Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils: Why We Only Use Essential Oils

What Are Fragrance Oils & What Are They Used For?
Fragrance oils are blended, synthetic aromatic compounds used primarily in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics and flavorings. They are also used by many other soap and candle makers to enhance the smell of their product. Synthetic Fragrance oils are primarily made from petrochemicals and attempt to duplicate the smell of a specific plant. By dismantling the unique chemical compound of an essential oil, chemists re-assemble a "Frankenstein" fragrance. 

A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences reports that 95 percent of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins and synthesizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.*

So What are Essential oils?

Essential Oils are the highly concentrated version of the natural oils in plants. Getting essential oils from plants is done with a process called distillation, most commonly distillation by steam or water, where many parts of the plants are being used, including the plant roots, leaves, stems, flowers, or bark. After distillation, the outcome is a highly concentrated portion of essential oil, which will have the characteristic fragrance and properties of the plant from which it was extracted, and contain the true essence of the plant it came from. This includes the smell, but also the plant’s healing properties and other plant characteristics.

While scientists can duplicate the fragrance of essential oils, they have so far been unable to duplicate the benefits. Using Lavender as an example, there are many Lavender fragrance oils on the market. They all smell like lavender, consistently smell the same and are long lasting--but they have no other benefit.

Lavender essential oil, on the other hand, offers the fresh aroma of Lavender plus a great deal of healing properties that may help with symptoms such as coughs, insomnia, hyperactivity, arthritis, muscle aches, rheumatism, acne, sunburn, wounds, insect bites, burns and irritability.**

Essential oils are powerful and effective, which is why we only use them in our soaps here at Essentially Eden.  While we don't make any medicinal claims about our products, we can say with confidence that we only use 100% pure essential oils with no fillers or additives.  Just the plants, folks.  

That being said, Essential Eden Soaps is not responsible for any reaction that the customer may incur during the use of our products.  If you have sensitive skin, we advise testing the product in a small area first.  Please know your skin. 

*Neurotoxins at Home and In The Workplace (Report 99-827) Committee on Science & Technology Sept. 16, 1986.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA