Synthetic and natural essential oils compared: what should you choose?

Essential oils offer a wide range of benefits, from aromatherapy to skin care. However, not all essential oils are the same, and to choose the best oil for your needs, you should differentiate between synthetic and natural oils. In this article, we'll go into more detail about what you should consider when choosing between synthetic and natural essential oils.
Choose the right oil
Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash

Decide on the right oil

Before you choose the right essential oil, you should know the differences between synthetic and natural essential oils. Natural essential oils are derived from plant extracts and contain the natural chemical compounds of the plant. They are considered purer and more authentic because they do not contain synthetic additives. Synthetic essential oils, on the other hand, are artificially produced and their chemical composition may differ from the natural compounds.

When choosing the right essential oil, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. Natural essential oils offer therapeutic properties and natural compounds that can provide various benefits to the body and mind. For example, lavender oil can be calming and relaxing, while peppermint oil can be refreshing and invigorating.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an inexpensive oil or prefer certain scents, synthetic essential oils can be an alternative. They are artificially produced and are often less expensive than natural essential oils. They also offer a wider range of scents. Some people also prefer the consistent scent of synthetic oils, as natural essential oils can vary depending on harvesting conditions and other factors.

However, it should be noted that synthetic essential oils do not offer the same therapeutic benefits as natural essential oils. Natural essential oils contain a complex blend of compounds that work synergistically together to produce their effects. Synthetic essential oils may have a similar scent, but do not achieve the same therapeutic effects.

Ultimately, the choice of the right essential oil is up to you. Consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as whether natural origin or fragrance is more important to you. Sometimes it’s also helpful to read reviews and recommendations from others or seek advice from a professional, such as an aromatherapist, to find the right essential oil for you.

Discover the variety of synthetic and natural essential oils

Essential oils are concentrated components of plants that have medicinal properties. They are usually obtained through steam distillation or hydrodistillation and can be either synthetic or natural. There are a few things to consider when choosing an essential oil.

  • First, synthetic and natural oils have different benefits and should be chosen based on your specific needs and preferences.
  • Second, different oils are suitable for different applications and should be used accordingly.
  • Third, dosage guidelines vary depending on the oil and the situation.

For this reason, it is recommended that you consult a qualified aromatherapist to ensure that you are using your oils correctly. There are many health benefits and uses for essential oils. Some of the most common uses of essential oils include aromatherapy, skin care, home remedies, and dietary supplements.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are volatile substances obtained from various parts of plants by steam distillation or hydrodistillation. In steam distillation, the leaves are soaked in a solvent such as ethanol or water, and the steam is then condensed by heat to extract the essential oils.

Essential oils are found in two areas of the plant: the oily resin of the plant stem and the seeds. The aromatic compounds found in essential oils are mainly volatile compounds that collect in the aromatic compounds of the oils.

The aromatic compounds responsible for the aroma of the oils are mainly phellomyrtol and caryophyllene. These compounds, along with some geraniol, are responsible for the smell and taste of the oils.

What are synthetic oils?

Synthetic oils are oils that are synthetically produced and not derived from natural oils. Synthetic oils are petroleum-based, have no therapeutic value, and were manufactured for the sole purpose of being used in various products.

Nevertheless, synthetic oils have many advantages over natural oils. First, synthetic oils are cheaper and more effective than natural oils. Second, synthetic oils are more consistent because each batch is made using the same process and materials as previous batches.

Finally, synthetic oils do not go rancid, so they have a longer shelf life than natural oils. However, synthetic oils are less effective than natural oils, so they are not suitable for some medicinal purposes.

What are natural oils?

Natural oils are extracted from plants and seeds contained in the husk or seed coat of the plant. Natural oils can be extracted by either solvent extraction or CO 2 extraction. In solvent extraction, a solvent such as hexane or petroleum is added to the plant oil and then evaporated. CO 2 -extraction is a more environmentally friendly method of extracting oils. The oil from the plant is first filtered and then extracted with carbon dioxide.

Advantages of synthetic oils

  • Cheaper: synthetic oils are cheaper than natural oils and are suitable for people with a limited budget.
  • Durable: synthetic oils are more durable than natural oils because they are made using the same process and materials as the previous oils.
  • Stronger: Synthetic oils are more effective than natural oils because they do not go rancid and therefore last longer than natural oils.
  • More accurate dosing: synthetic oils have exact dosing guidelines, meaning you don’t have to guess how much oil to use. With natural oils, the
  • dosing is less precise, so you’ll have to experiment with the amount of oil.
  • Longer shelf life: synthetic oils have a longer shelf life than natural oils, which means synthetic oils are suitable for more applications.

Advantages of natural oils

  • Natural: Natural oils are derived from natural plants and seeds, which means they are more environmentally friendly than synthetic oils.
  • More Effective: Natural oils have more therapeutic properties than synthetic oils because they are derived from natural plant parts.
  • Easier to obtain: Natural oils are more widely available than synthetic oils and are found in many parts of the world. Therefore, natural oils are more readily available than synthetic oils.

Conclusion

Essential oils are concentrated, fragrant components of plants that can be synthetic or natural. They have a variety of benefits, from aromatherapy to skin care. When using essential oils, be sure to choose the right variety for your needs and use them safely and appropriately. Consider consulting a qualified aromatherapist to ensure you are using your essential oils properly.

References

 

Did you like the article? We would be delighted if you shared it and helped us to make our sauna magazine accessible to a wider audience, to inspire even more people with the beneficial properties of the sauna.