Infused Oils or Essential Oils: What are the key differences?
Essential oils and infused oils are both popular options for use in aromatherapy and skincare, but they differ in their properties and uses.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between the two, what their benefits and properties are, and how to choose the right carrier oil for your needs.
Understanding the Differences
Infused oils and essential oils are both commonly used in skincare and aromatherapy, but they are very different in terms of how they are made and their properties. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Extraction Methods: Gentle Embrace vs Potent Distillation
The most significant distinction between the two oils lies in their extraction methods.
Infused oils are created through a gentle infusion process, allowing the carrier oil to absorb the properties and aromas of the plant material. This gentle embrace yields a milder scent and subtle therapeutic benefits, making infused oils ideal for skincare and culinary applications.
On the other hand, essential oils are extracted using steam distillation or cold-pressing. This results in highly concentrated oils that capture the essence of the plant in its purest form. The concentrated nature of these oils intensifies their fragrance, allowing even a few drops to fill a room with their captivating aroma.
The potent aroma and therapeutic properties of essential oils make them valuable tools in aromatherapy, personal care products, and holistic wellness practices.
Infused Oils
Infused oils, also known as macerated oils, are created through the simple process of infusing plant materials, such as aromatic herbs, flowers, or spices, into a carrier oil. Popular carrier oils used for this infusion include jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil.
This gentle extraction allows the carrier oil to absorb the plant’s properties and aromas, resulting in a fragrant and versatile potent infusion.
Infused oils are gentle, making them a safe bet for your skincare needs. The best thing? You can customize them to your liking!
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the concentrated essences of plants, capturing their aromatic compounds and therapeutic properties. These oils are extracted through meticulous methods, such as steam distillation or cold-pressing, ensuring that the essence of the plant is captured in its purest form.
With their potent nature, essential oils have the ability to provide a wide array of benefits for holistic well-being, including pain relief, stress relief, and relaxation.
It’s important to note that not all plant materials can be used to make essential oils, and some essential oils can be irritating to the skin if not diluted properly.
The Benefits and Properties
Infused Oils
Infused oils offer a plethora of benefits and possess unique properties that make them a valuable addition to your self-care routines.
Nourishing and Moisturizing:
Infused oils provide deep nourishment and moisturization to the skin, making them a popular choice in skincare products. The gentle infusion process allows the carrier oil to absorb the beneficial compounds from the plant material, resulting in a rich and emollient oil.
When applied topically, these oils help hydrate and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and revitalized.
Calming and Soothing:
Many infused oils possess calming and soothing properties that can help alleviate skin irritations, redness, and inflammation. For instance, chamomile-infused oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or irritated skin. Lavender-infused oil is renowned for its calming aroma and ability to promote relaxation, making it a popular ingredient in massage oils and bath products.
Customizable and Personalizable:
One of the beauties of infused oils is the ability to customize them. You have the freedom to choose the plant material and carrier oil combination that aligns with your preferences and needs.
Whether you prefer the gentle scent of chamomile, the invigorating aroma of citrus, or the earthy notes of rosemary, you can create infused oils tailored to your liking. This personalization allows you to craft skincare products or culinary creations that resonate with your unique tastes and desires.
Culinary Applications:
Infused oils are not limited to skin care; they can also add depth and complexity to your culinary creations. The infusion of herbs, spices, or even edible flowers into carrier oils imparts unique flavors and aromas that can elevate your dishes to new heights. How about drizzling basil-infused olive oil over a salad or using rosemary-infused oil to season roasted vegetables? These oils can infuse your culinary creations with a touch of delight.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are renowned for their remarkable benefits and possess a wide range of properties that make them a valuable asset in a variety of applications.
Aromatherapy:
The most common use of essential oils is in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a popular practice that harnesses the aromatic properties of essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. The inhalation of essential oil molecules can directly impact the limbic system, the area of the brain associated with emotions, providing a profound and uplifting experience.
By diffusing personalized blends, or adding them to your bath, you can create a serene and harmonious environment that nurtures your senses and promotes relaxation.
