ESSENTIAL OILS v FRAGRANCE OILS

Here is some information for you about why we only use essential oils in our products, never fragrance oils. This is why we will never have a Vanilla or a Clean Linen scented candle.

There are some pro’s and con’s to both;

Essential oils pro’s

• They are extracted directly from real plants, leaves, flowers, and bark without using chemical fillers
• They provide actual therapeutic effects like stress relief, relaxation, or mental focus (The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC)
• They are better suited for natural skincare when properly diluted, containing active botanical compounds that provide proven benefits.
• They are fully biodegradable and sustainable.

Essential oil con’s

• They can be expensive, we use one in particular that costs over £200 for just ONE litre!
•  The oils are extracted from plants that need to be grown in different climates, so they have to be shipped over greater distances.
• Some essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions, that is why there are legal limits on the percentage of oils used and they have to be diluted correctly.

Fragrance oils pro’s

• Fragrance oils can be more versatile, the range of fragrances is endless.
• Fragrance oils are more consistent in aroma and colour, they don’t change with the seasons or climate as essential oils can.
• Fragrance is usually stronger and lasts longer
• Fragrance oils are generally less expensive

Fragrance oil con’s

• Made from synthetic or semi-synthetic chemicals
• Can contain phthalates (Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health - PMC) and parabens (Parabens as the double-edged sword: Understanding the benefits and potential health risks - PubMed)
• Producers not always transparent about what their fragrance oils contain
• Have no therapeutic or aromatherapy properties

All of this is very subjective and, of course, it is each to their own and completely your decision which you use.

The only thing that makes me REALLY cross is the companies that market their products as 100% natural or as only using essential oils then they sell products such as a Tobacco or a Rhubarb and Vaanilla candle...GRRR!!!!!