Over the last two years, mobile searches for essential oils have surged by a whopping 70%. So, if you’re curious about categories of essential oils, you’re truly not alone.
Are you on the hunt for an easy-to-use essential oil guide?
The world of essential oils is relatively small but vast to a layman. Let’s enlighten you. Here is a comprehensive guide to essential oil categories!
Understanding Aroma Notes in Essential Oils
When it comes to understanding aroma notes in essential oils, we are here to help you out. To get started, it’s important to distinguish aroma families by their so-called notes. This is the main characteristic that will let you know how long your scent is likely to last.
Some of the most common notes include:
- Top notes
- Middle notes
- Base notes
But here’s the tricky part – some essentials have several notes, which gives them a luxurious, full-bodied, and deep quality. On the flip side, other essential oils have one sole characteristic that dominates all others.
Certain essential blends change as time goes on. Their compositions can even change within one day. That’s because each essential oil has a special degree of volatility. This means that it evaporates at different rates, causing changes in its scent and strength.
Scientifically speaking, the smallest molecules in your oil blends are often the most volatile. Typically they will evaporate first. These are what’s known as “top notes.” This is most likely to be the first aroma that you detect during a scent test.
Secondly, essential oils with heavier and larger molecules are often the last to dissipate, leaving scents that last longer. This is called a “base note.”
Some essential oils choose to release their scents slowly, integrating top and base notes for an undeniable fragrance. This charming aroma is referred to as a “middle note.”
Essential Oil Notes and Characteristics
Now that we’ve introduced you to the world to top, middle, and base notes, it’s time to introduce a few examples.
Since top notes are responsible for giving essential oils their signature scents, they might seem a bit overpowering at first. Ironically, their aroma fades almost as quickly as it hits too. Described as bright, refreshing, and cheery, common examples of top notes include:
- Bay
- Cardamom
- Citrus oils
- Cypress
- Eucalyptus
When it comes to the bouquet of the bunch, it doesn’t get any better than essential oil middle notes. As soon as the top note fades away, the middle note can be distinguished immediately. Characterized as balancing, warming, and grounding, popular examples of middle notes include:
- Black pepper
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Cinnamon
- Clove bud
Finally, base oils are the longest-lasting scents in an essential oil blend. These provocative, strong aromas have earthy scents the linger for a long time. Distinguished by its calming, soothing, and relaxing characteristics, base notes include:
- Copaiba balsam
- Frankincense
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
- Spikenard
But what’s the real deal about aroma families?
All About Essential Oil Aroma Families
For the uninitiated, there are eight different aroma families that you should know about, which include the following:
- Citrus
- Floral
- Herbaceous
- Camphoraceous
Known to be energetic and uplifting, citrus oils are often emotionally balancing to reduce anxiety and stress. Lemon, orange, and grapefruit are excellent examples of citrus essential oils.
In addition to this, there are also floral scents. These mood-balancing and comforting aromas can even put you to sleep. The best examples of floral scents are chamomile, geranium, and jasmine.
Encouraging and calming, herbaceous essential oils promote positivity. Commonly called middle notes, herbaceous blends include chamomile, clary sage, and eucalyptus.
Refreshing and stimulating, camphoraceous essential oils are usually middle notes as well. They are also fantastic for clearing up any respiratory issues. Popular examples include camphor, cajeput, and pennyroyal.
And then, there are the final four aroma families, which include:
- Minty
- Spicy
- Musky
- Woody
Motivating and cooling, minty essential oils can contain base, middle, or top notes. Celebrated for its clarifying effects, spearmint, wintergreen, and peppermint are minty oils.
In terms of spicy essential oils, these can include everything from basil and black pepper to cardamom. These penetrating oils are perfect for stimulating focus and energy.
Promoting relaxation and inner calm, musky essential oils include benzoin, elemi, and frankincense. Pro tip – they can enhance spiritual practices too.
Besides this, there are woody essential oils, such as cypress, juniper berry, and pine aromas. Enhancing security and comfort, woody aroma families are very grounding and uplifting. Other examples include palo santo, rosewood, and patchouli.
Searching for a comprehensive guide on different essential oil types?
If yes, check out this in-depth essential oil reference guide!
Still Confused by Essential Oil Categories?
Are you still confused by essential oil categories?
For those of you who are nodding your heads yes, you’ve come to the perfect place. Not only do we break down common scents, but we also explore aroma families too.
Soon enough, you’ll be experimenting with top notes, middle notes, and base notes before you know it. Besides smelling wonderful, essential oils also have healing properties. From relieving stress to creating energy, there are almost too many benefits of essential oils to count.
Not the biggest expert in the essential oil category?
Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to succeed. All that it takes is a deep dive into the world of essential oils to learn.
If you are ready, take a look at more of our blog today!