Essential oils for diffusers & aromatherapy blends

Choosing essential oils for diffuser use

Essential oils for diffuser use should be pure, clearly labelled and named by the plant they come from. Fragrance oils smell similar for less money, so the difference is that essential oils are extracted from plants rather than made in a lab. Bouclé makes most of the range here, with single oils such as may chang, white grapefruit, bergamot and lavender, and Sop makes organic lavender, frankincense and rosemary essential oils. Store bottles upright, out of sunlight and with the cap on tight, and most oils keep their scent for a year or two. Every bottle here met our standard on ingredients and transparency.

Essential oil blends for every room

Essential oil blends save you mixing your own and give a balanced scent straight from the bottle. Bouclé makes blends such as Sicilian citrus, lavender and rosemary, vetiver, grapefruit and bergamot, and patchouli, cardamom and mandarin, plus seasonal and winter blends. Bright citrus blends suit kitchens and desks, while woody and earthy blends suit evenings. Swap blends with the seasons to keep a room from smelling the same all year. A lighter blend of lavender and sweet orange suits bedrooms, while stem ginger and rosemary feel brighter for mornings.

Using diffuser oils safely

Diffuser oils are concentrated, so never swallow them or put them on skin without diluting them first. Keep bottles away from children, and ask your vet before diffusing around pets, as some oils are unsafe for cats and dogs. Air the room now and then, and take a break if a scent feels too strong. Bouclé also makes ceramic oil burners that come with an essential oil, for anyone without an electric diffuser. Never leave a burner or candle unattended, and clean an electric diffuser every week or two so old oil does not build up.

Gifts and scent for the rest of your home

An essential oil gift set or a burner with a blend makes an easy present. Aromatherapy has roll-ons and massage blends for the body, Vegan Essential Oils lists the vegan range, and Home Fragrance and Candles scent a room without a diffuser.