Do you know the difference between Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil? New essential oil users may not know these terms are not interchangeable. There are differences and it is important to know them because there can be significant issues if you are trying to replace one for the other.

Fragrance Oils vs Essential Oils - What's the Difference?

Fragrance oils and essential oils are two very different products. It is important to understand the difference between these two products before choosing one for your home.

Fragrance oils are synthetic mixtures of chemicals that are designed to smell pleasant. Essential oils, on the other hand, are natural extracts that contain the essence of a plant.

Here is a quick breakdown so you can easily see where these two types of oils differ.

How Are These Oils Made?

A fragrance oil (or perfume oil) is a synthetic, man-made product. It is a chemical combination created in a lab.

While occasionally a fragrance oil may include an essential oil in the chemical make up, they are still not all natural products, they are considered synthetic.

Essential oils come from nature. They can only be extracted from plants and plant parts that contain essential oils. These natural oils are usually obtained from the plant through steam distillation or by cold-pressing.

Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils

While perfume and fragrance oils have strong aromas, they do not have therapeutic properties like essential oils. They are frequently found in soap, detergents, and beauty products.

Some people can have allergic reactions to the chemical components that produce fragrances.

Therapeutic properties are what make essential oils so desirable. If you are looking to receive therapeutic benefits from an oil, essential oils are what you need to purchase.

Be sure to read bottle labels before you buy oils, it is important to know what you are getting.

Aromas of Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils

Essential oil aromas are usually more subtle that fragrance oils and they are limited to what is naturally available.

Fragrance oil also has a larger variety of scents available, and the scent options are practically endless.

Synthetic oils are going to have a longer lasting aroma too. Essential oils are volatile, this means that the aroma will evaporate faster. 

Fragrance oils are not volatile because they are synthetically created, this means the aroma will stay around longer.

Shelf Life of Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils

Since fragrance oils are synthetically made, they will have a longer shelf life than essential oils. Essential oil shelf life vary from 1-5 years, depending on the oil.

Citrus essential oils have the shortest because they are more prone to oxidation, their shelf life is usually 1-2 years. Patchouli essential oils is one of the longest lasting essential oils as far as shelf life is concerned.

Fragrance Oil and Essential Oil Cost

Fragrance and perfume oils are going to cost less than essential oils because they are a lot easier to produce. To create essential oils, it takes a lot of raw plant material to get just a bottle of oil.

While fragrance oils can be cheaper and longer lasting than essential oils, but they can also be more potent and overwhelming. Essential oils, while more expensive, are generally considered to be safer and more gentle.

Which Type of Oil Should I Use in a Diffuser?

If you want to diffuse a fragrance in your home, using essential oil in diffuser will be the best choice over fragrance oil. Why? Because you will gain more benefits than just making your home smell good.

Essential oils can provide a number of benefits when used in a diffuser, including:

1. Improved air quality – Diffusing essential oils can help to improve the air quality in your home by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted particles. Try tea tree, lemon, or pine.

2. Improved mood – Certain essential oils have been shown to be mood-boosting, and can help to improve your overall mood when diffused. Try bergamot, frankincense, or lemon.

3. Relief from congestion – Diffusing essential oils can help to relieve congestion and other respiratory problems. Try eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree oil.

4. Relaxation – Essential oils can help to promote relaxation and can be a great way to unwind after a long day. Try lavender, sweet marjoram, or clary sage.

5. Improved sleep – Diffusing essential oils before bed can help to improve your sleep quality. Try lavender, vetiver, valerian, or chamomile.

Conclusion on the Differences of Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils

So you can see that there are 5 BIG differences between fragrance oil and essential oil, be sure to buy the correct one. The main difference between fragrance oils and essential oils is that fragrance oils do not contain any therapeutic properties.

Fragrance oils are artificially created to smell like a particular scent. They are solely used for fragrance purposes. Essential oils are extracted from plants and naturally contain the plant’s scent. If you desire any therapeutic benefits, essential oils are what you want to purchase.

What is a therapeutic grade essential oil?

Therapeutic grade is simply a marketing term that any company can claim. No government agency or organization “grades” or “certifies” essential oils in the United States.

Share on Pinterest

More Essential Oil FAQ

For many people, essential oils are a mystery. They may have heard of them, but don't know what they are or how to use them. Essential oils can be a great addition to your wellness routine, here are some frequently answered questions that we have answered to helps you understand them better!

What to Do When Essential Oils Don't Work?

When it comes to essential oils, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Perhaps you've been using them for a while and haven't seen the results you were hoping for. Or maybe you just started using them and aren't sure what to do next. Take a look at some of the most common reasons why essential oils may not work, and we'll offer some solutions so you can get the most out of your oils.

What is Steam Distilled Lime Essential Oil?

Lime essential oil comes from the fruit of the lime tree. It is known for its refreshing, revitalizing scent. Lime oil has a variety of therapeutic properties and is useful for a variety of conditions. This oil is usually extracted by cold pressing the peel but you can buy steam distilled lime, find out why you would want to and the benefits that it has over cold pressed lime oil.

Can I Diffuse Essential Oils All Day?

Are you wondering if it's okay to diffuse essential oils all day? If so, you're not alone! A lot of people want to know if there are any risks associated with long-term diffusion. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the safety of diffusing essential oils and share some tips for how to do it safely. Keep reading to learn more!

What are CO2 Extracted Essential Oils?

Essential oils can be used for a variety of purposes, including aromatherapy, skin care, and healing. But did you know that there are different methods for extracting essential oils? One method is CO2 extraction. Take a closer look at CO2 extracted essential oils and how they differ from other types of essential oils. We'll also discuss the benefits of using CO2 extracted essential oils.