Can I Substitute Fragrance Oil For Essential Oil?

What are fragrance oils?

Fragrance oils are synthetic, artificially created scents designed to duplicate natural aromas or create completely new ones. They are man-made aromatic blends created through a combination of chemistry and artistry [1]. Fragrance oils do not contain any natural plant extracts, but aim to mimic essential oils and natural scents. They may contain a carrier oil as a base, but the fragrance is achieved by mixing synthetic aroma compounds in laboratory conditions [2].

Fragrance oils have a variety of uses. They are commonly used in aromatherapy, candles, perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and household cleaning products. The synthetic nature of fragrance oils allows manufacturers to consistently recreate specific scents during large scale production.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, bark, roots, resin, and peels. They are obtained through a distillation process where steam or hydro distillation is used to extract the volatile compounds from the plant material (Wikipedia, 2022). Essential oils retain the natural scent and flavor of the plant source. They are called “essential” because they contain the “essence” of the plant’s fragrance and beneficial properties.

Some of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy include lavender, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary, and orange. Essential oils have many therapeutic uses – they are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and relaxant properties (NIEHS, 2022). When inhaled, they can provide respiratory relief, boost mood and relaxation, and relieve headaches. When applied topically, they can moisturize skin, reduce acne, and relieve muscle and joint pain.

However, essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before skin application, as they are highly concentrated and can cause irritation. They should also not be ingested unless under the guidance of an aromatherapy specialist or healthcare provider (Wikipedia, 2022).

Key Differences

There are some notable differences between essential oils and fragrance oils:

Origin: Essential oils are derived from natural plant sources like flowers, herbs, and tree bark through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing. Fragrance oils are artificially created in a lab using synthetic ingredients and do not come directly from plants. Source

Purity: Essential oils are pure plant extracts without any additives. Fragrance oils contain synthetic compounds and added ingredients like carriers, stabilizers, preservatives. Essential oils are considered more natural and higher quality.

Therapeutic Benefits: Many essential oils provide therapeutic effects for aromatherapy, skin care, and overall wellness. The natural plant compounds can have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and other medicinal properties. Fragrance oils primarily provide fragrance and do not offer the same level of therapeutic benefits.

Safety considerations

When using essential oils or fragrance oils, it’s important to be aware of potential safety issues. Some key concerns are allergies/sensitivities and phototoxicity.

Certain essential oils like cinnamon, clove, and lemongrass may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people (source). It’s best to do a patch test before widespread use. Fragrance oils can also trigger headaches, asthma attacks, or other problems for those with sensitivities (source).

Some citrus essential oils like bergamot are phototoxic, meaning they can cause sunburn-like reactions if exposed to UV light after application (source). Fragrance oils do not present this phototoxic risk.

Uses in aromatherapy

Fragrance oils are generally not recommended for aromatherapy purposes. Aromatherapy relies on the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, which are extracted directly from plants and contain the plant’s true aroma. Fragrance oils are synthetic recreations of scents and do not offer the same therapeutic effects.

One study found that fragrance oils elicited less of an emotional response compared to essential oils when used in aromatherapy diffusers [1]. Fragrance oils also lack the biologically active compounds found in essential oils that provide physical and mental health benefits.

If substituting a fragrance oil, it should be diluted properly for safety. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends diluting fragrance oils to 1% or less for inhalation [2]. Essential oils are often diluted to around 3% for diffuser use. Undiluted fragrance oils can irritate airways when inhaled.

Uses in skin care

Fragrance oils can be used to scent a variety of skin care products like lotions, creams, soaps, scrubs, and more. They are commonly found in bath and body products. According to Fragrance Oils for Skincare from Brambleberry, fragrance oils are designed to mix well with carrier oils and cosmetic bases, making them an easy addition to DIY skin care recipes.

One potential benefit of using fragrance oils in skin care is that they can create a desirable scent in the final product. Many consumers enjoy fragranced personal care items. Fragrance oils also come in a wide variety of scents, allowing for extensive customization and appealing options.

