As a fragrance expert with a background in botanical studies, I am well-versed in the nuances between essential oils and fragrance oils.
Essential oils and fragrance oils, often abbreviated as EO's and FO's respectively, are both used to add scent to various products, but they differ significantly in their composition, production methods, and uses.

Essential Oils (EO's):

1. Natural Origin: Essential oils are derived from plants through a process called steam distillation, cold pressing, or sometimes solvent extraction. They are considered pure plant extracts.

2. Aromatherapy: They are widely used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic properties. Many people believe that essential oils can help with a variety of health issues, from stress and anxiety to physical ailments.

3. Scent Profile: The scent of essential oils is often more complex and can change over time, reflecting the natural variations found in the plants from which they are extracted.

4. Concentration: They are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. A few drops are typically sufficient for most applications.

5. Safety: While generally safe when used correctly, essential oils can be potent and should be used with care. Some oils can cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions if not properly diluted.

6. Cost: Due to their labor-intensive extraction process and the large amount of plant material required to produce a small amount of oil, essential oils can be more expensive.

Fragrance Oils (FO's):

1. Synthetic Composition: Fragrance oils are synthetically created chemical compounds designed to mimic natural scents. They are not derived from plants and do not have the same therapeutic properties as essential oils.

2. Non-therapeutic: Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are not used for aromatherapy and do not have the same purported health benefits.

3. Consistent Scent: The scent of fragrance oils is consistent and does not change over time. They are designed to provide a specific, often long-lasting, scent profile.

4. Lower Concentration: Fragrance oils are typically less concentrated than essential oils, which means more may be needed to achieve the desired scent intensity.

5. Safety: While some synthetic compounds can cause allergic reactions or other sensitivities, fragrance oils are generally considered safe for use in products like soaps, candles, and perfumes.

6. Cost: Fragrance oils are generally less expensive to produce than essential oils, making them a more cost-effective option for commercial products.

It's important to note that many skincare products, soaps, and candles, even those labeled "natural," may contain fragrance oils rather than essential oils. This is because fragrance oils provide a consistent scent and are more cost-effective for manufacturers. However, for those seeking the potential therapeutic benefits of plant extracts, essential oils are the preferred choice.

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Synthetic fragrance is not aromatherapy. ... Essential oils (EO's) are steam-distilled pure plant extracts used for scenting or aromatherapy. Fragrance oils (FO's) are synthetically made chemical scent compounds. Many skincare products, soaps and candles, even those labeled "natural" often contain fragrance oils.Jun 11, 2015read more >>