We all think that essential oils and aromatic essences are the same, but in reality they differ in some aspects!
In terms of composition, essences are made up of synthetic or artificial products, created in laboratories based on chemical processes and may include natural, synthetic substances or a combination of both. These can also imitate natural aromas (flowers, fruits and spices).
In turn, essential oils are extracted from plants (leaves, stems, bark and roots), which are volatile and aromatic chemical compounds. This extraction takes place based on steam distillation methods, cold pressing or extraction with natural solvents.
Regarding origin, essential oils come from plants while essences are created in laboratories.
Essences have less concentrated aromas and generally do not have therapeutic health benefits. While essential oils have therapeutic properties that are associated with the chemical compounds present in the plants from which they are taken.
Essential oils are used in natural medicine, skin care and therapeutic massages (for example), as well as in soaps, creams and lotions, demonstrating their beneficial properties for the external and internal care of the body. Essences are used in perfumes, soaps and cleaning products, demonstrating that there is greater versatility in the use of essences, but if they can be integrated into cleaning products, will they contribute to our complete well-being?
Or are they just to make the environment “smell good”?
Both are used in candles.
It is important to note that essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, so just a few drops of the product can produce a strong and long-lasting aroma. It is therefore concluded that it is more sustainable to use essential oils than essences, due to their higher concentration they have greater durability.
Written by Beatriz Pereira
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