When it comes to home fragrance, one of the most common questions we get at Louis & Co Maison is: Do you use fragrance oils or essential oils in your candles and diffusers? The short answer? Mostly fragrance oils. But why? And are essential oils really the ‘healthier’ option? Let’s explore both with facts, not myths.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants, usually through distillation or cold pressing. They are widely used in aromatherapy, skincare, and even natural cleaning products. Because they come from nature, many people assume they are the healthiest choice for home fragrance. But is that always true?

The Pros of Essential Oils:

✅ Natural and plant-derived
✅ Often have therapeutic properties (e.g., lavender for relaxation, peppermint for focus)
✅ Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

The Cons of Essential Oils:

❌ Not always safe for pets (some can be toxic to cats and dogs)
❌ Limited scent throw in candles (they evaporate quickly and don’t always scent a room effectively)
❌ Can degrade over time, losing their potency
❌ More expensive due to the large quantities of plants needed to produce small amounts of oil

What Are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils are either synthetic or blended with natural components to create consistent, long-lasting scents. Unlike essential oils, they are designed specifically for use in candles, diffusers, and other home fragrance products.

The Pros of Fragrance Oils:

✅ Stronger, longer-lasting scent throw
✅ More complex and unique scent combinations (e.g., freshly baked cookies, ocean breeze)
✅ Consistency in fragrance from batch to batch
✅ More affordable, making high-quality candles and diffusers accessible

The Cons of Fragrance Oils:

❌ Some contain synthetic ingredients (though high-quality options are free from harmful chemicals)
❌ Less therapeutic benefits compared to essential oils

Are Essential Oils Healthier?

Many assume essential oils are always the ‘cleaner’ choice, but research suggests this isn’t entirely true. Some essential oils release natural allergens when burned, while others can cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. The safety of any oil—essential or synthetic—depends on the formulation and how it is used.

For home fragrance, high-quality fragrance oils are often the better choice because they are specifically crafted for safe and effective scent diffusion. They undergo rigorous testing, ensuring they perform well in candles, diffusers, and wax melts.

When We Use Essential Oils

At Louis & Co Maison, we love fragrance oils for their strength and reliability, but we also appreciate the beauty of essential oils in certain scents. We use pure essential oils in:

🌿 Citronelle Candle – Made with real citronella essential oil, this fresh and lemony scent is perfect for outdoor spaces, naturally repelling insects while creating a relaxing atmosphere.

🌾 Provence Diffuser – Inspired by the lavender fields of the French Riviera, this diffuser blends lavender essential oil for a natural, calming scent experience.

Final Thoughts

Both essential oils and fragrance oils have their place in home fragrance. Essential oils bring natural elements and aromatherapy benefits, while fragrance oils deliver strong, long-lasting scents tailored for home use. The key is choosing high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients—something we prioritise at Louis & Co Maison.

So, next time you’re enjoying one of our handcrafted candles or diffusers, know that we’ve carefully selected the best oils for the job. Whether natural or crafted, our goal is always to create scents that bring joy, comfort, and a little touch of the French Riviera into your home.

Which do you prefer in home fragrance—essential oils or fragrance oils? Let’s chat in the comments!