Fragrance Oils

The literature on aromatherapy frequently makes reference to aroma oils and aromatic oils. This article is about fragrance oils. How do fragrance oils differ from aromatic oils?
In fact, there is no difference. Fragrance oils are aromatic oils. Fragrance oils are also flavor oils.

All fragrance oils contain some sort of aromatic compound. It might be a natural compound, or it might be a synthesized compound. Either type of compound can have a molecular structure that causes the release of a distinct fragrance.

Fragrance oils are not pure oils. In fragrance oils the aromatic compound is mixed with a carrier compound. That carrier compound might be one of the most common oil carriers: propylene glycol, vegetable oil or mineral.

Fragrance oils can be categorized, using as a reference the nature of the scent released by each of the various oils. Some oils smell like bakery products; some smell like fresh fruit; some smell like candy, others like specific drinks.
The aroma from some oils evokes the memory of the ocean. The aroma from other oils has a more earthy smell. Some fragrance oils release an odor not unlike that of a nut or a wood. Musk belongs in a special category of fragrance oils.

While all fragrance oils can be categorized according to its aroma, they can also be assigned to one of three grades. Cosmetic oils are safe to use on the skin. Manufacturers’ oils are used in making pleasant-smelling products. Premium oils are also used in the making of products, but they are more concentrated than manufacturers’ oils.

Fragrance oils are used in candle-making and in soap-making. Fragrance oils can help a car owner to deodorize his or her car. A car owner can now purchase a diffuser to put on the dashboard.

Fragrance oils can be used in gifts. Some crafters like to rinse pine cones and then put them in a plastic bag. If a cotton ball with fragrance oil on it is added to that bag, then the cones become scented. They thus provide the crafter with a bag of unique gifts.

The smell of fragrance oils pleases most people, but some fragrance oils scare away certain insects. Marigold, cucumber and clove are three fragrances that send insects scurrying or flying in the opposite direction. Cinnamon and basil also repel insects.

Fragrance oils can be diluted with water and stored in a spritzer bottle. Then the aromatic mist can be sprayed around any room.