Knowledge Hub
Let’s Get Started: How to Use Your New Oil or Base
Whether you're crafting a candle, blending skincare, or adding aroma to your home, here's how to safely and effectively use your oil or base.
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How to Use Crystal OPC Foaming Bath Butter: A Simple Guide to Whipped Scrubs, Cleansers & Custom Body Care
Learn how to use Crystal OPC Foaming Bath Butter to make whipped scrubs, cleansers, bath butter, and body care. Verified steps, additive limits, and tips from The Essential Oil Company.
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How to Use Melt & Pour Soap Bases: A Simple Guide to Handmade Soap at Home
Learn how to use melt & pour soap bases with step-by-step guidance, temperatures, fragrance tips, yields, and beginner soap making ideas from The Essential Oil Company.
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From Living Forests to Finished Oil: Our Douglas-fir Sourcing Story
Explore our Douglas-fir sourcing story and see how Port Blakely’s living-tree harvest model, onsite distillation, and careful process create a uniquely fresh essential oil.
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Why We Source Our Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil from Enio Bonchev
Explore the heritage, sustainability, and ethical sourcing behind our Bulgarian Rose essential oil, produced by Enio Bonchev in Bulgaria’s historic Rose Valley.
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How to Follow the “Memory Study” Scent Routine at Home
A step-by-step guide using our Memory Essential Oil Sets & Aroma Infinity Diffuser
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IFRA for Beginners: How We Keep Your Favorite Scents Safe to Use
New to IFRA? This simple guide explains basic fragrance safety, usage limits, and how to choose oils for candles, soap, body care, perfumes, and home fragrance.
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What Counts as a “Natural” Fragrance? A Closer Look
At The Essential Oil Company, we’ve always celebrated the art and science of scent. For decades, we’ve sourced pure essential oils from trusted farms around the world—and now, we bring that same integrity to every fragrance we craft. A question we often hear is: “Is your fragrance 100% natural?” Yes, but often the answer depends on how you define natural. And that’s exactly where the conversation gets interesting. 1. Fragrance Is a Formula, Not a Single Ingredient A fragrance isn’t a single oil or extract. It’s a carefully balanced blend of multiple components: aroma materials (natural or lab-crafted), solvents, stabilizers, and fixatives. Even essential oils need to be diluted or stabilized before they can be used in perfumes, soaps, or candles. Once that happens, it’s technically no longer “100% natural” because it becomes a formula. In short: fragrance is always a blend, not just one extract. 2. Defining “Natural”: ISO Standards and Global Perspectives Here’s where the confusion often begins. While the U.S. doesn’t have a legal definition for “natural fragrance,” the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides globally recognized criteria for what qualifies as natural or naturally derived. According to ISO standards, a fragrance can be considered 100% natural if all its ingredients come directly from plant, animal, or microbial sources through physical, enzymatic, or microbiological processes without intentional chemical alteration. At The Essential Oil Company, our Natural Fragrance Line meets those standards. Every material used is of natural origin, and every formula is certified accordingly. However, not all brands follow ISO definitions. Many develop their own internal criteria for “natural,” which is why consumers often see inconsistent or misleading labels. This is also where greenwashing comes in—when a brand markets a product as “natural” even if it contains mostly synthetic ingredients. The lack of a universal legal definition makes it easy for this confusion to spread. 3. Why Not All Fragrances Are Natural (And That’s Okay) Some fragrances (especially those inspired by flowers like lilac, peony, or violet) can’t be extracted directly from the plant. Their aromatic compounds are too delicate or unstable to capture naturally. To recreate these scents, perfumers use nature-identical molecules: lab-crafted versions that replicate what exists in nature without being derived from it. These ingredients allow us to enjoy the full range of olfactory experiences while protecting the planet and ensuring consistency. Other materials, such as musk or ambergris, are no longer sourced naturally due to ethical or environmental concerns. Science helps fill those gaps responsibly. 4. Safety First: IFRA and FDA Standards Both natural and non-natural fragrance ingredients are subject to safety standards set by organizations like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and monitored by the FDA. Some natural oils (especially citrus and spice) can be irritating or phototoxic at higher concentrations. Likewise, many synthetic materials are also regulated for safe use.That’s why our fragrances are formulated by expert labs that follow strict IFRA and ISO compliance to ensure balance, performance, and responsible use of all ingredients. 5. Understanding the Spectrum: Natural, Naturally Derived, and Synthetic Fragrance exists on a spectrum: Natural: All ingredients come directly from nature (as defined by ISO standards). Naturally Derived: Ingredients begin in nature but are modified for performance or safety. Safe-Synthetic: Ingredients are fully lab-created, often used to replicate scents that can’t be extracted naturally. Each type offers unique benefits, and none is inherently “better.” The goal is understanding what you’re buying—and choosing what aligns with your values and needs. The Safe Science Advantage When you choose a fragrance from The Essential Oil Company, you’re choosing formulas crafted with the same care we bring to our essential oils, with a little help from modern science. Our fragrances are: Consistent: stable and long-lasting, batch after batch Ethical: free from animal-derived and wasteful materials Beautiful: crafted to perform in soaps, candles, diffusers, and beyond We call it “Nature, Perfected.” It’s how we honor the essence of the earth while creating fragrances built to last in the modern world. Rooted in Nature, Elevated by Innovation The Essential Oil Company began with farms and fields. Today, our story continues with science, applied responsibly and transparently, and always in service of the same mission: To connect people to scent in its purest, safest, and most beautiful form. Because true sustainability isn’t about being “all natural.” It’s about being all thoughtful.
