06/02/2026
One of the questions we get asked often in the studio is…”What’s the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils. “
🌱 While both are used to create scent, they are actually very different.
Essential oils (my favourite) are naturally derived from plants, flowers, herbs, woods, roots, citrus peels, and resins.
They have been used for generations in aromatherapy, rituals, wellness practices, and natural perfumery.
Fragrance oils on the other hand…are synthetic, created more for scent performance.
They are commonly used in candle making because they provide stronger scent throw, stability in wax, and allow makers to create a much wider variety of scents.
One of the most therapeutic parts for me about essential oils is how closely scent is connected to emotion, memory, and mood through the olfactory system.
Certain plant aromas can feel calming, grounding, uplifting, comforting, or energizing depending on the oil and the experience tied to it.
Lavender for relaxation
peppermint for clarity
sweet orange for energy
eucalyptus for respiratory and of course that fresh spa-like feeling!
Scent really has the ability to shift the atmosphere of a space and how we feel within it.
Within Cup of Intention, we use fragrance oils in candles because they simply perform better under heat and in wax.
But we also only source “cleaner” fragrance options that are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, We also have a variety of essential oils for you to blend with your fragrances.
Personally though, I continue to feel most drawn to the more holistic side of scent and I use essential oils, aromatherapy, and therapeutic rituals daily to create calm, comfort, creativity, and connection in my everyday life.
Because we all need a bit more calm and comfort these days!
Want to learn more about aromatherapy and therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Come see us in the studio and explore yourself!