Fragrances in natural cosmetics – how to understand them and use them correctly

Fragrances in natural cosmetics are not just a pleasure for the senses. They are active ingredients that act on the skin, hair and psyche. A properly chosen fragrance can soothe the skin, stimulate the senses or bring a feeling of well-being.
The most important aromatic components include essential oils, fragrance oils, CO₂ extracts and absolues. Each of these types has its own origin, composition and use – so let’s explain them in a professional yet understandable way.

How aromatic components are obtained

Essential oils

They are obtained by steam distillation of plant parts – most often flowers, leaves, bark, fruits or roots.
They are pure, highly concentrated blends of natural substances that preserve the characteristic scent and therapeutic effects of the plant. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and find application in creams, oils, soaps and also candles.

Fragrance oils

Fragrance oils are blends of aromatic substances – they can be synthetic or partly natural (a combination of essential oils and perfume components). Their role is to create or imitate a specific scent, not to provide a therapeutic effect.
They are stable, intense and often more resistant to high temperatures – ideal for the production of candles, soaps, diffusers and laundry detergents.

CO₂ extracts

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

• CO₂-se (selective) – contain mainly volatile compounds, similar to essential oils.
• CO₂-to (total) – also retain waxes, resins and lipids, so they are richer, more nourishing and closer to the original plant.

They are used in luxury cosmetics, serums and specialised treatment products.

Absolues

Absolues are obtained by solvent extraction from flowers that are too delicate for distillation – for example jasmine, rose or violet. The result is a thick, highly aromatic essence with an intense scent.
Although they contain trace amounts of solvents, they are used in cosmetics at low concentrations and are invaluable in perfumery and luxury formulations.

Comparison of aromatic components

Use of fragrances in cosmetics

• Essential oils: ideal for facial oils, balms, massage blends, aromatherapy, candles and diffusers.
• Fragrance oils: excellent for soaps, candles, waxes and household cleaning products.
• CO₂ extracts: premium ingredient for serums, creams and specialised skincare products.
• Absolues: used mainly in perfumes and luxury facial cosmetics.

Some fragrances exist only as absolues

Some plants are too delicate for distillation or would lose their typical aroma during the process. Therefore, only absolues are produced from them – for example:

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

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

How to choose the right type of fragrance

When choosing an aromatic ingredient, take into account:

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

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

Where to go next

If you want to understand more deeply the differences between the types of fragrances and learn how to dose them correctly, take a look at the Fragrance oils section – where you will find professional compositions intended for cosmetics and candles.
Are you interested in natural aromas with a strong effect on the skin? Explore the CO₂ extracts category as well.