Skin and Hair Care:
Many essential oils possess properties that can help nourish and rejuvenate the skin, promote a clear complexion, and address specific skin concerns.
For example, tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties and can be used to treat acne-prone skin, while lavender oil is often used to soothe and calm irritated skin. Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and cedarwood are commonly used in hair care products to promote healthy hair growth and improve scalp conditions.
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
Essential oils are not only beneficial for personal care but also for household cleaning purposes. Their antimicrobial and disinfecting properties make them excellent natural alternatives to conventional cleaning products.
Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus possess powerful cleansing properties and can be used to create DIY cleaning solutions that are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
Emotional and Mental Well-being:
Essential oils have a profound impact on emotional and mental well-being. They can help uplift the mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote relaxation.
Incorporating essential oils into your self-care routine or daily rituals can help create a positive and nurturing environment for your mental and emotional health.
Choosing a Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are used to create an infused oil and to dilute the concentration of essential oils. Choosing the right carrier oil can play a critical role in the effectiveness of the application.
Jojoba Oil
This is one of my favorite carrier oils. Contrary to its name, jojoba oil is not a true oil, but rather a wax. It is a popular choice because of its low odor, long shelf life, non-greasy texture, and skin-nourishing properties.
Jojoba is the only oil that closely resembles the natural oil of our skin. Which makes it great for all skin types.
This oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids that help to moisturize and repair the skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is another popular carrier oil due to its mild aroma, light texture, and high nutrient content. This oil is also rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and proteins that promote healthy skin and improve skin tone and texture. Sweet almond oil is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a light and non-greasy carrier oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. The oil is rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps to balance sebum production and prevent acne breakouts. Grapeseed oil is also high in antioxidants that help to protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a rich and nourishing carrier oil that is particularly beneficial for dry and mature skin. The oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, and antioxidants that help to moisturize, soothe, and repair the skin.
Avocado oil is a heavier oil. It is best to use a small amount or blended with lighter carrier oils.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a versatile oil that is well known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties. It is rich in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that helps to soothe and heal the skin. This oil offers a diverse range of options for skincare. The one people are most familiar with and readily available everywhere is solid coconut oil, often referred to as virgin coconut oil. This type of coconut oil typically becomes liquid at a temperature of around 76F / 24C. Conversely, when the liquid coconut oil is exposed to cooler temperatures, it solidifies and returns to its solid state.
Liquid coconut oil, also known as fractionated coconut oil, derived from refined coconut oil, is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it suitable for massage and as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Another kind of oil that is gaining popularity and can be confused with coconut oil is MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. MCT oil is not coconut oil, rather it is a concentration of MCT (a type of fat that is found in coconut and other oils such as palm oil).
When choosing a carrier oil, consider the desired outcome and select an oil that is best suited for that purpose. Experiment with different carrier oils to find the perfect match for you.
How to Infuse Oils from Dried Herbs and Plant Material
Making an oil infusion is a simple and cost-effective way to customize your own oils. The infusion can be heated in one of two ways: sun or stove. The sun method is less hands-on but more time-consuming, as it can take up to 6 weeks for your infusion to be completed. Personally, I like the stove method. It is quick and easy and it gives me an oil I can use almost immediately.
Here’s how to do it:
Materials Needed:
- Dried herbs or plant material. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of dried herb for every 2 cups of carrier oil.
- Your choice of carrier oil. My favorite is jojoba oil.
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting plastic or cork lid (to prevent rust)
- A straining device such as a cheesecloth or coffee filter
Steps for the sun method:
- Measure out your dried herbs. Gently crush or chop the plant/herb to release the aromatic compounds.
- Place the herbs into a glass container.
- Pour the carrier oil over the dried herbs making sure it completely covers the material.
- Seal the jar tightly and allow it to sit in a cool, dark place. Over the course of several weeks, the magic unfolds. The length of time will depend on the material used, but most herb-infused oils will be ready in 2-6 weeks.
