Understanding Essential Oils vs Synthetic Fragrances

Fragrance is often the first thing we notice about a skincare or hair care product. It can feel comforting, uplifting or familiar, and it often plays a big role in whether we enjoy using something regularly. But not all fragrances are created in the same way, and understanding the difference between essential oils and synthetic fragrances can help you make more informed choices about what you put on your skin and hair.

Essential oils are naturally derived from plants. They are extracted from flowers, leaves, bark, roots or peels through processes such as steam distillation or cold pressing. Because they come directly from plants, essential oils carry the natural scent of the ingredient they are derived from, along with other naturally occurring compounds. These compounds are what give essential oils their characteristic aroma, but they can also support skin, hair and scalp when used thoughtfully and in well-balanced formulations.

Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, are created in laboratories. They are designed to mimic natural scents or to create entirely new ones that don’t exist in nature. One synthetic fragrance can be made up of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of individual components. While these fragrances are often long-lasting and consistent, they don’t offer the same connection to the natural source of a scent.

This distinction matters because the skin and scalp are not just surfaces — they absorb, react and respond. For some people, synthetic fragrances can feel overwhelming or irritating, particularly for sensitive skin. Reactions may not always be immediate, but repeated exposure can sometimes contribute to dryness or discomfort over time. This is one of the reasons many people choose products scented with essential oils, or those that keep fragrance to a gentle level.

All of our products are scented exclusively with pure essential oils. We do not use synthetic fragrances or perfume blends. This choice is intentional, not because fragrance is something to fear, but because we believe scent should feel natural, balanced and supportive rather than overpowering. Essential oils create a softer scent experience that reflects the ingredients themselves, rather than masking them.

One noticeable difference with essential oils is that the scent does not linger aggressively. It may fade more quickly than a synthetic perfume, but this is simply the nature of plant-based ingredients. The aroma is designed to be part of the moment of use, whether that’s cleansing, moisturising or caring for your hair, rather than something that competes with your senses throughout the day.

In hair care, essential oils are often chosen for how well they complement nourishing bases such as shea butter. Oils like rosemary or clove add warmth and depth to hair butters, creating products that feel grounding and purposeful. The scent becomes part of the care experience, not the focus of it. This approach works particularly well for textured and curly hair, which benefits from rich, supportive formulations rather than heavily perfumed products.

The same principle applies to skincare. Handmade soaps and moisturisers lightly scented with essential oils tend to feel gentler on the skin than heavily fragranced alternatives. Several of our soaps are suitable for use on both the face and body, offering a clean, natural scent that doesn’t overwhelm or linger on the skin. For facial care, especially for sensitive skin, this gentle approach to fragrance can make daily routines feel more comfortable.

It’s also important to understand that terms like “natural fragrance” are not always clearly defined. Some products use the phrase even when the scent has been processed or blended in a lab. Essential oils, by contrast, come from clearly identifiable plant sources, which is why transparency around fragrance matters. Knowing exactly what gives a product its scent allows you to choose products with confidence.

Choosing between essential oils and synthetic fragrances doesn’t have to be about strict rules. It’s about awareness and comfort. When fragrance is used thoughtfully, it can enhance a routine rather than complicate it. Whether it’s the soft herbal notes in a hair butter, the gentle scent of a handmade soap, or a lightly fragranced hair mist used between washes, the best products are often the ones that feel honest, balanced and easy to live with