When you introduce fragrance to a homemade project - soap, candles, bath bombs, or perfume - two primary choices enter the picture: fragrance oils and essential oils. Their names sound alike, but both oils are very different in origin, application, and response to the environment and skin.

Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils: What's the Difference?

The most glaring difference is their origin:

Essential oils are totally natural, directly from the plant source, like flowers, roots, and herbs. Fragrance oils, however, are synthesized in the laboratory, i.e., to replicate nature's aroma or to develop new ones.

Let's discuss them individually.

What are Fragrance Oils?

Perfume oils are semi-synthetic or synthetic mixtures that can be made to smell like anything. They are manufactured in a lab, which provides them with incredible variety and long-lasting scents - but not all of them are safe for the skin.

There are two forms of fragrance oils:

1. Synthetic Fragrance Oils

They are totally synthetic and made of chemical ingredients that do not exist in nature. They are used in most products sold commercially and can contain as many as 80 ingredients. Avoid them if you have allergic skin or allergies.

Check for the existence of words such as "fragrance," "parfum," or "perfume" in cosmetics - these are usually man-made mixtures.

2. Natural Fragrance Oils

While they are "fragrance oils," these do need to be produced in a lab, but are derived from naturally occurring substances. A good example would be lemon limonene or vanilla bean vanillin. These are less irritating to sensitive skin and can be a healthier choice for products that are used on the skin or used as gifts.

Also Read: Eternal Perfume: Answering Your Essential Fragrance Questions

General Applications of Fragrance Oils

Aromatic oils are highly adaptable, especially for use on crafts and hand-made household goods. Some of the most common include:

• Aromatic candles
• Homemade soaps and creams
• Room sprays
• Rollerball fragrances
• Laundry detergents
• Bath items
• Car air fresheners

Tip: For anything that comes in contact with your clothing or skin, wherever practicable, use natural scent oils.

Shelf Life of Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils will typically last 6 to 12 months, but if stored well, they will last. Store them in a dark, cool place to maintain them at their strongest. If the oil has a bad smell or a foul odor from the start, then perhaps it is time to purchase some new oil.

Most Popular Fragrance Oil Scents

You probably already have some experience with scented oils in your life. Here are a few examples from a long time ago:

• Apple cinnamon
• Birthday cake
• Sweet rose
• New car smell
• Peppermint patty
• Sea breeze
• Spiced orange
• French vanilla
• Candy cane
• Strawberries and cream

What are Essential Oils? Essential oils are concentrated plant essences, carrying the fragrance and medicinal properties of flowers, roots, herbs, and numerous other plants. They are undiluted and pure and have been used for thousands of years by ancient societies like Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

General Uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils are used most extensively in aromatherapy, but they are also utilized as natural flavor, fragrance, and even medicine.

1. Odorants

Use them to perfume naturally:

• Candles
• Perfumes
• Room sprays
• Soaps
• Household goods

2. Flavours

Certain of the essential oils, such as lemon or peppermint, are applied to food or drink in an extremely small quantity. Always check the labels and consult a physician before ingesting essential oils.

3. Medicines

The essential oils are supposed to give you some relief from symptoms as far as anxiety, headaches, and even nausea. You still need to go in and see a doctor first before you medicinally use them.

Shelf Life of Essential Oils

Essential oils are 2 to 15 years long, depending on the essential oil. Citrus oils break down faster, and oils gotten from wood, such as sandalwood, last so much longer.

Signs your oil has expired:

• Yellowing or abnormal smell
  
• Colour change
  
• Thickness of texture
  
• Cloudiness or murkiness

If in doubt, dispose of old oils safely.

Also Read: Parfum vs Eau De Parfum vs Eau De Toilette

Common Essential Oils and Their Uses

There are over 90 essential oils, with each oil having multiple purposes. 10 favorites are below:

Lavender: relaxing, great for sleeping, and anxiety

Peppermint: stimulating, headache relief

Tea Tree: antibacterial, perfect for skin care

Lemon: energizing, mood booster

Eucalyptus: clears congestion, a lung decongestant

Frankincense: grounding bases, meditation aid

Rosemary: improves focus, stimulates hair growth

Chamomile: soothes the skin, induces relaxation. 

Ylang Ylang: soothes emotions, floral.

Cedarwood: woody, stress and sleep-friendly. 

Which Oil Will You Be Using in Your Next Craft Project? 

Use fragrance oils or essential oils, depending on what you have to make in your project: Would you want a natural, therapeutic one? The answer lies in essential oils. Need a long-lasting, distinctive scent? Fragrance oils could be your best option, particularly for candles and room sprays. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each oil teaches you how to make the right decision for your skin, your bedroom, and your project.