Oil Types
Essential oils and fragrances, although different, can both be used interchangeably in perfume blends, soaps, and other scent based creations. Each have their benefits. All of our oils are premium grade, alcohol-free, phthalate-free, and undiluted. We only work with and suggest perfume ingredients that are top-quality, highly concentrated, and will mix neatly with both alcohol and oil bases. These are not ready to wear as fragrances and MUST be diluted before applying directly to skin. It is always a good idea to do a patch test for allergies, with both natural and synthetic materials. And of course – do not eat the oils. No matter how yummy they may smell.
Essential Oils are naturally occurring substances found in different parts of plants - the blossom, fruit, leaf, stem, bark, wood or resin. We went over how to mix these for fragrance here. Through a complicated and often expensive process of steam distillation or solvent extraction, both hydrosol and essential oils are produced. Each essential oil is comprised of between 50 to 500 different naturally occurring chemicals, which can have both positive and negative effects. Most essential oils are used for aromatherapy. They are used in a way to positively affect physical, emotional and mental health. They enter the body through the skin (via massage or bath) or the olfactory system (via a diffuser or humidifier). Essential oils may be used to enhance mood, to relieve symptoms such as pain, fatigue or inflammation, or be used to kill germs. They are also used in the cosmetic and fragrance industry as well.
Fragrances, on the other hand, are manufactured scents. By definition, the term "fragrance," (at least as it is used in the industry) always implies the use of synthetic aroma chemicals. Sometimes fragrances may contain essential oils, but essential oils will never contain synthetic ingredients. Fragrances are specifically designed to mimic the scent of a natural product (such as coffee fragrance oil) or are created to invoke a feeling that is either not available in nature, or to supplement for a very expensive fragrance. Some run into hundreds of thousands an ounce. The range of scents is broad and fragrance oils are usually more affordable. Fragrance Notes are used primary in the cosmetic and perfuming industry to add scent to a variety of products for the body.
Both are safe, it is really a matter of what scent you are looking to achieve from the ingredients you choose. We are always here if you have any questions.
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