The natural, organic or synthetic essential oils help to add aroma to the perfumes in the market. Naturally sourced oils come from spices, herbs, woods and plants. The actual oil used in a perfume is rarely listed on the bottle label. In most cases, the oils are given a generic name to avoid having to list the full ingredients on the packaging.

Here are several of the common essential oils used in perfume:

Lavender

Lavender is appreciated for its ability to offer a calming and restful chemical. Any fragrance product that claims to promote relaxation is certain to include the lavender ingredient.

Jasmine

This rich essential oil is a common ingredient in the fragrances labeled feminine or romantic. Jasmine has a very distinct and heavy smell and should be used in moderation to avoid being overpowering. Light and fresh perfumes for the spring and summer often include this essential oil.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is sourced from trees primarily in India. It is over harvested which makes it one of the more expensive oils and likely to feature in the high-end or designer fragrances. Sandalwood oil is warm and woody and common in fragrances intended for men and women.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is quite similar to bergamot oil. They are both intended for perfumes labeled invigorating or energizing. This essential oil is common in the Middle Eastern and Asian fragrances.

Rose

Rose oil is a key element in fragrance products that aim to promote balance and relaxation. This oil is difficult to source and more valuable than many of the alternative oils in the market. For this reason, the oil is often individually named on the perfume bottle. A more cost-effective option is rose-water. This may feature in the perfumes at the lower end of the market.

Bergamot

Bergamot oil can add a touch of freshness to the perfume. This citrus-based oil is a common ingredient in fragrance products that are marketed as invigorating or energizing. The essential oil is also used in products intended to offer cleansing or aromatherapy properties.

Amber

Amber is a common choice for the oriental based fragrances. It can help to give a very sensual and warm perfume blend. Most of the amber oil used in perfume is synthetic.

Agar

Agar oil (also called agarwood oil) is a common ingredient in the perfume blends that are described as sensual or earthy. It is a favorite essential oil for perfumes sold across Asia.