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My Reward PointsMany people think that infused oils and essential oils are different names for the same thing. However, the reality is different. Infused oils are made by infusing herbs in a jar of oil whereas essential oils are extracted directly from the plants, herbs, seeds, and other organic ingredients.
The quality and concentration of essential oils may differ according to their method of extraction. On the other hand, you can expect more consistency in quality, aroma, and medicinal properties when it comes to infused herbal oils. More about the differences in these oils and their properties are highlighted in the below sections!
What is Infused Oil?
An infused oil is a carefully prepared herbal concoction with a carrier oil and some dried or fresh herbs. The infused oil is then separated from the herbs using a filtration or straining method.
The properties of an infused oil may vary according to the period up to which the herbs were allowed to mix with the oil. This period often varies from a couple of weeks to months depending upon their application or intended purpose of use.
Key Features of Infused Oils
- Infused oils are used in cooking, aromatherapy, skincare, and a variety of other applications. Their versatility makes them one of the most preferred types of oils in food, cosmetics, perfumery, and other industries.
- Infused oils can be a perfect alternative to chemical-based oils, especially for businesses looking for sustainable and organic alternatives to synthetic ingredients.
- The type of herbs and their concentration can be varied according to your preferences. So, it is also one of the highly customisable oils available in the market.
- The variations in infused oils include herb-infused oils, spice-infused oils, fruit-infused oils, flower-infused oils, and more.
What is Essential Oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated oil retrieved from whole plants or from a part of it. Seeds, roots, leaves, fruit, and even flowers can be used to extract the essential oil. As these oils are concentrated, they are generally mixed with a carrier oil before topical application.
Essential oils come in different forms and varieties. Always look for essential oils that are sourced ethically and formulated without any chemicals. Use them with caution and keep them away from your eyes and other sensitive areas at all times!
Key Features of Essential Oils
- Essential oils are mostly used for aromatherapy, skincare, haircare, and in perfume blends. Their diverse medical properties and fragrance profile make them a best-selling proposition for brands.
- You can also inhale the essential oils either directly or through a vaporizer or humidifier if you are suffering from cold, nasal congestion, and related symptoms. The expectorant properties of the essential oils provide instant relief from these issues.
- Essential oils can also be added to your DIY skincare and haircare products. They not only enhance their aroma but also improve their overall benefits and effectiveness.
- Room fresheners, car fresheners, scented candles, and many other products may contain essential oils in trace amounts. As they are powerful oils, they are only used in trace amounts. Also, you must avoid adding them in boiling or heating solutions and they contain concentrated extracts that are flammable in nature.
Infused Oil vs Essential Oil: The Main Differences
An infused oil can be weaker in concentration or fragrance strength as a majority of it is a carrier oil. Other than the ones discussed above, there are many other differences between an infused oil versus an essential oil. The differences in properties, uses, and features are also notable. Some of these differences have been highlighted in the below table:
| Feature | Infused Oil | Essential Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Method | Soaking herbs in a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, or olive oil. | Distilling or cold-pressing the ingredients sourced from plants. |
| Strength | Mild | Highly Concentrated |
| Used For | Skincare applications, DIY creams, massage, and other purposes. | Aromatherapy, perfumery, and medicinal purposes. |
| Is Direct Application Safe? | Yes | Essential oils are concentrated oils and therefore they must be diluted with a carrier oil before application. |
| Shelf Life | 6 to 12 months (depending upon the quality and longevity of the carrier oil) | 1 to 2 years (when stored properly in a dark, dry, and cold place) |
| DIY Friendly | Yes, as it is easy to incorporate it in different applications | Essential oils must be formulated properly to avoid any reactions and therefore, they are less DIY-friendly. |
Which One Should You Use?
Both essential oils and infused oils are versatile and can be incorporated into your daily skincare and haircare routine. However, essential oils need to be handled and used carefully whereas you can afford to be a bit more lenient while using carrier oils.
Also, the intended use or application may decide the better choice among them. For instance, essential oils can be used to instill a fresh fragrance in your DIY applications whereas an infused oil might not provide that kind of fragrance.
Conclusion
We hope that you have understood the differences between infused oils and essential oils clearly. Both these oils are distinct and offer different uses and benefits when used properly. Get them for your DIY projects or use them as per your requirements. However, only purchase the purest versions from a reliable source like VedaOils. VedaOils is the largest supplier of natural ingredients and oils. Visit our website for more information on our products and services!
