A synthetic essential oil is primarily made from petrochemicals and attempts to duplicate the smell of a specific plant.
Understanding Synthetic Oils
Based on the provided definition, synthetic oils differ significantly from their natural counterparts. Here's a breakdown of their key characteristics:
- Origin: Unlike natural essential oils derived directly from plants, synthetic oils are primarily created from petrochemicals. This means they are chemically manufactured, not extracted from botanical sources.
- Purpose: Their main goal is to duplicate the smell of a specific plant. Scientists analyze the chemical compounds that give a natural plant its aroma and then attempt to recreate these scents synthetically in a laboratory.
- Alternative Name: They are sometimes referred to as a "natural equivalent" because they mimic the scent of natural oils, though their chemical composition and origin are different.
Comparing Synthetic and Natural Essential Oils
It's helpful to see the distinction between synthetic and natural essential oils as outlined in the reference:
| Feature | Synthetic Oils | Natural Essential Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Source | Petrochemicals | Completely natural compounds from pure plant extracts |
| Production | Chemically made, attempting to duplicate plant smell | Obtained and distilled from plant material |
| Aim | Mimic the scent of a specific plant | Capture the natural aromatic essence of a plant |
While synthetic oils can replicate scents for perfumery and fragrance purposes, their chemical makeup and potential uses often differ from pure, natural essential oils.
