Essential Oil
An essential oil is a botanical aromatic material defined by extraction method. Compare distillation, expression, absolutes and fragrance oils used in perfume.
Updated
An essential oil is an aromatic material obtained from a plant by distillation or, for citrus peel, mechanical expression. The technical definition also includes dry distillation. Extraction method is the key distinction: an essential oil is not simply any scented liquid sold in a small bottle.
ISO 9235:2021 provides the vocabulary for aromatic natural raw materials. In perfumery, distinguishing the method helps explain why two extracts from the same plant can differ. Rose oil and rose absolute, for example, are separate materials obtained by different processes.
Essential oils contain mixtures of constituents, and their behavior varies by plant, processing and composition. The word does not promise short wear, high potency or therapeutic benefit. “Fragrance oil” is a broader commercial description and may refer to a formulated blend rather than a botanical essential oil.
A raw essential oil is also different from a finished perfume intended for skin. Follow the intended-use and dilution instructions supplied with the material. The FDA’s guidance explains why natural origin does not establish safety; some plant materials can cause irritation, allergy or problems with sun exposure.
- Essential oil
- A botanical aromatic material obtained by an eligible distillation process or mechanical expression of citrus peel. The term identifies a material class, not a quality grade.
- Essential oil vs. absolute
- An absolute is obtained through solvent-based processing, often from a concrete. It is a different extract rather than a stronger grade of essential oil.
- Essential oil vs. concrete
- A concrete is a wax-containing aromatic extract obtained with a solvent. It can be processed further to obtain an absolute.
- Distillation
- A process that separates volatile material through vaporization and condensation. Steam distillation is widely used for essential oils; the chosen method affects what is recovered.
- Expression
- Mechanical recovery of aromatic oil from citrus peel. It does not require a steam still.
- Aromatherapy oil
- A description of intended use or marketing. Check whether the bottle contains a single essential oil, a blend or an oil diluted in a carrier.