Shake the jar every few days to help distribute the material within the oil.
- When the allotted time has passed, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean and sterilized glass container.
Steps for stove method:
Measure out your dried herbs/plant.
Place the herbs into a saucepan.
Pour the carrier oil over the dried herbs making sure it is fully submerged.
Gently heat the oil on low for 30-60 minutes. You do not want it to boil. The longer it simmers, the stronger the material infused into the oil will be.
When the oil is warm enough to handle, strain it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a sterilized glass jar.
Now you can take pride in having a product suitable for daily topical use in various skincare formulas, massage oils, and other applications. Remember to label the jar with the name of the plant and the date of production.
Place it in a cool and dark place in the kitchen, and for extended shelf life, store it in the refrigerator. This way, it will serve as a reminder to incorporate it into your next culinary adventures.
Understanding Constituents and Benefits
When it comes to skincare, infused and essential oils can provide a range of benefits. Here are some key constituents and benefits to consider:
Plant Materials
- Calendula: Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and is a great moisturizer. Calendula can help with skin issues such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, diaper rashes, acne, insect bites, and bruises.
- Lavender: Known for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to skin issues.
- Chamomile: With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, chamomile can help to calm and soothe irritated skin.
- Aloe Vera: Thanks to its rich content of amino acids, vitamins (E, B1, B2, B6, A), antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties, aloe vera addresses concerns like stretch marks, wrinkles, dry scalp, dandruff and promotes skin rejuvenation.
- Lime: Lime is rich in vitamin C. It is a great immune booster and can be used on frizzy, dull, or even oily hair
You should consider the type of oil, the individual constituents, and their benefits, as well as any potential sensitivities or allergies you have. Always perform a patch test before using a new oil, and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
FAQs
Can essential oils be used directly on the skin?
Short answer? Yes. While I have personally used some undiluted essential oils on my skin, it is important to consider personal sensitivities, dilute them properly, be cautious of sun exposure (when using most citrus oils), and most importantly, use high-quality essential oils. Not all oils are created equal.
Hot oils, such as cinnamon or wintergreen should always be diluted in a carrier oil. Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when used undiluted.
Can I use fresh herbs to infuse an oil?
Although you can use fresh or dried herbs to make an herbal oil, I prefer to use dried herbs. This avoids bacterial growth and spoilage in the infusion. Fresh herbs contain moisture that can cause the oil to spoil.
How long do infused oils and essential oils last?
The shelf life of infused oils depends on your choice of carrier oil and the storage conditions. Properly stored, infused oils can last for several months to a year. Essential oils, on the other hand, vary. Citrus oils tend to go bad within 12 months, whereas base and resin oils, like frankincense or sandalwood, can last several years.
Are infused oils and essential oils safe for children and pets?
Yes, although extra caution should be exercised when using oils on children and around pets. Some oils can be toxic to animals or harmful to children, so consider using a milder option. If in doubt, seek guidance from a healthcare provider or veterinarian before use.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between essential oils and infused oils can help you choose the right one for your needs. Both are excellent additions to skincare formulations, and their different constituents can provide a range of beneficial properties. You need to choose the right carrier oil and plant material for infusion to achieve the desired outcome, and using caution with the amount of plant material will ensure the best results.
Both infused oils and essential oils have distinct differences and uses. Infused oils are made through a gentle infusion process, resulting in a milder scent and subtle therapeutic benefits. On the other hand, essential oils are highly concentrated and capture the pure essence of plants.
Infused oils are ideal for skin care and culinary applications, while essential oils are valuable in aromatherapy and personal care.
Infused oils nourish and moisturize the skin, soothe irritations, and offer customization options. Essential oils promote well-being, improve skin and hair health, and can be used for natural cleaning. Remember to dilute essential oils properly and be cautious of sensitivities.
When stored correctly, infused oils can last for months, whereas essential oils have varying shelf lives. If you’re unsure, always seek the advice of a qualified professional before using essential oils, especially around children and pets.
