🌿 Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils: What Really Matters in Clean, Safe Products

If you’ve spent any time in the clean beauty or handmade product world, you’ve probably seen people online say:

“Essential oils are good. Fragrance oils are toxic.”

But that statement is not only misleading - it’s simply not true.

As a small-batch Australian maker who puts time, money and care into sourcing only the best local ingredients, I want to break down the facts and clear up the confusion.

It’s not about essential vs. fragrance - it’s about where they come from, how they’re made and whether they’re safe to use.

🌱 What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, usually obtained through distillation or cold pressing. They capture the scent and properties of plants like lavender, eucalyptus, citrus or clove.

While they’re natural, that doesn’t always mean they’re gentle or safe.

What Most People Don’t Realise:

• Essential oils can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

• Some oils are photosensitive, meaning they can cause burns or pigmentation when exposed to sunlight.

• Adulterated oils exist, especially cheaper versions and may contain synthetic fillers or additives.

• Sustainability matters - oils like Sandalwood and Rosewood may come from endangered sources.

🌸 What Are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils are either fully synthetic or blended with essential oils and natural isolates to create more complex, stable scents.

They’re commonly used in candles, soaps, perfumes and skincare products. And when they’re well-made, they’re just as safe, or even safer than some essential oils.

Why I Use Fragrance Oils and Where I Get Them

All of the fragrance oils I use are:

• Sourced exclusively from trusted Australian suppliers

• Phthalate-free, cruelty-free and compliant with IFRA Standards

• Registered under AICIS, the Australian authority for cosmetic chemical safety

• Tested for skin safety, environmental impact, and ethical sourcing

These are not cheap, synthetic “fragrance oils” from overseas - they are locally made, high-quality, rigorously tested formulations that meet high Australian safety regulations.

💰 Why Do High-Quality Fragrance Oils Cost So Much?

Because safety, quality and transparency come at a cost and I never cut corners.

I work only with Australian suppliers who:

• Disclose full ingredient breakdowns

• Follow AICIS compliance

• Provide IFRA documentation

• Offer safe, traceable and sustainable products - full transparency is key!

When people assume all fragrance oils are toxic, they’re usually thinking of unregulated, mass-produced oils. That’s not what I use - not even close.

🚫 Myth Busting Time

❌ “Essential oils are always better.”
→ Only if they’re high quality, correctly diluted and ethically sourced.

❌ “Fragrance oils are toxic.”
→ Only if they’re low-grade, unregulated and not tested. I only use trusted, Australian-compliant fragrance oils.

❌ “Natural equals safe.”
→ Not always. Even 100% natural essential oils can cause irritation or reactions — especially when mixed without proper knowledge of blending or skin compatibility.

✅ What I Look For In Every Oil I Use

Whether it’s an essential oil or a fragrance oil, I make sure it is:

• Registered under AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme)

• IFRA-compliant, meeting global safety standards

• Phthalate-free and cruelty-free

• Skin-safe, tested and locally sourced within Australia

You’re not just buying a nice scent - you’re getting a product made with knowledge, care, and full compliance with Australian safety standards.

🕯 Final Thoughts

As an Australian small business owner, I’m committed to offering products that are not only beautifully scented - but safe, ethical and high-quality. I use both Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils in my range, but only if they’re sourced from trusted Australian suppliers and meet strict safety regulations.

So next time you hear someone say “fragrance oils are bad,” take a moment to dig deeper. Ask:

• Where and how was the oil sourced?

• Is it compliant with AICIS and IFRA?

• Does the brand use safe, transparent ingredients?

Because the difference isn’t in the name - it’s in the integrity of the ingredients.