Essential oils are everywhere right now. You see them in candles, diffusers, skincare, bath products, and even in little rollers people carry in their handbags. But behind the pretty bottles and calming scents, there’s a deeper story.

If you care about natural living, wellbeing, and what you put on your skin and breathe into your home, it’s worth understanding what essential oils really are, how they’re made, and how they affect your body and mind.

In this guide, we’re going beyond surface-level advice. We’ll look at how essential oils are produced, what science says about their effects, how to use them safely, how to choose high-quality oils, and why natural fragrance matters in everyday life.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They capture the natural scent and chemical compounds of flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, or fruit peels.

The word “essential” doesn’t mean “necessary.” It comes from the idea that the oil carries the plant’s “essence” - its aroma and characteristic compounds.

Plants produce these compounds for survival. Some protect against insects. Others attract pollinators. Some defend against bacteria and fungi. When we extract these compounds, we get an oil that holds powerful aromatic molecules.

For example:

• Lavender oil comes from the flowering tops of the lavender plant.

• Sweet orange oil comes from the peel of the fruit.

• Peppermint oil comes from the leaves.

• Frankincense oil comes from tree resin.

These oils are not fatty oils like olive or coconut oil. They are volatile aromatic compounds - meaning they evaporate easily and release scent into the air.

How Essential Oils Are Made

The method of extraction matters hugely. It affects purity, scent, and therapeutic value.

1. Steam Distillation

This is the most common method. Steam passes through plant material, releasing aromatic compounds. The steam cools and separates into essential oil and water.

Oils such as lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus are usually steam distilled.

2. Cold Pressing

Used mainly for citrus oils like sweet orange and bergamot. The peel is mechanically pressed to release oil.

Because citrus oils are pressed, not heated, they retain a bright, fresh scent.

3. CO₂ Extraction

A more modern method using pressurised carbon dioxide. It can produce very pure extracts but is more expensive.

Why Quality Varies So Much

Not all essential oils are equal. And this is where many people get confused.

The quality depends on: soil conditions, climate, harvest time, plant species, extraction method, storage.

For example, lavender grown at high altitude can produce a slightly different chemical profile compared to lavender grown at sea level.

Some brands dilute oils with synthetic fragrance or cheaper carrier oils. Others use poorly grown crops or overharvested plants.

If an essential oil is extremely cheap, it usually means one of three things: it’s diluted, synthetic or low-grade.

True essential oils require large amounts of plant material. It takes around 50 lemons to produce a small bottle of lemon oil. Rose oil is even more demanding - thousands of petals for a tiny amount.

That’s why purity and sourcing matter so much.

How Essential Oils Affect the Body and Mind

The reason essential oils feel powerful is because scent directly connects to the limbic system - the part of the brain linked to emotion, memory, and mood.

When you inhale a scent:

1. Aromatic molecules travel through the nose.

2. They stimulate olfactory receptors.

3. Signals go straight to the brain’s emotional centre.

That’s why one scent can instantly remind you of childhood or shift your mood.

Research on Aromatherapy

Studies have looked at how certain essential oils may influence stress levels, sleep, and focus.

For example:

• Lavender has been widely studied for its calming effects. Some research suggests it may help support relaxation and better sleep quality.

• Peppermint has been linked to increased alertness in certain small studies.

• Citrus oils like sweet orange have been explored for their uplifting properties.

While essential oils are not medicines, the connection between scent and emotional wellbeing is well documented in neuroscience.

Essential Oils and Skin: What You Need to Know

Many essential oils are used in natural skincare. But they are highly concentrated and must be diluted.

A few key points:

• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond oil).

• Never apply undiluted oils directly to skin.

• Do a patch test first.

• Citrus oils can increase sensitivity to sunlight.

When properly formulated, essential oils can add beautiful natural scent and beneficial plant compounds to skincare products.

For example:

• Tea tree oil is known for its purifying properties.

• Frankincense is often used in facial oils.

• Geranium is loved in balancing skincare blends.

But balance is everything. More is not better. High concentrations can irritate skin.

Essential Oils vs Synthetic Fragrance

This is an important topic.

Many conventional candles and home sprays use synthetic fragrance oils. These are lab-created scents designed to mimic natural aromas.

Synthetic fragrances can contain dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. In many regions, companies are not required to list them individually.

Natural essential oils, when used correctly, offer a different approach. They come from plants, not petrochemicals.

However, it’s important to be honest: natural does not automatically mean safer in all situations. Essential oils are potent and should be respected.

The key difference lies in transparency and composition.

When you use essential oils in candles or diffusers, you are choosing plant-derived aroma compounds instead of synthetic blends.

For many people, this feels cleaner and more aligned with a natural lifestyle.

The Emotional Power of Scent in Everyday Life

Fragrance changes a space in seconds, often before we even notice it consciously.

• Zesty citrus oils tend to feel uplifting and full of energy.
• Soft florals often create a sense of ease and comfort.
• Deep woody notes such as cedarwood bring a grounded, cosy feeling.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary feel crisp and focused.

When you start choosing essential oils with intention, everyday moments shift. A shower becomes a reset. Tidying the house feels lighter. Your evening wind-down turns into a clear boundary between a busy day and a quiet night.

Even something as simple as lighting a candle can become a gentle cue to pause, breathe more slowly, and let the day settle.

Safety Matters

Essential oils are powerful. Because they are natural, some people assume they are automatically gentle. This isn’t always true.

A few important safety reminders:

• Keep oils away from children and pets unless specifically safe.

• Never ingest essential oils unless under professional supervision.

• Avoid use during pregnancy without expert advice.

• Store away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Use glass bottles, not plastic.

Phototoxicity is another point. Some citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to UV light.

Respect the strength of essential oils. A little truly goes a long way.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

The growing popularity of essential oils has created pressure on certain plant species.

For example:

• Sandalwood trees have faced overharvesting.

• Frankincense resin production affects local ecosystems.

• Rose oil production requires vast amounts of flowers.

Ethical brands consider:

• Sustainable farming methods.

• Fair pay for farmers.

• Responsible harvesting.

• Environmental impact.

As consumers become more aware, sourcing becomes just as important as scent.

Choosing the Right Essential Oils for You

When selecting essential oil products, ask:

1. Is the plant species clearly listed?

2. Is the country of origin mentioned?

3. Does the brand explain its sourcing?

4. Is the oil 100% pure?

5. Is it stored in dark glass?

Trust your senses too. Real essential oils smell layered and natural. Synthetic fragrances often smell flat or overly strong.

Essential oils are not a trend. They have been used for centuries across cultures.

But modern understanding allows us to use them more safely and intentionally.

If you choose quality oils, use them correctly, and respect their strength, they can become a beautiful part of your daily wellbeing routine.

Whether in skincare, candles, diffusers, or bath rituals, essential oils offer something deeper than just scent.

They offer connection - to nature, memory, mood, and the small pauses that make life feel calmer.

And in a world that moves fast, that pause is often exactly what we need.

Keep exploring our wellbeing blog for more interesting topics:

REED DIFFUSERS: A BRITISH GUIDE TO LONG-LASTING HOME SCENTS

ROSEHIP OIL FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

THE BENEFITS OF NEROLI ESSENTIAL OIL

BERGAMOT OIL FOR MOOD, MIND AND HOME

WHY SWEET ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL FEELS SO GOOD AT HOME

HOW FRESH AIR AND NATURAL SCENTS IMPROVE EMOTIONAL HEALTH