Trying to tell fragrance oil and essential oil apart? We've got you covered, as this isn’t that straightforward.

Imagine making a homemade project like soap, candles, bath bombs, or perfume - two primary choices enter the picture: fragrance oils and essential oils. They are two names for one thing, but nope, they both have different compositions, origins, applications, and essences over the skin and in the air. 

All the luxury soaps, perfumes, and candles must have either fragrance oil or essential oil. Let's dispel some common myths regarding these oils.

Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils: Know the Difference?

No need to do spooling when I’ll be discussing them individually. Starting with the most glaring difference:

What are Fragrance Oils?

To replicate nature's aroma or to develop new ones, fragrance oils are made. These 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. Another classic combo of jasmine and sandalwood is incredible.

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

Many of us want to know the shelf life of fragrance oils. Well, they 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.

What are Essential oils?

The oils that are totally natural are obtained directly from the plant source, like flowers, roots, and herbs, and are referred to as essential oils. Perfumers use distillation processes to extract natural oils, such as heating or pressure separation techniques. Simply put, essential oils are the essence or most powerful representation of a flower, root, herb,  plant, or wood. They are undiluted and pure and have been used for thousands of years by ancient societies like Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Essential oils are used beyond perfumery for their amazing benefits, such as for medicinal ailments or wellness purposes. 

Did you know the shelf life of Essential oils? Simply, 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

Where Should I Use Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance Oils are aromatic oils that are highly adaptable, especially for use on crafts and handmade household goods. Some of the most common include

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

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

Where Should I Use 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 such as anxiety, headaches, and even nausea. You still need to go in and see a doctor first before you medicinally use them.

Alright, let's talk about the most popular fragrances and essential oils that people adore!

Popular Fragrance Oil Scents vs. Essential Oils 

You probably already have some experience with scented fragrance 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

Now, there are over 90 essential oils, with each oil having multiple purposes. 10 favorites along with their uses 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 and 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.