What are essential oils?
Concentrated plant extracts with thousands of years of history: discover what makes essential oils so special, how they are produced and why they are a natural ally for your wellbeing.
Essential oils: concentrated nature in small bottles.
In a nutshell
Essential oils are highly concentrated, natural extracts obtained from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark or fruits of aromatic plants. Each oil contains hundreds of chemical compounds – terpenes, phenols, aldehydes and ketones – that give it its characteristic scent and unique properties.
How are essential oils extracted?
The extraction method affects the quality and properties of the oil. Here are the two main methods:
Steam distillation
The most common method. Steam passes through the plant material, carrying the aromatic molecules with it. The steam is then cooled and the essential oil separated from the water. This is how most oils are produced, including lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree.
Cold pressing
Used mainly for citrus fruits. The peels are mechanically pressed to release the oil contained in the oil glands. This method preserves all heat-sensitive compounds. This is how lemon, sweet orange and bergamot are extracted.
What makes essential oils so special?
Unlike fatty plant oils (such as olive oil), essential oils are not greasy. They are volatile compounds that evaporate into the air – which is exactly why we can smell them. Their uniqueness lies in their concentration:
Highly concentrated
It takes about 30 kg of lavender flowers to produce 1 litre of lavender essential oil. For rose oil, it's even 5,000 kg of petals. That's why just a few drops deliver powerful effects.
Complex and unique
A single essential oil can contain over 200 different chemical compounds. This complexity makes each oil unique and explains its many effects – from antibacterial properties to calming benefits.
Thousands of years of use
The Egyptians were already using essential oils 3,000 years before Christ – for rituals, cosmetics and medicine. In Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and European herbalism, they have always been key elements.
Where are they used today?
Essential oils find applications in many areas of everyday life:
| Area | Examples of use | Popular oils |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy | Diffuser, inhalations, aromatic baths | Lavender, Sweet orange |
| Skincare | Roll-ons, serums, DIY masks | Tea tree, Lavender |
| Respiratory wellness | Inhalations, chest balms | Eucalyptus, Mountain pine |
| Relaxation & sleep | Bedroom diffuser, drops on the pillow | Lavender, Swiss stone pine |
| Home & cleaning | Natural cleaners, room sprays | Lemon, Tea tree |
How to recognise a quality essential oil
- 100% pure and natural – with no synthetic additives, fillers or artificial fragrances.
- Botanical name – the label should show the Latin plant name (e.g. Lavandula angustifolia).
- Origin and extraction method – a good supplier states where the plant comes from and how the oil was extracted.
- Organic – organic quality ensures the plants were grown without chemical pesticides.
Good to know before you start
- Essential oils are highly concentrated – always dilute in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
- Some oils may cause skin reactions – always perform a patch test on a small area first.
- Not all oils are suitable for children, pregnancy or pets. Read our safety guidelines.
Ready to discover essential oils?
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