3 min read / 13 January 2022 / yasmin sharp

Essential and Fragrance Oil Terminology: A Helpful Glossary

Here's your guide to some of the confusing terms you might find on your oils.

Choose a topic

Share this post

Whether you’re dealing with essential or fragrance oils, you will sometimes see some confusing terms on their labels.

It can be hard to determine whether these classifications are good or bad without an understanding of the terminology.

Here are some of the common terms you may come across, and what they mean for you.

Essential oil and fragrance oil glossary

Paraben-free

Parabens are synthetic chemicals used in beauty and wellness products to give them a longer shelf life.

Some people claim that they may be harmful to the human body if used in large amounts, however there’s not sufficient evidence to suggest that parabens are dangerous.

Phthalate-free

Phthalates are often used to bind and blend fragrance oils, but they are also used in a wide range of other industries, and are commonly used to increase the rigidity of plastic.

They can sometimes make scents last longer and so some manufacturers of fragrance oils use them to create a more enduring product.

There isn’t concrete evidence that phthalates are bad for us, but some people still prefer to avoid them.

Vegan friendly

Vegan friendly oils contain no animal products. Strictly speaking, all essential oils should be vegan as they should be extracted from 100% pure plant material.

However, some fragrance oils may use animal products – make sure to always check the label.

Cruelty-free

Cruelty free products have not been tested on animals. If a product is cruelty free then it will always be advertised either on the label or the vendor’s website, so be sure to check before purchasing.

Cold pressed

Cold pressed oils are extracted by piercing the plant matter (often a fruit) to release the oil from the essential oil sacs, and separating it out using a centrifuge. Heat is never applied during this process.

Cold pressed citrus oils may be phototoxic, so it is important to always check the safety information or reach out to the manufacturer to confirm if the oil is safe to apply to skin.

Steam distilled

Steam distilled oils are extracted by passing steam through a closed chamber containing the peel and letting the oil condense on top of the water. They are not phototoxic.

Furanocoumarin-free (FCF)

Furanocoumarins are a group of substances that cause phototoxic reactions in the skin.

FCF oils have had their furanocoumarins removed, which prevents phototoxic reactions and makes them safe to apply to skin, even if they have been cold pressed.

Vanillin-free

Vanillin is a chemical present in some fragrance oils that can cause discolouration in soap and candles.

Many crafters therefore prefer to use vanillin-free oils in order to prevent discolouration.

FAQs

Do essential oils have phthalates?

No, essential oils themselves do not contain phthalates. Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used in some fragrances to enhance scent longevity, but they are not naturally present in essential oils.

Essential oils are pure extracts derived directly from plants and do not contain synthetic additives like phthalates.

Are essential oils paraben-free?

Yes, essential oils are naturally paraben-free. Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly found in cosmetics, skincare products, and some fragrances to prevent microbial growth.

Since essential oils are derived directly from plants through processes like distillation or cold pressing, they do not contain parabens or any synthetic preservatives.

You might also like to read

Guide to Summer 2024 Fragrance Oil Trends

4 min read / 6 August 2024 / yasmin sharp

Guide to Summer 2024 Fragrance Oil Trends

Discover the top fragrance oil trends for summer 2024 to refresh your candles, soaps, and diffusers with the season's best scents.

Gardening Naturally: How Essential Oils Can Help Your Garden

5 min read / 18 June 2024 / yasmin sharp

Gardening Naturally: How Essential Oils Can Help Your Garden

Discover eco-friendly gardening tips with essential oils to naturally repel pests, control weeds, and boost plant growth.

How to Choose the Right Waxes for Your Candles and Wax Melts

4 min read / 11 April 2024 / yasmin sharp

How to Choose the Right Waxes for Your Candles and Wax Melts

Learn how to select the ideal wax for your candle and wax melt projects, considering factors like type, eco-friendliness, and fragrance retention.

Is Paraffin Wax Vegan?

3 min read / 2 April 2024 / yasmin sharp

Is Paraffin Wax Vegan?

Discover whether paraffin wax and its candle derivatives align with vegan principles, alongside exploring alternative vegan-friendly candles.

How To Carry Out A Burn Test

4 min read / 29 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

How To Carry Out A Burn Test

Learn how to conduct a burn test on your homemade candles to ensure quality, safety, and optimal performance.

What Are Candle Wicks Made of?

3 min read / 22 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

What Are Candle Wicks Made of?

Discover the materials and science behind candle wicks, from wooden to speciality types, and their crucial role in candle burning.

Parents playing with their child.

5 min read / 20 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

Are Essential Oils Safe to Use Around Children?

Explore the safety of using essential oils around children, covering everything from dilution guidelines to the benefits and risks involved.

Pregnant woman holding her belly with both hands.

5 min read / 20 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

How to safely use essential oils whilst pregnant

Discover the safe way to use essential oils during pregnancy, alleviating common symptoms while ensuring your well-being.

Medical Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.

We use strictly necessary cookies to personalise your site experience. You can learn more here.