Essential oils are plant extracts used for scent. Fragrance oils are composed scents. Carrier oils dilute other oils and carry them onto skin. Body oils are ready-to-use skin products. Choose by the job you want done, and check each product page for its intended use.
The four oil types at a glance
| Type | What it is | Typical use | On skin? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential oil | Concentrated extract from one plant | Diffusers, blending | Only diluted |
| Fragrance oil | A composed scent, often a blend | Diffusers, burners, home fragrance | Only if the product says so |
| Carrier oil | A mild base oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond | Diluting essential oils, massage | Yes, check for nut allergies |
| Body oil | A ready-to-use oil for skin | Moisturizing, massage | Yes, follow the label |
Everything sits in our aromatherapy oils collection.
Essential oils
A single essential oil comes from one plant, such as lavender or sweet orange. They are concentrated, so they need dilution before they touch skin. Browse the essential oil collection and read the beginner's guide to choosing and diluting them.
Fragrance oils
Fragrance oils are built to smell a particular way, such as fresh linen or white musk, and they hold their scent well in a diffuser or burner. Because they are composed, they are not the same as essential oils. Read the product page to see what each one is made for. See the fragrance oil collection, and for scent-machine refills read our hotel scent guide.
Carrier oils
A carrier oil is a mild plant oil used to dilute essential oils and to massage. If you have a nut allergy, check what a carrier is made from before using it. See the carrier oil collection.
Body oils
Body oils are finished products made for skin. Apply them to slightly damp skin after a shower, and patch test first. Read body oil vs body lotion for how they compare, and browse the body oil collection.
Which oil should I buy?
- For a diffuser, look at the diffuser oils.
- For an oil burner, look at the oil burner collection.
- To learn what you like, buy a small essential oil gift set.
- For skin, choose a body oil or dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil.
A note on safety
Do not swallow any of these oils. Keep them away from children and pets, and ask a doctor or qualified aromatherapist before using them if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a health condition. This guide is general information, not medical advice.
Related reading
- Essential Oils for Beginners: How to Choose, Dilute and Store Them
- Hotel Scent at Home: How Hotel-Style Diffuser Oil Works and How to Choose One
- Body Oil vs Body Lotion: Which One Should You Use?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between essential oil and fragrance oil?
An essential oil is an extract from one plant. A fragrance oil is a composed scent that may be partly or fully synthetic. Check each product page to see which one it is.
Can I put fragrance oil on my skin?
Only if the product page says it is made for skin. Many fragrance oils are made for diffusers and burners.
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is a mild plant oil used to dilute essential oils and to massage skin.
Which oil is best for a diffuser?
Both essential oils and diffuser-made fragrance oils are used. Match the oil to your diffuser type and read the product page.
This guide is general information about fragrance, aromatherapy and home use. It is not medical advice.
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