To determine the exact difference between fragrance oil and essential oil, understand their composition, and know about the ingredients used for manufacturing them. Though both fragrance oils and essential oils are man-made, the latter one is obtained from natural ingredients. On the other hand, fragrance oils are sourced either from synthetic or natural sources.
What is Fragrance Oil?
Fragrance oils are obtained from synthetic compounds or from plants or herbs that are aromatic. Fragrance oils are known as 'Attar' in Hindi and usually contain some chemical compounds.
What is Essential Oil?
Essential oils are derived only from natural ingredients that comprise some therapeutic properties. Essential Oils are usually obtained from organic ingredients and are stronger than fragrance oils.
Difference Between Fragrance Oil And Essential Oil?
To understand the difference between fragrance oil vs essential oil keenly, let's compare them on the below-given features:
1. Properties - Extra Convenient
Many people ask if a fragrance oil is the same as an essential oil for its properties. Though some properties might be similar, essential oils are highly concentrated and may possess extra therapeutic benefits than fragrance oils. For instance, essential oils may contain antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and many other properties.
Fragrance oils contain aromatic compounds, and the chemical-based variants usually do not exhibit any therapeutic properties. However, the naturally sourced ones can exhibit stress-busting, insect-repelling, soothing, and other properties. Note that even some essential oils contain these properties.
2. Uses - Versatile
Essential oils are used in soaps, aromatherapy, massage, skincare, and hair care applications. Fragrance oils are incorporated in room fresheners, diffusers, scented candles, perfume blends, incense sticks, etc. When it comes to fragrance oil vs essential oil in soaps, you must remember that only fragrance oils obtained from organic ingredients are safe for external purposes. Essential oils also need to be added along with diluents as undiluted oils might be harmful to your skin.
An essential oil can also be added to diffusers, perfume blends, and room fresheners, but you need to be very specific while determining the right concentration for these products. The advantage of using fragrance oils while making perfume blends is that certain chemicals can be blended to create fragrance oils that are not found naturally. For example, oakmoss and some other compounds can be blended to make Ocean Mist Fragrance Oil. Similarly, fragrance oils mimicking baby breath, garden aroma, etc., can be easily found in the market.
3. Benefits - More Effective
Compare the benefits of fragrance oil vs essential oil to get an accurate answer for the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils. Essential oils provide relief from cuts, bruises, muscle pain, sunburns, and infections. Fragrance oils revive your spirits and instill a fresh fragrance in your rooms. Essential oils are used for skin issues like acne, pimples, warts, etc. They are also effective in maintaining the youthfulness of your skin.
While fragrance oils obtained from organic sources can be skin-friendly, they might not possess the same number of benefits as essential oils do. The simple reason for this is that fragrance oils are utilized for making perfumes, scented candles, deodorants, and similar products. Essential oils are also effective in treating dandruff, split-ends, hair fall, and other hair-related issues.
On the other hand, fragrance oils can be utilized in cosmetics, skin, and hair care products as a fragrance enhancer. You may inhale or diffuse essential oils to get relief from cold, cough, and similar issues. It is due to their expectorant and decongestant properties. Fragrance oils exude an amazing scent and help deodorize the air by eliminating the odor emanating due to dust, dirt, and other reasons.
Fragrance Oils vs Essential Oils - Fragrance Last Longer
Even essential oils have a powerful fragrance depending upon the ingredients and their concentration. However, as they are not created specifically for making perfumes or scented candles, their aroma might not be as long-lasting and strong as fragrance oils. Different fragrance oils are created for different purposes.
For instance, some fragrance oils are beneficial for making perfume blends and room fresheners. Also, some fragrance oils are suitable for fragrance enhancers for cosmetics, soaps, and personal care products. The same goes for essential oils as well. Essential oils contain different properties, and though some benefits might be common, their effectiveness and purpose might vary.
Should I Buy Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil?
These days, essential oils are preferred mostly for skin care and topical application. Though fragrance oils and essential oils are formulated for external purposes, fragrance oils might not be as effective as essential oils. We recommend you incorporate fragrance oils mostly for scent-related uses.
On the other hand, essential oils need to be chosen as per their specific properties and features. While comparing fragrance oil versus essential oil, prioritize them according to your requirements. Get fragrance oils for making soaps, scented candles, incense sticks, and bath care products.
Essential oils can serve you better for resolving breathing issues, soothing skin irritation, improving hair growth, etc. They promote a healthy lifestyle by improving your immunity, health, and other aspects. However, do not consume fragrance oils and essential oils as they might contain concentrated compounds that may harm when taken orally. These days, essential oils are preferred for treating oral infection but only after diluting them with a carrier oil or some other diluent.
Conclusion
After comparing the difference between essential oil and fragrance oil, you might have understood their main differences, uses, and benefits. However, be aware of the fake variants of essential and fragrance oils available in the market. These are usually made from chemicals and may contain toxins that have detrimental side effects on your health.
Always prefer chemical-free oils. VedaOils offers high-quality and organic fragrance oils and essential oils. A wide range of essential and fragrance oils can be found on its portal, and you can choose them according to your needs. Also, you will find these oils at economical prices here. Apart from being chemical-free, these oils are formulated to avoid side effects after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ section on Fragrance Oils vs Essential Oils!
Q:Is fragrance Oil the same as an essential oil?
A: No, they are not the same. Like essential oils, some fragrance oils produced from natural ingredients are mostly manufactured to simulate a specific fragrance. Essential oils usually offer several health benefits.
Q:Are essential oils better than fragrance oils?
A: Essential oils offer certain benefits for your health. Fragrance oils enhance the fragrance of cosmetic and personal care products. As their purpose-of-use is entirely different, we cannot judge one to be better than the other.
Q:Is essential oil stronger than fragrance oil?
A: Essential oils are concentrated than fragrance oil, but fragrance oils can hold their scent longer.