What Is the Difference Between Fragrance Oils & Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. Fragrance oils (also called perfume oils) are artificially created scents or contain artificial substances.

Essential Oils

• An essential oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, stems, roots or bark of plants. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic effects. For example, the many possible benefits of essential oils include relaxation, pain relief, and protection from viruses and bacteria.

Fragrance Oils

• Most components of fragrance oils are created in a laboratory, although some fragrance oils contain essential oil as one component. Fragrance oils do not have therapeutic benefits.

Choosing

• If all you want is a pleasant scent, fragrance oils are an option. For any other purpose, choose a pure essential oil.

Considerations

• You are more likely to have a negative reaction to the artificial ingredients in fragrance oils. Makers of fragrance oils are not required to list an oil's ingredients.

Cautions

• The fragrance oil and essential oil industries are not well regulated, and even a bottle that is labeled essential oil may contain artificial components. It's important to find a reputable essential oil company that guarantees its oils to be pure.