Essential Oil vs. Fragrance Oil: What Scents Does That Make? Part II
In Part I, we covered the basics: what actually separates an essential oil from a fragrance oil, why "chemical-free" is a myth, and why the biggest difference is felt in your wallet when you reach for the pure rose oil versus the lab-made version. If you missed it, go check it out first. It’s a good read— this one picks up right where that left off.
Remaining on the course of the what, where, why, and what-for: now you know which oils to look for based on your personal needs. Now it’s time to relearn the grading system as you know it, and brush up on your Latin! Just kidding…but not really. The term “grade” can be misleading when used on some product labels. No governing agency oversees, regulates, or “grades” the standards of essential oils. Different companies trademark the term to enhance brand image. Brilliant- yes. Effective- yes. Guaranteed authenticity of its contents- not necessarily. This does not mean that a ‘therapeutic grade’ essential oil brand that you may know, love, and trust is not of good quality or dishonest. It just means to look for other indicators. Like…the botanical or Latin name. They all have one. For example, your Tea Tree essential oil should also be labeled as Melaleuca Alternifolia. Peppermint: Mentha Piperita. It should also label the country of origin and how the plant was sourced.
Let’s go Inside Out. You’ve done your homework. Labels read. Deciphered which oil you need for what. So, what’s going to happen when that scent hits you, and what will start to happen in your brain?
Smell is the only sense that has a VIP pass directly to the brain. Specifically the limbic system- the part that is tied to your emotions and memories. So much so, and so quickly, it happens before your logical part can react. You know, like how a certain smell can put you someplace and make you smile or drop your shoulders and shift your entire mood before you even realize why. Ok. So what, right? Here’s the what (from part I). Upon that first recognizable smell, your limbic system does not run a background check to confirm if those lavender molecules came from a field of flowers or a lab full of beakers. For the most part, the same receptors are being reached, triggering the same emotional response.
Carry on.
If my brain can believe fragrance oil is essential oil and essential oil is fragrance oil, then let’s call the whole thing off? No. Not exactly. Essential oils carry dozens of compounds in addition to just what makes the calming smell. Components like linalool and linalyl acetate contribute to the physiological relaxation effects of lavender, not just the psychological effects that may trigger a memory or emotion. Fragrance oils are specifically designed to target the scent aspect, not so much the other. Essential oils can do both. We can be pretty sure there is no “fake calm” from using fragrance oil over essential oil.
Essential oils are strong, and shouldn’t be used directly on skin without something to make it safely spreadable and reduce irritation. Enter carrier oils. Carrier oils are oils that are intended to do just what they say. They are the vehicle that does the driving (carries); the essential oil is (the passenger), to its destination, but softens (makes it safe) the ride and gives directions (soften, moisturize, etc). They are usually light oils with little to no scent to them. The most common:
· Sweet almond oil — light, absorbs well, a solid all-around choice
· Jojoba oil — closest to your skin's natural oils, great for sensitive skin (great for someone with a nut allergy).
· Fractionated coconut oil — stays liquid, no greasy feel, doesn't stain sheets (a plus for when using for massage)
· Olive oil — the most accessible- you probably have some in your kitchen as you read this.
What smells nice, or what you are trying to feel, can be a combination of both. Some notable pairings:
· Winding down / lowering stress: lavender, chamomile, or sweet marjoram
· Waking up / mental clarity: peppermint, rosemary, or lemon
· Grounding / easing tension: frankincense or vetiver
· Lifting mood: bergamot or sweet orange (these are phototoxic. Skip exposure to the sun after using.)
How Does This Relate to Massage
The pleasant smell of (fragrant oil) in the waiting room is doing one job. The essential oil being used while you are on the table is doing another. While still being introduced through the same limbic system, it is also reinforcing what your body is already doing physically as it shifts into your parasympathetic nervous system (the rest-and-digest state). Using the right essential oil along with the suitable carrier oils allows both types of oils – fragrance and essential be equally useful, just working differently and doing their own different jobs.
Part I + Part II = What Exactly?
Scent doesn't necessarily need to be "natural" to provide an emotional response — memory and association do that on their own. However, if the goal is more than just trying to achieve a mood, and you intend to achieve an actual physiological assist in addition to the emotional one, that's where a genuine essential oil, chosen deliberately, would be the best option. That is when that previously discussed price difference is introduced- but it is worth the extra cost.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for general education and informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. If something feels off when using any oil topically or otherwise, stop use and see a physician right away.
