What are essential oils?
Essential oils are obtained through highly labor-intensive processes which extract the vital essence of aromatic plants from the flowers, fruits, sap, seeds or skin of the plant, as well as the bark, leaves, roots, resins or wood of certain trees. These oils are often referred to as the “life force” of plants and contain unique and varied therapeutic properties.

What are synthetic fragrances?
Synthetic Fragrance oils are primarily made from petrochemicals and attempt to duplicate the smell of a specific plant. By dismantling the unique chemical compound of an essential oil, chemists re-assemble a “Frankenstein” fragrance. A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences reports that 95 percent of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins and synthesizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

Why would someone put synthetic fragrance in a candle?
The simple answer is money! It is incredibly cheap to scent a candle artificially, and those scents tend to have a stronger odor with much less oil. In addition to being hazardous to your health, without the complex chemical components of the unadulterated natural essential oil, the aromatherapeutic effects are not present.

What aren’t they telling us?
The FDA does not require fragrance manufacturers to disclose the ingredients of synthetic fragrances because these formulas are regarded as “proprietary.” Such “proprietary” ingredients commonly include numerous known carcinogens but are protected under the FDA’s “trade secret” law.

How harmful are these fragrances?
Even after banning methylene chloride (a known carcinogen that also causes autoimmune disease) in 1989, an EPA study two years later listed the chemical as one of the 20 most common chemicals found in fragrance products. In a 2001 study, the EPA reported that synthetic fragrances were shown to cause “possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects.” Synthetic fragrances have also been shown to contain hormone disruptors which are linked to abnormal cell reproduction and may result in tumor growth.

How can we differentiate the “real thing” from misleading claims?
Many companies blend a minimal amount of essential oils with synthetic fragrances, perfumes, chemical enhancers and boosters in an attempt to cut costs and create a stronger, longer lasting odor. “Made with pure essential oils” often translates to an ingredient list with a small percentage of essential oils and a majority of the scent coming from a number of carcinogenic and toxic petrochemicals.

Unless a company discloses that they only use pure essential oils, there is a possibility that instead of an aromatherapeutic candle, you are igniting a chemical cocktail that is anything but healthy.

Aromatherapy is an ancient form of therapy using essential oils vaporized over heat that, when inhaled, causes a desired effect. They are used for medical and mental conditions, however essential oils cannot be used directly as a medicine and must be handled with care.

The essential oils used in aromatherapy are not what you would expect. They are not oily at all and not derived from fat. The natural essential oils are extracted or evaporated from flowers, berries, seeds, roots and bark or even dried citrus peels. The natural essential oils are given
the names of the exotic plants they are made with. There are also flavored oils used in aromatherapy for their pleasant fragrance but do not have any medicinal properties and are often synthetic. These synthetic oils are not safe for direct application to the skin.

The cost of aromatherapy oils depends on the amount of material needed to manufacture them. For example, it may take as many as thirty rose petals to produce one drop of oil, thus it comes at a higher price. The quality of the oils depends on how they are manufactured and stored.

Aromatherapy oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly on the skin. The essential oils should be mixed with what are termed “carrier oils” to dilute them. When the essential oils are diluted, they may be used for massage to add an element of aromatherapy to the physical rewards of a good massage. There are some diseases that can benefit with direct application of the aromatherapy oils. However, avoid using the essential oils near the eyes or any other sensitive skin. With some research, you can find which diseases can be treated with application of essential oils.

All the oils you use in your aromatherapy practices should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Essential oils can lose quality if not stored properly.

Essential oils categorized into three tiers by their weight, then divided further into top, average and base categories. Base oils evaporate the slowest, top oils evaporate the quickest. Because they are very light, extra care should be given when storing the top essential oils. The best oils for aromatherapy will be a mix of all three levels.

Sources:

Farrer Halls, Gill The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils 2005

Worwood, Valerie Ann The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health – Beauty – a Safe Home Environment 1991

Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural aromatic oils extracted from plants. They are sometimes referred to as the essence or life-source of plants and are often used for aromatherapy. There are about 150 different individual essential oils all with unique scents and properties.

Chemical or Synthetic Fragrances
Chemical and synthetic-based fragrances are usually manufactured to duplicate or copy a certain scent. The first step is usually to analyze various essential oils and essential oil blends to figure out the individual chemical make-up. Chemists then blend the various chemicals to make the desired scents.

The National Academy of Sciences reported in 1986 that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic and chemical fragrances are derived from petroleum and include many carcinogenic materials. Many of these chemicals can have adverse side effects including cancer, birth defects, headaches and dizziness. The EPA released a study in 2001 reporting the synthetic and chemical fragrances were shown to cause “possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects.” The real problem with fragrances is that manufacturers are not required to disclose the exact ingredients used. So, basically you never really know what is in a fragrance. Simply put, chemical and synthetic fragrances should be avoided and definitely should not be burned anywhere around you.

How can you tell them apart?
This becomes a problem as well because manufacturers try and mimic genuine essential oils or even try and appear as if they are using essential oils. It is quite cheap and easy to make chemical and synthetic fragrances. Some companies will say “made with pure or natural essential oils” but never tell you the exact amount. At BsaB when we say 100% essential oils we mean 100% pure undiluted highest-grade essential oils blended by French Perfumists. Many companies will try and appear like they are using essential oils but in actuality they are not. The ones who say “made with essential oils” or “made using essential oils” are companies to look out for. Be sure that you use only 100% natural essential oils which are undiluted without fillers added.