As scented candles, lotions, room sprays and perfumes line every shelf, shoppers can feel swamped by fragrance options. Deciding between fragrance oils and pure plant extracts often comes down to more than aroma preference. Variables such as chemical makeup, intended applications and safety concerns all come into play. Knowing the difference between a lab-formulated scent blend and a plant-derived extract helps consumers match their fragrance choice to personal health goals and environmental values.

Edens Garden has focused on offering 100% pure plant extracts, known in aromatherapy circles as essential oils, that deliver pleasing aromas and support overall wellness. This spring, the brand introduced its In Bloom collection—a series of floral-themed blends that mimic popular synthetic fragrances using only botanical ingredients. By stepping away from petrochemical formulas, the new lineup provides an all-natural option for anyone who wants fragrance without compromising ingredient transparency.

Fragrance oils refer to synthetic aroma compounds created in chemical laboratories. These blends appear in many perfumes, scented candles, body washes, household air fresheners and personal care products. Though some formulas include minor amounts of naturally derived compounds or even trace levels of plant extracts, most rely heavily on artificial chemicals mixed with carriers and solvents to achieve long-lasting, intense scents that far exceed the subtlety of botanically sourced extracts.

In the United States, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act lets companies list “fragrance” on packaging without revealing specific ingredients. That blanket label may conceal dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including substances linked to allergic reactions, hormone interference and cancer risk. Without a full ingredient list, users have limited information about what they inhale or apply to skin, making it difficult to assess potential health hazards before opening the bottle.

A report from the Environmental Working Group examined 17 leading perfume brands and detected an average of 14 undisclosed chemical ingredients in each product. Investigators noted the presence of diethyl phthalate, tonalide and galaxolide—compounds linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity in animal studies. Since fragrance blends are considered proprietary, consumers remain largely unaware of these potentially harmful additives lurking in their favorite scents.

Pure plant extracts—often called essential oils—are concentrated distillates or cold-pressed liquids that capture the volatile compounds responsible for a plant’s aroma. Extraction methods include steam distillation, hydro-distillation and mechanical pressing for citrus peels. The end products retain many of the phytochemicals and other aromatic molecules found in herbs, flowers and spices, giving each extract a distinct scent profile and set of potential benefits.

Historically, plant extracts have played a central role in holistic health practices and aromatherapy. Early records from ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian traditions describe the use of these extracts to support relaxation, ease respiratory discomfort, promote restful sleep and reduce muscle aches. In recent decades, scientific studies have explored how specific constituents, like linalool from lavender and 1,8-cineole from eucalyptus, interact with the body to influence mood and physiological responses.

Edens Garden subjects every batch of plant extracts to rigorous quality controls. The company performs gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) tests to identify each chemical component by weight and volume. In addition, analysts conduct organoleptic evaluations—smelling and examining color—to detect any off-notes or irregularities. Additional measurements of refractive index and specific gravity confirm that each sample matches expected standards, backed up by third-party audits. These steps work together to verify both purity and authenticity.

Composition
Pure plant extracts contain no synthetic compounds, pesticides, carrier oils or additives. Instead, they consist entirely of volatile oils and other phytochemicals sourced directly from the plant material. By comparison, fragrance oils often blend lab-derived aroma chemicals with solvents, stabilizers and chemical carriers. Even when a label hints at a “natural” component, the base formula may rely heavily on artificial substances that mask any beneficial properties from real plant matter.

Active Compounds
Plant extracts deliver bioactive constituents that can engage the body’s sensory system. Lavender extract contains linalool and linalyl acetate, associated with calming effects; peppermint extract offers menthol, known for stimulating alertness and soothing tension. Fragrance oils are engineered for olfactory impact alone. Trace percentages of actual plant extract cannot offset the overwhelming presence of synthetic molecules designed purely for their smell, with no therapeutic value.

Safety Profile
Properly diluted plant extracts are generally non-toxic and biodegradable, posing minimal risk to skin and air quality when used according to guidelines. Fragrance oil formulas may include phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents and other chemicals linked to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions and hormone disruption. Widespread lack of labeling transparency means users cannot easily avoid suspect ingredients, especially when shopping for baby products, skincare lines or sensitive formulations.

Source Transparency
Reputable plant extract suppliers clearly state the botanical name, country of origin and harvest or distillation date. They provide a recommended shelf life, recognizing that these oils degrade over time. By comparison, fragrance oil makers may omit origin details and rely on ambiguous claims like “natural” or “with plant extracts.” Those marketing terms often mask a formula made mostly from synthetic isolates or petroleum-based ingredients.

Consumers have grown wary of greenwashing in the fragrance industry. Many labels proclaim “plant derived” or “contains essential oils,” yet the actual concentration of botanical extract may be minimal. Some products even feature a few drops of real oil blended into an otherwise fully synthetic mix. Without post-market testing or transparent production details, shoppers face difficulty confirming the authenticity of a scented item they plan to inhale or apply.

To confirm plant extract authenticity, look for publicly available GC/MS test reports detailing each constituent’s percentage; check that the label includes the botanical species and sourcing country; and note an expiration or best-by date that reflects natural decay. Samples that trigger changes in aroma or color over time indicate the absence of stabilizers but also highlight the need for controlled storage and clear guidance on usable lifespan.

Edens Garden further commits to vegan and cruelty-free practices, avoiding animal testing and using plant-based carriers whenever possible. The company’s policies cover every stage—from seed selection and farming methods to distillation and final bottling—to uphold ethical sourcing and ingredient integrity.

The In Bloom collection offers three new botanical blends inspired by floral perfumes, using nothing but plant extract ingredients. These modern formulations channel beloved scent notes without synthetic fragrances.

Sweet Pea: A gentle, rosy combination that captures spring gardens and soft self-care moments.
Cherry Blossom: A bright floral accord balanced by subtle almond notes, evoking paths lined with pink petals.
Lotus: A serene union of water lily nuance and delicate floral highlights for a soothing atmosphere.
Each blend matches familiar perfume profiles without any artificial isolates or added synthetics, allowing users to enjoy complex fragrance layers alongside potential aromatic benefits.

With clearer insight into product contents, shoppers can weigh scent strength against ingredient purity. Fragrance oils may deliver powerful, long-lasting aroma at the expense of hidden chemicals. Pure plant extracts offer a more transparent route to aroma enjoyment, complete with possible therapeutic effects. The new In Bloom range provides a floral perfume alternative built on botanical extracts, letting users select fragrances they can trust inside and out.