Floral Essential Oils

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Floral essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic oils extracted from the petals, blossoms or flowering parts of plants. Each oil carries the distinctive fragrance profile of its source flower and is widely used in perfumery, skincare, bath products, candles and other fragrance applications.

Flower essential oils are typically produced through methods such as steam distillation, solvent extraction or enfleurage. Steam distillation uses heat and water vapour to release the aromatic compounds, while solvent extraction and enfleurage are used for delicate flowers that don’t tolerate high temperatures, which help preserve their sophisticated fragrance.

Strength can vary by concentration and how an oil is used, but some of the most powerfully fragrant floral oils include Ylang Ylang, Neroli and Rose. These oils have rich, full-bodied aromas that can dominate a blend even in small amounts.

For home fragrance, popular floral oils include Lavender, Geranium, Jasmin, Ylang Ylang and Roman Chamomile. These oils can be diffused alone or combined with citrus or woody notes to create a grounded, pleasant atmosphere.

When using essential oils in a diffuser, it’s best to start small, generally 3 to 5 drops of the oil in a 100 ml water-based diffuser. You can adjust depending on the size of your room, the diffuser capacity and your personal preference. Avoid using thick or heavy oils on their own, as they may not diffuse properly in some models. To help them disperse evenly, mix them with lighter oils, such as citrus or herbal varieties. Always follow the instructions for your specific diffuser.

When crafting natural perfumes, a common guideline is to blend 20% to 30% floral essential oils with 70% to 80% carrier oil or alcohol for an eau de parfum strength. Lighter body mists may use around 5% to 15% essential oils. Ratios can be adjusted depending on desired intensity, but it’s important to perform a patch test first for skin compatibility.

The best scent combination depends on the intended use and personal preference. Introduce lighter top notes (such as citrus) or deeper base notes (like woods or resins) to harmonise the fragrance. Alter ratios gradually until the aroma suits your project, whether it’s a perfume or body care product.

• Floral + Citrus — Try Lavender with Bergamot or Neroli with Sweet Orange or Lemon Balm (Melissa) for a fresh profile.
• Floral + Woody — Blend Ylang Ylang with Sandalwood or Rose Geranium with Cedarwood for a warm, cosy scent.
• Floral + Herbal — Combine Geranium with Clary Sage or Lavender with Rosemary for a more intricate, botanical character.