Essential oil vs Fragrance oil : Differences & Similarities

Essential and fragrance oils are used quite extensively on a large scale, but at the same time, they exhibit so many differences and look similar in some ways. So in this blog, we are going to be made aware of some common differences and similarities between essential oil and fragrance oil.

What is Essential oil? 

Essential oils like Argan oil  and lavender Oil are natural substances obtained from natural sources that have natural fragrances in their original form. They are derived from plant sources and other organic products through distillation, a process whereby their natural oils are extracted by heat and expression where it is squashed out.

Some experts define argan oil for hair as the best essential oil as the ‘soul’ or ‘heart’ of natural material – more often meaning the most concentrated fragrance or active properties of the specific plant. Through research, it was found that these natural substances have also the following chemical substances for advocacy of wellness benefits as follows:

What is Fragrance oil?

Fragrance oils are imitation oils fabricated from synthetic or natural ingredients, that is, blends specifically to imitate or assign a specialized scent. It is extremely popular in perfume and toiletries, home and novelty items, and in the industry because of its characteristics that offer steady and long-lasting fragrance signals.

It may include some natural products; for instance, you may find that a lavender fragrance oil comprises some lavender essential oil, but it will at the same time always contain synthetic components. Natural, concerning fragrance oils, cannot be completely natural because it will require a list of ingredients. 

Difference Between Essential oil and Fragrance oil

Source

• Essential Oil -  These oils are extracted from plant sources like flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and bark by using a technique like distillation or cold pressing.:
• Fragrance Oil -  can be man-made or may contain natural components with the addition of chemicals and other floral components. They are can artificially synthesized in a laboratory to imitate natural chemicals or to formulate new ones.

Composition

• Essential Oil - These refer to pure plant substances that are composed of organic compounds of low molecular weight and have the chemical properties of aromatic substances used to give plant-based products their fragrance.
• Fragrance oil - consists of a blend of other chemicals; they might include synthetic aroma chemicals and, at times, even the concentrated scent of plants, which is commonly referred to as the essential oils to give the fragrance more variety.

Therapeutic Benefits

• Essential oil - associated with the promotion of general health, well-being, stress and mood elevation and control of bacteria. They are often used in holistic and alternative medicine: 
• Fragrance Oil -  Most commonly used for its aesthetic and olfactory qualities and appeal. The term aromatherapy does not apply to fragrant oils since they do not contain the natural therapeutic properties of essential oils.

Safety and Sensitivity

• Essential oils -  in most cases are harmless if applied properly; however, it is possible to get skin reactions, allergies, rash, and other things if the wrong proportions are used. However, there are some particularly sensitive products. For instance, many essential oils should not be used during pregnancy or by anyone with specific health issues.
• Fragrance oil - contains synthetic chemicals, which may lead to more problems such as skin irritation or even skin allergies for individuals who are sensitive to the chemicals used in the production of the oils. It must be noted that safety standards among regulators may differ, so the quality of the products may not be the same from one brand to another.

Cost

• Essential oil - is usually costlier compared to other oils since they are sourced by extracting the oil from plant material, and large quantities of plants are needed to make a small bottle of castor oil.
• Fragrance oil - often cheaper because they are made through chemical synthesis and are more likely to be manufactured in a large-scale process.

Uses

• Essential Oil: : utilized in aromatherapy, natural health remedies, making fragrances, and cosmetic products. It is good to say that such products are recommended to people because of their possible curative properties.
• Fragrance oil : commonly used in body sprays, scented candles, soaps, and air fresheners, among other body fragrances. This is due to the many qualities, the longest-lasting essential oil scents, and the numerous types of scents offered. 

Similarities Between Essential Oil and Fragrance Oil

• Aromatic Properties : essential oils and fragrance oils, as both are used based on scent and are employed in the production of candles, soaps, lotions, perfumes, and air fresheners.
• Blending : Both can be mixed with carrier oils, waxes, or other bases for finished products. Often used in combination with other scents to create complex fragrance profiles,
• Safety Considerations : Both essential oils and fragrance oils must be used with caution, as some may cause sensitivities or allergic reactions to a few compounds. For this, appropriate dilution and patch testing are recommended before wide application.
• Commercial Use: Both essential oils and fragrance oils may be used in industries, from personal care through housekeeping to aromatherapy. Added to a range of consumer products to enhance the latter's appeal and marketability.

Conclusion

Despite their different origins and compositions, essential oils and fragrance oils have many key similarities, specifically in their applications, increasing or improving the sensory experience, and involvement in industries. All these commonalities make them indispensable for the creation of fragranced products that appeal to a wide range of consumers.