However, there are some drawbacks to be aware of when using fragrance oils on the skin. Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to the synthetic chemicals found in many fragrance oil blends. It’s important to dilute fragrance oils properly and test any skin care products before widespread use. Additionally, fragrance oils are not considered therapeutic like some essential oils. They don’t offer the same potential skin benefits.

Uses in cleaning

Both fragrance oils and essential oils can be used to naturally scent cleaning products. Adding a few drops of fragrance oil to your cleaning solutions is an easy way to make your home smell amazing while you clean. According to this source, lemon and other citrus fragrance oils work well for boosting the scent of homemade cleaners.

When using fragrance oils as natural fragrance boosters in cleaners, it’s important to properly dilute them. A general guideline is to use 12-20 drops of fragrance oil per 2/3 cups of water or cleaner base. However, always check the usage guidelines on your specific fragrance oil as dilution amounts can vary. Start with less at first and add more if needed. Thoroughly mix or shake the fragrance oil into your cleaning solution before use.

Cost Differences

Essential oils are generally much more expensive than fragrance oils. For example, a 5ml bottle of rose essential oil can cost $200-$250 because it takes 22 pounds of rose petals to make that small amount (Source: https://www.scenteddesigns.com/blogs/scented-candles/fragrances-oils-vs-essential-oils). In comparison, a comparable amount of rose fragrance oil may only cost $5-10.

There are several factors that contribute to the higher cost of essential oils:

• Essential oils are derived from real plants, requiring a lot of raw ingredients.
• The extraction process is labor-intensive, increasing production costs.
• Essential oils cannot be synthesized like fragrance oils.
• Many essential oils come from rare or delicate plants, impacting availability.
• Quality essential oils are always pure, without added ingredients.

Fragrance oils have a much lower cost because:

• They are synthetically produced in a lab, requiring fewer raw materials.
• The manufacturing process is efficient and scalable.
• They can mimic natural scents or create entirely new fragrances.
• Fragrance oils often contain carrier oils, diluting the fragrance.
• Lower purity standards allow for a less refined product.

For most applications, fragrance oils provide an affordable alternative while essential oils are a pricier, premium option. Considering your budget and needs can help determine which is the better choice.

Sourcing considerations

When sourcing essential oils and fragrance oils, it’s important to find reputable suppliers. Look for companies that provide detailed information on where their oils are sourced from and how they are produced. Many essential oil companies emphasize sustainability practices like ethical farming, fair trade relationships, and environmentally friendly harvesting methods (Candle Science).

For both fragrance oils and essential oils, reputable suppliers will often provide gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) reports on their website to show the chemical composition of each oil. This level of transparency helps ensure you’re getting a high quality product. Additionally, reputable suppliers tend to have stringent quality control standards and may obtain certifications related to sustainability or organic practices.

When possible, try to find fragrance and essential oils sourced locally or domestically. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport and supports local economies. If sourcing internationally, look for fair trade certified products.

Deciding what to use

When deciding whether to use a fragrance oil or an essential oil, consider the following:

Use fragrance oils when you want consistent, stable scents that are less expensive than essential oils. Fragrance oils work well for products like candles, soaps, perfumes, and lotions where scent is a primary goal. However, fragrance oils lack the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Use essential oils when you want natural, unadulterated oils that provide aromatherapeutic effects. Essential oils are ideal for diffusion, massage, and household cleaning products where you want authentic plant essences. However, essential oils can be more expensive and have more variability than fragrance oils.

While you can substitute fragrance oils for essential oils in many cases, keep in mind that fragrance oils are synthetic while essential oils are natural. The aroma and effects will likely differ. Test any substitutions thoroughly. Certain applications like ingestion or undiluted skin contact are not recommended with fragrance oils.

Consider your goals, product type, safety factors, and cost when deciding whether to use a fragrance oil or an essential oil. In many cases, combining both can provide the desired scent with therapeutic benefits.