Essential Oils What they are & how to use them
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts obtained from plants, typically through steam distillation or cold expression. They contain the volatile aromatic compounds responsible for a plant’s characteristic scent.
Unlike fragrance bases, essential oils are single natural materials, not pre-balanced blends. Their aroma, strength, and composition can vary depending on factors such as climate, harvest, and extraction method.
Essential oils are not finished fragrances, they are raw aromatic materials used to build scent, character, and natural complexity in a formula.
How to use essential oils
Essential oils can be used across a wide range of applications, but they require more care and consideration than pre-blended materials.
Perfumery
Use essential oils as top, heart, or base notes, alone or alongside aroma molecules and bases. They bring natural nuance, movement, and complexity to a composition.
Soaps & candles
Many essential oils are widely used in soap and candle making, though performance varies greatly.
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Some oils hold well through heat and cure
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Others fade, morph, or disappear entirely
Always test in your specific formula and expect natural variation.
Diffusers & home fragrance
Essential oils are commonly used in mist diffusers and other home fragrance formats.
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Start low and adjust gradually
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Choose oils known for good air diffusion
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Clean diffusers regularly
Body & cosmetic products
Essential oils are widely used in body and cosmetic products, but dilution and suitability are critical.
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Rinse-off vs leave-on products matter
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Skin sensitivity varies between oils and individuals
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More is not better
Why work with essential oils?
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Natural aromatic complexity
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Traditional and contemporary use
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Connection to botanical source
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Subtle variation and liveliness in scent
Essential oils are valued not for perfection, but for their organic character and individuality.
How much essential oil should I use?
The amount of essential oil depends on the oil itself, the product type, and your desired strength. Always start low and adjust.
Soapmaking (cold or hot process)
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Typical range: 1–3% of total oil weight
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Start at: ~2%
High pH and heat can alter scent. Citrus and delicate florals often fade more quickly than woods, resins, and spices.
Candles
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Typical range: 3–6% of wax weight
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Start at: 3–4%
Not all essential oils are suitable for candles. Test for hot throw, cold throw, and safety.
Body & Cosmetic Products
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Rinse-off (soaps, cleansers): 0.5–2%
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Leave-on (creams, oils, balms): 0.2–1%
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Start at: the lowest end of the range
Skin sensitivity, phototoxicity, and individual oil guidelines must always be considered.
Diffusers & Home Fragrance
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Mist / ultrasonic diffusers:
A few drops per use (not percentage-based) -
Reed / liquid diffusers:
Often 10–20% essential oil in a suitable carrier (oil-dependent)
Important notes
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These are general starting guidelines, not fixed rules
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Essential oils vary naturally in strength and behaviour
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Always test before scaling
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Finished products must be assessed as a whole for suitability and compliance
Tip: If the aroma feels strong or overpowering, you’re already using enough.
SHOP ESSENTIAL OILS AND ABSOLUTES