Structure of Essential Oil

Essential oil is an concentrated extract of volatile aroma oil compound from plants. These oil based chemical compounds are hydrophobic which means it cannot mix with water. Hydrophobic liquids, such as oil will be separated from water if it were to be blended with water.

Since pure essential oils cannot be mixed with water, how is water-based essential oil created?

Possibility of Water Based Essential Oil

It is made possible by changing the chemical properties of essential oil using additives. Some use alcohol while others use synthesised emulsifiers to enhance the water solubility of the essential oils. These additives will reduce the thickness of the oil. Moreover, most of the content in these water-based essential oils is made up of water because essential oil in the content has a solubility limit.

Once there is adulteration to the structure of the essential oils, these water-based essential oils are no longer 100% pure and natural, these oils are synthetically formed.

Why are there such products found in market

Generally, these oils will offer a cheaper price alternative to their natural counterparts, the 100% pure and natural essential oil. These water-based oils are compatible with plastic-manufactured scenting machines which are incompatible with pure essential oils.

Conclusion

Pure essential oil cannot be dissolved in water hence chemical additives and treatments have to be done to create water-based essential oil. This will affect the quality and performance of water-based essential oil. It is also the reason why water-based essential oil is much cheaper and commonly sold in large bottles. It is important that you know how to differentiate pure and water-based essential oil.

Want to read more like this? Check out similar posts below:

10 FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ESSENTIAL OIL

ESSENTIAL OILS: WHERE ARE THEY FROM?

WHY ARE SOME ESSENTIAL OILS MORE EXPENSIVE?

HOW TO BUY ESSENTIAL OILS AND TELL IF IT'S PURE OR FAKE?