essential oil

This term refers to a highly concentrated plant extract. Despite the word "essential," it does not mean the oil is indispensable for survival, but rather that it captures the "essence" or the characteristic aroma of the plant from which it is derived.

In a commercial and wellness context, it is often distinguished from "carrier oils" (like coconut or almond oil), which are fatty oils used to dilute essential oils to prevent skin irritation. Because of their potency, essential oils are typically measured in drops rather than milliliters when used in aromatherapy.