Essential oils are natural, aromatic compounds extracted from plants that are used for a variety of purposes, including aromatherapy, cosmetics, and personal care products. They can be used individually or in combination with other oils to create unique scents for different applications.
The proportion of essential oils used in a bath bomb recipe will affect the strength of the fragrance. If too little oil is added, the scent may be too subtle to notice. On the other hand, if too much oil is used, the scent may be overpowering and potentially irritating to the skin.
A general rule of thumb is to use about 1% to 3% essential oil in your bath bomb recipe. This means that for every 100 grams of bath bomb mixture, you should use 1 to 3 grams of essential oil. However, this can vary depending on the specific oils used and the desired fragrance strength.
Some essential oils are stronger than others, and a little goes a long way. For example, peppermint oil has a strong scent and should be used sparingly. In contrast, lavender oil has a milder fragrance and can be used in higher proportions without overpowering the scent.
Different fragrances of essential oils and their effects
The chart below depicts the most popular groupings of Essential Oils; however, keep in mind that many oils have more than one prevailing aroma and note.
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AROMA FAMILY
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ESSENTIAL OILS
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NOTE
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REPUTED BENEFITS
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CITRUS
These light oils often have fruity scents that are characteristic of the rinds from which they are extracted. They can be described as tangy or tart, fresh, clean, vibrant, invigorating, exciting, energizing, and uplifting.
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Lemon
Orange
Grapefruit Bergamot
Lime
Tangerine
Citronella
Lemongrass
Mandarin
Litsea Cubeba
Tagetes
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Most often top notes
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Energizing
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Uplifting
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Emotionally balancing to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
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Deodorizing
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Cleansing; popular addition to antibacterial oil blends
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Refreshing
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Stimulating for mental and spiritual vigor
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FLORAL
These scents are often reminiscent of the flowers from which they are extracted and can be described as being feminine, powdery, subtle, modest, romantic, and even poetic. They are often sweet-smelling and create a feeling of cheerfulness. Floral scents are considered to be classic and timeless.
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Chamomile
Geranium
Jasmine
Lavender
Neroli Oil
Rose
Rosewood
Ylang-Ylang
Petitgrain
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Most often middle notes
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Comforting
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Promotes rest
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Sometimes sleep-inducing
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Mood balancing
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HERBACEOUS
Essential Oils that have herbaceous scents can be further described as smelling green or grassy. These Essential Oils often have mild floral yet invigorating spring-like scents that are associated with lush, wet foliage. They are reminiscent of the aroma of fresh leaves, moss, mown grass, herbs, and trees.
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Chamomile
Angelica Root
Clary Sage
Eucalyptus Radiata
Fennel
Hyssop
Marjoram
Melissa
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Bay Laurel
Catnip
Sage Dalmatian
Parsley
Tea Tree
Yarrow
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Most often middle notes
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Calming
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Promotes positivity
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Encouraging
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Emotionally balancing
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Grounding
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CAMPHORACEOUS
These Essential Oils have strong scents and are known to be beneficial for clearing the respiratory system due to their clarifying, penetrating, energizing, purifying, and almost medicinal aromas.
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Camphor
Cajeput
Eucalyptus
Pennyroyal
Laurel Leaf
Lavandin
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Most often middle notes
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Stimulating
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Refreshing
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Focus-enhancing
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MINTY
Essential Oils with a minty scent are strong-scented and are distinctly known for their bracing, fresh fragrances. They are reputed to be clearing and cooling when used in aromatherapy and topical applications.
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Spearmint
Wintergreen
Peppermint
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Can be top, middle, or base Notes
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Motivating
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Cooling
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Invigorating
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Mentally clarifying
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SPICY
These Essential Oils have exotic, warm, intense aromas that are often reminiscent of baking and other warm memories. With strong scents, they are commonly used to stimulate energy and focus.
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Aniseed
Basil
Black Pepper
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Coriander
Cumin
Ginger
Nutmeg
Allspice
Cassia
Clove Bud
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Middle or base notes
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Bracing
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Rousing
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Crisp and penetrating
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Lively
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RESINOUS/MUSKY
These Essential Oils exude deep, rich scents that are smoky, woody, earthy, sweet, leather-like, and warm. Their mellow, alluring, and long-lasting fragrances lend a reassuring quality that makes them ideal for use in spiritual practices.
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Benzoin
Elemi
Frankincense
Myrrh
Peru Balsam
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Middle or base notes
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Grounding
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Promotes relaxation and sense of inner calm
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Emotionally balancing
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Uplifting
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Known to be commonly used for intimacy enhancement
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Tend to be associated with a casual feeling
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WOODY/EARTHY
These Essential Oils have deep, warm, lingering scents.
Often described as smelling “brown,” these oils are reminiscent of the scents of a forest floor or damp soil. Their fragrances are soft, masculine, musky, and sensual. Their alluring, seductive, and hypnotic qualities create an atmosphere of mystery.
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Cypress
Juniper Berry
Pine
Sandalwood
Fir
Cedarwood
(Atlas & Virginian)
Palo Santo
Rosewood
Patchouli
Vetiver
Valerian
Carrot Seed
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Most often middle or base notes
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Grounding
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Uplifting
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Emotionally balancing
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Promote feelings of comfort, security, and well-being
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Often considered to be aphrodisiacs
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If you want to wholesale essential oils for bath bombs, you can contact us.
