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Are Fragrance Oils Safe? Essential Oils Explained

August 24, 2025

Are Fragrance Oils Safe? Essential Oils Explained

One of the most common questions we get at Studio Milk is “Do your products contain fragrance oils or pure essential oils and what’s the difference?”

It’s a great question, because when it comes to candles, room sprays, and home fragrance, many people want to know: are fragrance oils safe? Are they natural? Do they last as long as essential oils?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help to explain the difference between the two and why we choose to use both.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural plant extracts. They’re made by distilling or cold-pressing flowers, leaves, roots, or peels to capture the pure scent and therapeutic benefits of the plant.

  • 100% natural 
  • Known for their aromatherapy benefits 
  • Scents are often softer and may fade more quickly than fragrance oils

Essential oils are perfect when we want a pure, natural aroma and the wellbeing benefits that come with it.

What Are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils are specially created blends of natural and safe synthetic ingredients. They can be designed to mimic scents found in nature or to create completely new fragrances you won’t find in essential oils.

  • Can be partly natural, partly man-made
  • Provide a stronger, longer-lasting scent throw
  • Allow for more complex or unusual scents

At Studio Milk, our fragrance oils are all highly purified and guaranteed to be 100% phthalate-free meaning they’re safe for you, your family, and your home

So if you’ve ever wondered “are fragrance oils toxic in candles?” rest assured, ours are carefully sourced and completely safe.

Why We Use Both

At Studio Milk, we use essential oils when we want a natural, subtle scent and aromatherapy benefits, and fragrance oils when we want something stronger, longer-lasting, or more creative.

This balance lets us bring you the best of both worlds. The natural beauty of essential oils in certain products and the long-lasting, phthalate-free safety of fragrance oils in others

Every ingredient is chosen with care and safety in mind. Our goal is always the same: safe, beautiful home fragrance products you’ll love.

Both have their place, and both can create beautiful, safe, and enjoyable fragrance products depending on the effect we’re going for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fragrance oils safe in candles?
Yes. All Studio Milk fragrance oils are highly purified, 100% phthalate-free, and safe to use in candles, diffusers, and room sprays.

Which lasts longer, essential oils or fragrance oils?
Fragrance oils usually last longer and give a stronger scent throw, making them the best choice for candles and room sprays. Essential oils are more delicate and natural, but fade faster. They’re the best choice for bath salts and diffusers

Can I get aromatherapy benefits from fragrance oils?
No. Only essential oils provide true aromatherapy benefits, as they come directly from plants. Fragrance oils are designed for scent enjoyment and atmosphere.

Why don’t you use essential oils in all your products?
Some essential oils don’t perform well in candles or sprays, losing their scent quickly. Phthalate-free fragrance oils let us create stronger, more reliable fragrances.

Got more questions about what’s inside our candles, room sprays, or bath products? Drop us a message we love chatting scent science!



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