February 28, 2022 Patricia Anne Fernandez   

Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils              

In our everyday life we use all sorts of consumable products—from cosmetics and perfumes down to diffusers and scented candles. And all of these consumable products (and more) have one thing in common: fragrance! Fragrances have been a part of our life since 1370 and it still remains a major factor that affects consumers’ preferences when buying their products. After all, who would want a product they find stinky, right?   

In this age, there are two types of fragrances that are dominating the market: essential oils and fragrance oils. We find these two in almost anything; in labels, in commercials, in the ingredients list and so much more. These two are so common that most of us mistake essential oils and fragrance oils as the same thing. But! What if tell you that essential oils and fragrance oils are like polar opposites? You might be thinking now: “Is fragrance oil the same as essential oil?”   

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?            

Essential oils are basically nature’s oils. Like these are really natural. Why? Well, they come directly from plants that are, of course, from nature. But the way these oils are extracted from plants (in its roots, flowers, buds) is very natural too; without the use of complicated laboratory-experiment-manipulation, all that science stuff. Extraction of essential oils are done either through distillation or solve-extractions only. These methods, albeit simple-sounding, are actually complicated processes and oftentimes, so many plants are needed to make so-little essential oils. For example, about 250 pounds of lavender is needed to make one pound of lavender essential oil. Since the extraction of essential oils is tedious with only small yield, it is guaranteed that essential oils are pure and of great quality. Of course, the plants used also affect the quality of the oils but generally, essential oils are of great quality already. And of course, that makes essential oils stand on the pricier side of consumer products. Nevertheless, essential oils offer so many benefits that paying a little more for it wouldn’t be that much of a big deal.    

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS?

Pure essential oils are more than just fragrances, in fact they have many benefits that some people are even advocating them as cure to many diseases (this, of course, is not medically proven and doctors are against using essential oils as treatment)! Needless to say, essential oils are massively used for aromatherapy. This helps in giving feelings of relaxation and calmness. Aside from this, essential oils can also help with alleviating headaches and nausea. Essential oils are also proven to improve job performance through reduced stress and better sleep quality. Truly a magnificent gift from nature! If you want to try authentic and pure essential oils with an affordable price mark, click here.    

WHAT ARE FRAGRANCE OILS?      

Fragrance oils, unlike essential oils, aren’t natural and these are developed and made in laboratories. There are two types of fragrance oils: Synthetic fragrance oils and natural fragrance oils. And the main difference between the two are their components. Both synthetic and natural fragrance oils are made in laboratories and undergo chemical processes. But synthetic fragrance oils use materials and compounds which are also laboratory-made, in short artificial. Natural fragrance oils, on the other hand, use compounds that can come from nature but are processed and modified in the laboratory.   

Moreover, unlike essential oils which have other medicinal benefits, fragrance oils are simply just…fragrances. That’s not a bad thing at all, though! After all, fragrance oils’ main purpose is to be fragrances. In addition to that, fragrance oils are way cheaper than essential oils. This is because fragrance oils are laboratory made and so can be mass-produced with less expenses and capital. Aside from this, since fragrance oils are chemically altered, they last significantly longer than essential oils when it comes to smell and longevity. It's also more versatile than essential oils. And sometimes, there are plants that just can’t be extracted for essential oils. Thus, manufacturers have no other choice but to make fragrance oils out of these plants instead of essential oils. These plants include apples and blueberries. Needless to say, fragrance oils are much preferred by companies for its cheaper cost and its product flexibility. Especially in home items like candles. Most scented candles and home diffusers use fragrance oils. However, there are also companies which use only pure essential oils. Just expect these products to be a bit more expensive.     

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESSENTIAL OILS AND FRAGRANCE OILS    

To sum it up:   

Essential Oils: - PURE, NATURAL - Offers lots of benefits ranging from aromatherapy to medicinal effects - More expensive   

Fragrance Oils: - Laboratory made - Very long-lasting fragrance and has high versatility - Cheaper   

The same goes with the difference of fragrance oils and essential oils in candles. Candles with fragrance oils are generally cheaper. Candles with essential oils generally don’t have that much lasting of a scent. But! Now with Stone Candles. Stone Candles are all of the highest-quality able to compete with high-end brands. Whether it be, fragrance or essential oil candles, Stone Candles are all affordable and with long lasting aromas that are sure to relax your mind and fill your home with that aromatic comfiness.   

All in all, essential oils and fragrance oils have their own strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to your choice and preference. So, choose what suits your personality and circumstances best. Feel free to try both and test what you like best.