Essential Oils

Essential oils are pure, plant-derived extracts, distilled or expressed directly from a botanical source, while fragrance oils are formulated scent blends that may combine synthetic components with natural ones. Essential oils offer a more natural, true-to-plant aroma and potential aromatherapy benefits, but they tend to fade faster and produce a lighter scent throw in soap and wax compared to fragrance oil. Fragrance oils are generally more consistent and longer-lasting in finished products.

Most are safe when properly diluted, but some carry specific risks. Certain oils are known skin sensitizers and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Others can irritate skin, eyes, or the respiratory system if used at too high a concentration. Always check an oil's specific usage recommendations and dilute appropriately before topical use.

Phototoxicity occurs when certain oils, especially cold-pressed citrus oils like bergamot, lime, and lemon, react with UV light after being applied to skin, leading to burning, blistering, or discoloration. This risk mainly applies to leave-on, topical products; it's not generally a concern in rinse-off products like soap, since the oil is washed away. If you're using a phototoxic oil in a leave-on product, keep the dilution low and avoid sun exposure on treated skin for at least 12 hours. Always check the IFRA usage rate listed on each product's page, since safe dilution levels vary by oil.

Usage rates vary significantly by oil, so always check the specific product's recommended dilution before adding it to a batch. As a general guideline, most essential oils are used at much lower rates than fragrance oil since they're more concentrated and, in some cases, more likely to cause skin sensitivity at high percentages.

Keep bottles tightly capped and stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Oxidation from light and air exposure can degrade an oil's aroma and therapeutic properties over time, and citrus oils in particular oxidize faster than most other types.