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 absolutes.
About this article
This article takes you through the four types of aromatic component you will come across most often in natural cosmetics — essential oils, fragrance oils, CO₂ extracts and absolutes. Each of these types has its own origin, composition and use, so we will explain them in a professional yet understandable way. You will learn how each component is obtained, how they differ in active substance content and naturalness, which products they suit and how to choose between them.
Key benefits
- Fragrance as an active ingredient
Fragrances are not just a pleasure for the senses — they act on the skin, hair and psyche, and can soothe the skin or stimulate the senses.
- Essential oils: therapeutic effect
Pure, highly concentrated blends of natural substances that preserve the characteristic scent and therapeutic effects of the plant.
- Fragrance oils: stability
They are stable, intense and often more resistant to high temperatures, so they suit candles, soaps, diffusers and laundry detergents.
- CO₂ extracts: purity
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction gives very pure and delicate extracts with a rich spectrum of active substances.
- Absolutes: strength of scent
A thick, highly aromatic essence from flowers that are too delicate for distillation — invaluable in perfumery and luxury formulations.
Properties of aromatic components
How aromatic components are obtained
The method of extraction decides what makes it from the plant into the finished raw material — whether only the volatile aromatic compounds, or waxes, resins and lipids as well. So let’s go through all four types one by one.
Essential oils
Essential oils 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.
Absolutes
Absolutes 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
| Type | Method of extraction | Active substance content | Typical use | Naturalness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential oils | Distillation | High | Aromatherapy, cosmetics | 100% natural |
| CO₂ extracts | Supercritical extraction | Very high | Luxury cosmetics, medicine | 100% natural |
| Absolutes | Solvent extraction | High (with residues) | Perfumery, cosmetics | Natural with limitations |
| Fragrance oils | Blended or synthetic | Variable | Soaps, candles, diffusers | Not always natural |
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.
- Absolutes: used mainly in perfumes and luxury facial cosmetics.
Some fragrances exist only as absolutes
Some plants are too delicate for distillation or would lose their typical aroma during the process. Therefore, only absolutes 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.
Frequently asked questions about fragrances in cosmetics
Practical questions about the differences between the types of fragrance, their naturalness and suitable use.
What is the difference between an essential oil and a fragrance oil?
Essential oils are obtained by steam distillation of plant parts and are pure, highly concentrated blends of natural substances with therapeutic effects. Fragrance oils are blends of aromatic substances — synthetic or partly natural — and their role is to create or imitate a specific scent, not to provide a therapeutic effect.
What is the difference between a CO₂-se and a CO₂-to extract?
CO₂-se (selective) extracts contain mainly volatile compounds, similar to essential oils. CO₂-to (total) extracts also retain waxes, resins and lipids, so they are richer, more nourishing and closer to the original plant.
Are absolutes natural?
Absolutes are obtained by solvent extraction, so they contain trace amounts of solvents — compared with 100% natural essential oils and CO₂ extracts, they are a natural raw material with limitations. In cosmetics they are used at low concentrations.
Which fragrance should you choose for candles and soaps?
Fragrance oils are an excellent choice for soaps, candles, waxes and household cleaning products — they are stable, intense and often more resistant to high temperatures. Essential oils can be used as well; they work nicely in candles and diffusers.
Why do some flowers exist only as absolutes?
Some plants are too delicate for distillation or would lose their typical aroma during the process. Only absolutes are therefore produced from them — these include jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), rose (Rosa centifolia), violet (Viola odorata) and mimosa (Acacia dealbata).
Where to go next
If you want to understand more deeply the differences between the types of fragrance 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.
You will find essential oils, fragrance oils and CO₂ extracts in our range of colourants and fragrances — from single-plant essential oils to ready-made fragrance compositions for candles and soaps.
