Last week, we explored fragrance in soap and cosmetics, particularly the impact of synthetic chemicals that may disrupt the endocrine system. A common belief is that essential oils are the safest, most natural alternative. With so much information online, I wanted to take a closer look at how essential oils are made and the sustainability concerns surrounding them.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained by steam distillation or cold pressing aromatic parts of plants such as flowers, leaves, and peels. They’re widely used in soap making, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and even household cleaning.
Although essential oils are plant-based, they are highly potent and must be handled with care. Proper safety gear, storage, and ventilation are important, especially for people working with them in large quantities. Many essential oils are sensitive to light and heat, and they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect air quality in poorly ventilated spaces.
The Hidden Cost of Essential Oils
What many don’t see is the environmental toll of essential oil production. Growing these plants requires land, water, and agricultural care. The harvesting and processing stages are labor-intensive, and the current high demand for essential oils has led to large-scale farming operations with serious sustainability concerns.
Like any form of agriculture, essential oil production can contribute to:
- Water depletion and pollution
- Soil degradation
- Deforestation and habitat loss
To illustrate the scale of production: it takes about 60,000 roses (or more than two million petals) to produce just one ounce of rose essential oil. That’s not only an expensive product but also a significant environmental cost for a relatively small yield.
While some essential oils require fewer plant materials, their collective impact adds up as demand rises. That’s where science and sustainability come together.
Alternatives to Essential Oils
Thanks to advances in botanical research we now know which natural compounds create familiar scents. For example:
- Geraniol contributes to the scent of roses
- Camphor and eugenol give basil its distinctive aroma
When these compounds are responsibly isolated from more sustainable sources, they can be used to create nature-identical fragrances that offer a lighter environmental footprint.
Other alternatives include:
- Hydrosols: The aromatic water left over from steam distillation; gentler and more sustainable
- Infusions: Whole plant material steeped in oil, offering subtle scent and skin benefits
- Extracts: Concentrated plant components, often derived with eco-friendly solvents
So, Are Essential Oils Still Worth Using?
Yes! When they’re sustainably and ethically sourced, essential oils can be a powerful tool in a soap maker’s toolkit or for mindful home use. The key is moderation and intentional consumption. Use only what you need, value every drop, and explore gentler alternatives when possible.
I’ll be going over the benefits of hydrosols, infusions, and extracts in an upcoming post, so stay tuned if you want to expand your knowledge and options.
Interested in learning more or have questions about ingredients? Leave a comment below or send me a message. I'm always happy to share more about how and why I do what I do.