06/03/2026
There are so many fragrance oils and essential oils on the market nowadays that it might sometimes be hard to distinguish between those that are 100% pure and natural and those that are synthetic.
In a nutshell, good quality essential oils are pure and natural essences that are extracted directly from plant material such as flowers, fruits, trees and grasses, whereas fragrance oils are manufactured from synthetic chemicals, solvents and dilutants.
Essential oils have many therapeutic properties that can be extremely beneficial for the mind and body, helping to support our health and wellbeing, whereas synthetic oils have no therapeutic effects whatsoever and can even be damaging to health.
Many fragrance oils are made from toxic chemicals, derived from crude petroleum oil, that are known to be carcinogenic or endocrine disrupters. Our endocrine system is our body’s internal calibrating system, comprising of important glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pineal gland, reproductive glands, and pancreas, all of which are responsible for producing vital hormones that maintain homeostasis (internal balance). When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to a range of diseases including obesity, cancer and diabetes. The chemicals in synthetic fragrances have also been linked to headaches, dizziness, allergies, birth defects, nervous system disorders and more.
While fragrance oils may dazzle you with a vast array of scents ranging from Fresh Linen and Ocean Breeze to Apple Pie and Cinnamon Bun, you should be under no illusion as to what they are made of and how they may impact on your health.
They might be cheaper than essential oils and may have a stronger, longer-lasting scent but if pure and natural is important to you, you need to be clear on what you’re buying.
Finally, one important thing to remember when buying essential oils is that they are not always of equal quality, so please ensure you are buying pure, unadulterated oils from a reputable aromatherapy supplier. A huge red flag is pricing. If an oil’s price seems too good to be true in relation to other companies, then it probably won’t be as pure or genuine as they might like you to think ☹.
You can get more advice in our Guide to Buying Quality Essential Oils. https://tinyurl.com/58vjbvar
