an Essential Oil?

Essential oils are 100% natural, extracted from plants, flowers, wood, and more through distillation or cold-pressing. These oils are used in aromatherapy to improve physical and mental health.

 How Long Do Essential Oils Last?

Essential oils generally last up to two years before their chemical composition breaks down. Proper storage, like keeping them in a cool, dark place, can extend their shelf life.

 Popular Essential Oils and Their Benefits

– **Peppermint**: Boosts energy and aids digestion.
– **Lavender**: Reduces stress and promotes better sleep.
– **Sandalwood**: Helps reduce anxiety and improves focus.
– **Bergamot**: Reduces stress and helps with skin conditions.
– **Rose and Chamomile**: Improve mood and reduce stress.
– **Tea Tree**: Boosts the immune system.
– **Lemon**: Aids digestion and enhances mood.

Here are 2 Easy DIY Recipes to try out!

Fragrance Oil Candle

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup soy wax flakes
– 1-2 tablespoons fragrance oil of choice
– Candlewick
– Container

**Instructions:**
1. Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the fragrance oil.
3. Place the wick in the container and use a wick holder to center it. Pour the wax mixture around it.
4. Let it cool and harden completely before use.

Essential Oil Bath Bomb

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup baking soda
– 1/2 cup citric acid
– 1/2 cup Epsom salt
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 1/2 tablespoons jojoba oil
– 1 tablespoon water
– 10-15 drops of essential oil of choice such as lavender
– Soap coloring (optional)

**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, mix the baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the melted jojoba oil, water, essential oil, and coloring.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, mixing well.
4. Pack the mixture into molds and let dry for 24 hours.
5. Remove from molds and store in an airtight container.

Enjoy the beautiful aromas and benefits of these oils in your daily life!