Essential Oils vs. Fragrance and Why It Matters for Your Skin

I still remember the first time I experienced essential oils, long before they became popular. A friend had invited me to learn more about them, and even though I was already passionate about herbs, this felt like opening a new door. Suddenly, I realized there was this other layer — a way to connect with the power of plants through their aromatic essence.

Fast forward to today, and essential oils are a core part of both my life and my Auminay Naturals product line. But not all “scented” things are created equal. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned — and one I love to share — is that there’s a big difference between essential oils vs. fragrances.

What “Fragrance” Really Means

When a label says “fragrance,” it might smell nice, but chances are, it’s a synthetic blend of lab-created chemicals — often made from petroleum by-products. These synthetic scents are made to mimic natural aromas, but they don’t come with the same rich plant compounds found in pure essential oils.

In some cases, synthetic fragrance ingredients may contribute to sensitivity or irritation, especially for those with reactive skin or scent sensitivities.

You’ll never find synthetic fragrance in Auminay products. It’s one of my non-negotiables.

Essential Oils from Real Plants with Real Purpose

Essential oils are different. They’re made by carefully extracting the aromatic compounds from plants — often from the flowers, leaves, bark, or fruit. It can take pounds of plant material to fill a single bottle, which is part of what makes them so precious.

But more importantly, essential oils aren’t just about smelling good. They offer unique properties that people have used for centuries to support well-being.*

• Lavender is often used to promote a sense of calm and comfort.

• Frankincense is valued in natural skincare for its rejuvenating qualities.

• Lemongrass is warming and energizing — a favorite in muscle rubs and balms.

When you breathe in a therapeutic blend, or apply a properly diluted oil to your skin, you're connecting with nature’s aromatics in a purposeful way.

Why I Don’t Love Most Bath Bombs

If you’ve ever bought a bath bomb that looked amazing but gave you a headache the second it hit the water — I get it.

The truth is, I’ve tried a lot of bath bombs, and most of them smell... fake. Overwhelming. Chemical. Not at all relaxing. And certainly not something I want soaking into my skin.

That’s exactly why I started making my own. A bath bomb made with essential oils, not synthetic fragrance, offers a completely different experience. When I soak in one of our therapeutic blends, it’s not just about scent — it’s a full-body experience that helps me unwind from the day and ease tension in both body and mind.*

The Story Behind Tension Tamer

I've made many Auminay products because it was a product I wanted for myself. Tension Tamer is one of those. I needed something to help me when I got stressed enough that my head would start pounding. To deal with that tension I created this favorite product in a roller bottle so I could keep it with me. It's a mix of lemongrass and peppermint with a touch of rosemary and clove. I love how this blend opens up my senses when I am stressed.

Because our customers loved it so much, I turned it into a shower steamer. When you use it in the shower, the steam helps release the essential oils, creating a mini aromatherapy session to help you reset and recharge.*

Therapy Through Intention

When I create products for Auminay, I don’t just add essential oils for scent. Every blend is intentional — carefully paired with infused herbs, nourishing oils, and the overall experience I want to offer.

Take our Nourish Lotion, for example. It starts with a base infused with oatstraw, calendula, nettle, and marshmallow — all herbs known for their traditional skin-soothing properties. To complement that, I added lavender for its gentle floral note, and brightened it up with a touch of citrus to uplift the spirit.

The result is a lotion that not only nourishes your skin but brings a moment of joy to your day.

Trust Your Nose — And Your Skin

Essential oils are a gift from nature, and when used with care and knowledge, they can be a beautiful part of your wellness journey. The key is making sure what you’re using is truly real.

So next time you pick up a product, ask yourself:

• Does this smell clean or chemical?

• Does it list real essential oils?

• How does my body respond to it?

Your nose knows — and so does your skin. Once you experience the difference between synthetic fragrance and plant-based therapy, you’ll never want to go back.