Essential oils and fragrance oils can both make a space smell inviting, but they are not the same product. Understanding the difference makes it easier to choose the right oil for a diffuser, burner or home-fragrance gift.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic materials obtained from plants, commonly through distillation or expression. Their scent can vary naturally between plants and batches. Explore our essential oils.
What are fragrance oils?
Fragrance oils are blended to create a particular scent. They may contain synthetic aroma materials, natural components or a mixture of both. This allows them to reproduce scents that are difficult to obtain directly from a plant, including many seasonal and dessert-inspired fragrances.
Which should you choose?
- Choose essential oils when you want a botanical aroma and the product instructions confirm they are suitable for your device.
- Choose fragrance oils when the main goal is a particular decorative home scent.
- Check compatibility first. An oil that works in one burner or diffuser may not be suitable for another.
Important safety points
Natural does not automatically mean risk-free. Never ingest an oil, avoid using concentrated oils directly on skin unless the product is specifically designed and diluted for that purpose, and follow every label and device instruction. Take extra care around children, pets and anyone sensitive to fragrance.