4 Aug

From Earth to Oil: Understanding the Types of Essential Oils You’ll Find at Escentia

Not all oils are created equal. At Escentia, we know that what’s in the bottle matters and so does how it’s labelled. Whether you’re looking for something pure and natural, or a reliable option for product manufacturing, this guide will help you understand what you’re buying.

What’s the Difference Between Oil Types?
Here’s a breakdown of the four types of oils you’ll find in our catalogue/store:

1. Organic Essential Oils

Organic and 100% natural. These oils come from plants grown without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides and are carefully distilled or pressed to retain their purity.

2. Pure Essential OilsThese are natural, undiluted oils extracted using traditional methods like steam distillation or cold pressing. We don’t add anything, no fillers, no enhancements. Just plant material and patience.

3. Standard Essential OilsStandard oils are still plant-based but are often refined for consistency in colour, scent and price. They’re commonly used in aromatherapy, especially for manufacturing or large-scale blending where consistency matters. They still offer therapeutic benefits but aren’t as “raw” as pure essential oils.

4. Fragrance Oils
These are either synthetic or blended to mimic a scent. They don’t offer the same natural benefits as essential oils but are useful when you’re looking for a specific smell for candles, diffusers or soaps.

How to Read Your Label Like a Pro
At Escentia, you’ll always find the following on our labels:

The oil type: Organic, Pure, Standard or Fragrance

Botanical name (Latin)

Batch number for traceability

Tip:

If the label says just “lavender oil” or “eucalyptus oil,” and doesn’t mention “pure essential oil” or list a botanical name, that’s a red flag. It could be standardised or even synthetic. When in doubt, check with the supplier.

Choosing What’s Right for You:
There’s no one-size-fits-all oil. It depends on how you’re using it.

Choose organic or pure for body products, diffusers, and therapeutic use

Choose standard oils for consistent scent in soaps, sprays or larger batches

Choose fragrance oils when your goal is scent alone

We’re always upfront about the grade of oil we sell, and we’re here to help if you’re unsure what’s right for your project.