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Oregano: Product Highlight
Plant Details Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a species of perennial flowering herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to areas in Europe, the Mediterranean, and central Asia and has become naturalized in other temperate environments in the Northern Hemisphere. Oregano plants can grow between eight and thirty inches tall and spread around two feet wide with a dense, bushy appearance. The leaves of the plant are olive green in color and spade-shaped, growing from a half inch to an inch and a half long. Oregano leaves are highly aromatic and grow opposite along the square woody stems of the plant. Tiny flowers bloom in spike clusters during summer, rising above the foliage on long stems. The flowers of the Oregano plants are only three to four millimeters and have delicate petals, ranging from white to pink to purple in color. History The name Oregano developed from the Ancient Greek terms “oros” which means “mountain” and “ganos” meaning “joy” and together they mean “joy of the mountains.” Both the freshly picked leaves and essential oil of Oregano have been utilized by Ancient Greek physicians for medicinal purposes ranging from the treatment of wounds to the relief of common colds. Notable physicians Hippocrates and Maimonides were said to have prescribed it for its antiseptic and immune-boosting properties. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite created Oregano to be a symbol of happiness and it was meant to make life happier for mankind. Influenced by this myth, Greek couples would place on Oregano on their heads during the wedding to deter evil spirits. The herb was also placed on the tombs of departed family members as it was believed that it brought them peace in the afterlife. Greece was later conquered by the Romans who began spreading Oregano throughout Europe and northern Africa. In these regions, the herb was used for flavoring fish, meat, and wine. During the Middle Ages, Oregano Essential Oil was used to help relieve toothaches, indigestion, and coughs. Oregano was traded along the Spice Route from the Middle East to China where doctors began prescribing the herb and essential oil for skin irritation, fever, and vomiting. Extraction Oregano that is cultivated for essential oil production is harvested from May to August when the oil concentration in the leaves is highest. After the plant material is harvested, it is dried by warm air convection before being transported for extraction. Oregano Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant through steam distillation. The resulting essential oil is thin and yellow in color, with a sweet, spicy, and herbaceous aroma. Approximately two hundred pounds of dry plant matter is required to produce thirty-two ounces of Oregano Essential Oil. Benefits & Uses Used in aromatherapy, Oregano Essential Oil is believed to support health and wellness by boosting the immune system and working to combat symptoms of illness. It has been found to break up phlegm to eliminate build-up in the lungs and alleviate congestion and sneezing. Oregano Essential Oil may help ease respiratory inflammation, working to soothe throat irritation and painful coughs. It is known to stimulate healthy immune function to help the body avoid becoming sick as often and to recover more quickly from illness when it happens. Oregano Essential Oil is thought to help regulate hormone levels which may work to balance the mood and support regular menstruation. It has been found to be calming to the body and mind, helping to encourage feelings of relaxation and promote faster sleep onset. When properly diluted and used topically, Oregano Essential Oil is known to reduce inflammation which can help to ease pain and support skin health. It has been found to neutralize itchiness and diminish redness from insect stings, rashes, and other skin irritations. Oregano Essential Oil may help to soothe aches and pains in muscles and joints while working to alleviate swelling caused by arthritis or injury. It is believed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi to help combat infection and illness. Oregano Essential Oil is thought to possess antioxidant properties that help combat signs of aging for a smooth and youthful complexion. It has been found to diminish acne and blemishes while working to brighten and tighten the skin. Oregano is known to soothe dry scalp and alleviate dandruff by moisturizing and conditioning the hair. Oregano Essential Oil is believed to cleanse the air and surfaces by eliminating bacteria and supporting immune health. It may help to repel insects such as ants and roaches while working to combat the growth of mold and fungus around the home. Here are some recipes using Oregano Essential Oil that we love... Wellness Boost Diffuser Blend Ingredients 3 drops of Oregano Essential Oil 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 2 drops of Lemon Essential Oil Instructions Add water to the diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Peace of Mind Balancing Room Spray Ingredients 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol 2 oz of Distilled Water 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil 5 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Instructions Add 2 ounces of high-percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray around the room in the morning. Soothe & Protect Healing Lotion Bar Ingredients Heat Safe Bar Molds 4 oz of Sweet Almond Oil 4 oz of Cocoa Butter Wafers 4 oz of Beeswax Pearls 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil 10 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil 10 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil Instructions Combine Sweet Almond Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Beeswax in a heat-safe bowl and melt over a double boiler. Stir the ingredients continuously until they are fully melted and combined. Remove the mixture from the heat, and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the essential oils and then gently stir until they are completely integrated. Carefully pour the mixture into the molds and gently tap the molds on the work surface to release any air bubbles. Allow the lotion bars to cool and harden for several hours before removing them from the molds. Nourishing Hydration Moisturizing Oil Ingredients 2 oz Amber Bottle with Dropper 1 oz of Sweet Almond Oil 1 oz of Jojoba Oil 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 8 drops of Geranium Essential Oil Instructions Add all ingredients to the bottle and give it a good shake to combine. Add a few drops to the hands and massage into the face, scalp, or body to soothe and hydrate skin. Plant Power Surface Cleansing Spray Ingredients 16oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 8 oz of White Vinegar 4 oz of Witch Hazel Extract 4 oz of Distilled Water 15 drops of Oregano Essential Oil 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake until thoroughly combined. Shake well before each use. Spray on surfaces around the home and wipe with a clean cloth. You may also enjoy... 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