If you have been a part of my herbalism journey, you know I love to formulate plant-infused oils and they are not only a part of my home apothecary but also in the products I formulate for Casa + Jardin. Essential oils on the other hand were new territory for me (except for use in diffusers) and I wondered - what exactly are essential oils and how are they different from plant-infused oils?
How Plant-Infused Oils Are Different from Essential Oils
Plant-infused oils are created by steeping herbs, flowers, roots or other plant materials in a carrier oil allowing the oil to extract the plant’s beneficial fat-soluble constituents.
Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile aromatic compounds naturally produced by plants. In nature, these compounds help plants attract pollinators, communicate with their environment and protect themselves from pests, fungi and other environmental stressors.
Difference in Their Formulation Process
1. Plant-Infused Oils
Cold Infusion: Plant matter is infused in a carrier oil for over 4+ weeks ideally in a glass jar and stored in a dark cool place. Once ready, it’s strained and ready to be used. I personally use the cold infusion process.
Warm/Hot Infusion: Plant matter and carrier oil are gently heated together in a double boiler or in an infusion machine like the Magic Butter Machine.
2. Essential Oils
Steam Distillation: Most common method is adding plant matter (herbs, roots, resins and bark) to a sealed stainless steel or copper container, adding water and heat until steam is produced. The volatile oil rises with the steam and goes through a condenser where it cools. During this process, the condensed liquid contains both essential oil and aromatic water (hydrosol). Because oil and water do not mix, they naturally separate, allowing the essential oil to be collected.
Cold Pressed/Expression: This method is used when the essential oils can be found on the outer rind of fruit where the rind can be pressed and the oil is collected. The peels ore ground or chopped and pressed to extract the oil. Essential oils from citrus fruit rinds are usually collected this way. Quick note – citrus essential oils that are cold-pressed vs steam distilled can cause photosensitivity to the skin.
Absolutes: Absolutes are when a solvent extraction is used as the heat from steam distillation is damaging to delicate flowers. Examples of plants that use this method include Jasmine and Rose.
CO₂ Extracts: A method that uses gas rather than heat. CO₂ extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide that reaches a supercritical state, where it behaves like both a gas and a liquid. In this state, it acts as a solvent to extract aromatic compounds from plant material. Many practitioners believe CO₂ extracts more closely resemble the plant's natural aroma.
3. Uses and Benefits
Both infused oils and essential oils have traditionally been used across:
- Skincare/Bodycare: soap bases, facial oils, salves, body butters, creams and lotions
- Haircare: shampoos, conditioners, oils and serums for scalp and hair health
- Therapeutic uses: aromatherapy, chest rub salves/balms and massage oils
Both have some amazing benefits. Plant-infused oils are great for providing skin barrier nourishment, can be used for localized massages for sore muscles, some plant-infused oils may provide antimicrobial support and can be used for nervous system calming support.
Some essential oils have antimicrobial and antifungal properties and when blended with a plant-infused oil, it can be a powerhouse. There are also essential oils that provide mood enhancement, such as lavender, sweet orange, lemon or frankincense, and be used as an aromatherapy tool.
Which One Is Better?
Neither plant-infused oils nor essential oils are inherently better—they simply serve different purposes. Plant-infused oils are often valued for their gentle, nourishing qualities and can frequently be applied directly to the skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and typically used in much smaller amounts, often diluted into carrier oils or infused oil blends. Together, they can create well-rounded botanical formulations that combine the benefits of both approaches.
Safety Note
Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil when being used directly on the skin. I would recommend checking out the referenced books I noted below to read about dilution percentages.
How We Use Both at Casa + Jardin
At Casa + Jardin, our formulations begin with small-batch botanical infused oils that we create ourselves. We carefully select herbs and botanicals for their traditional uses and infuse them into nourishing carrier oils. In select products, we complement those infused oils with thoughtfully chosen essential oils to enhance both aroma and botanical functionality. A few of our products where we blend our botanical infused oils and essential oils include:
I hope this blog post provides some foundational clarity around both plant-infused oils and essential oils. While they are created in very different ways, I feel both have a place in botanical wellness and can be thoughtfully incorporated into daily skincare, body care and self-care rituals.
Con Amor,
Christina
References:
- Essential Oils by Neal’s Yard Remedies
- The Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils by Christina Anthis
- Herbal Oils 101 Mini Course by Herbal Academy
- Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains an affiliate link to Herbal Academy which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.