Fragrance oils, also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils, and flavor oils, are blended synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils that are diluted with a carrier like propylene glycol, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. Aromatic oils are used in perfumery, cosmetics, flavoring of food, and in aromatherapy. In chemistry, the phrase chemical synthesis appears to have one of two meanings. ... An aroma compound, also known as odorant, aroma, fragrance, flavor, is a chemical compound that has a smell or odor. ... An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds extracted from plants. ... Propylene glycol, also known as 1,2-propanediol, is an organic compound (a diol alcohol), usually a tasteless, odorless, and colorless clear oily liquid that is hygroscopic and miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with cooking oil. ... Mineral oil or liquid petrolatum is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. ... Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, objects, and living spaces a pleasant smell. ... Cosmetic refers to beauty or appearance, especially concerning the human body. ... Flavouring (CwE) or flavoring (AmE) is a product which is added to food in order to change or augment its taste. ... Aromatherapy, commonly associated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is the use of volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants to affect someones mood or health. ...

Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils generally do not blend with body chemistry and are less likely to produce a scent that is unique to an individual.

See also

• Perfume
• Essential oil
• Aroma compound