Fragrances in natural cosmetics - how to know them and use them correctly

Fragrances are not just a pleasure for the senses in natural cosmetics. They are active ingredients that affect the skin, hair and psyche. The right fragrance can soothe the skin, stimulate the senses or bring a sense of well-being.
The most important aromatic ingredients include essential oils, fragrance oils, CO₂ extracts and absolutes. Each of these types has its own origin, composition and uses - so let's explain them in a professional but understandable way.

How aromatic constituents are obtained

Essential oils

These are obtained by steam distillation of plant parts - most commonly from flowers, leaves, bark, fruits or roots.
They are pure, highly concentrated mixtures of natural substances that preserve the characteristic scent and therapeutic effects of the plant. Essential oils have aromatherapeutic uses and are used in creams, oils, soaps and candles.

Fragrance oils

Fragrance oils are mixtures of aromatic substances - they can be synthetic or partially natural (a combination of essential oils and perfume components). Their role is to create or mimic a particular scent, not to have a therapeutic effect.
They are stable, intense and often more resistant to high temperatures - ideal for making candles, soaps, diffusers and detergents.

CO₂ extracts

CO₂ extracts are produced by supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction. This modern process makes it possible to obtain very pure and delicate extracts with a rich spectrum of active ingredients.
There are two types:

• CO₂-se (selective) - contain mainly volatile substances, similar to essential oils.
• CO₂-to (total) - they also preserve waxes, resins and fats, making them fuller, more nutritious and closer to the original plant.

They are used in luxury cosmetics, serums and specialty care products.

Absolue

Absolues are created by solvent extraction from flowers that are too delicate for distillation - such as jasmine, rose or violet. The result is a thick, strongly aromatic essence with an intense fragrance.
Although it contains trace amounts of solvents, it is used in cosmetics in low concentrations and is invaluable in perfumery and luxury formulations.

Comparison of aromatic components

Use of fragrances in cosmetics

• Essential oils: ideal for lotions, balms, massage blends, aromatherapy, candles and diffusers.
• Fragrance oils: excellent for soaps, candles, waxes and household cleaners.
• CO₂ extracts: premium ingredient for serums, creams and special care products.
• Absolue: mainly used in perfumes and luxury skin care products.

Some fragrances exist only as absolutes

Some plants are too delicate for distillation or would lose their typical aroma in the process. That's why they are made exclusively into absolutes - for example:

• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)
• Rose (Rosa centifolia)
• Violet (Viola odorata)
• Mimosa (Acacia dealbata)

These fragrances are among the most precious and iconic ingredients in perfumery.

How to choose the right type of fragrance

When choosing an aromatic ingredient, consider:

• the type of product (whether it is a candle, cosmetic, diffuser),
• the target effect (therapeutic, decorative, relaxing),
• the origin of the raw material (natural vs. synthetic).

Fragrances can transform an ordinary product into an experience. It is therefore important to know their origin, properties and limits of use.

Where to go next

To further understand the difference between fragrance types and learn how to properly dose them, check out the Fragrance Oils section - where you'll find professional compositions designed for cosmetics and candles.
Interested in natural fragrances with a strong effect on the skin? Explore also the CO₂ extracts category.