Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are not the same as perfume oils or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume and fragrance oils are artificially created fragrances, contain artificial substances or are diluted with carrier oils and do not offer the caliber of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

I've visited many stores (including health food stores) and the sites of many aromatherapy vendors. It's unfortunate, but some companies are selling fragrance oil and perfume oils with the word aromatherapy on the label or promoting these oils as being used in aromatherapy. Since the use of the word aromatherapy isn't regulated by the U.S. Government, companies can and do get away with this.

Unfortunately, a lot of beauty products, skin-care products, candles, and other products are improperly labeled with the term aromatherapy. This is especially common in products not purchased from a knowledgeable and reputable aromatherapy vendor. Some products labeled with the word aromatherapy contain fragrance or perfume oils or other synthetic ingredients. Always check the ingredients listed on the item you wish to buy. If the ingredients aren't listed or if it contains synthetics or perfume oils and you want a true aromatherapy product, don't buy it.