Susan Cressy

Classification of essential oils

Classification of Essential oils

Essential oils are classified as top, middle or base notes and each group has different characteristics:

Top notes	Middle notes	Base notes
Have a sharp and immediate aroma	Aroma is more flowery and slower to register	Aroma is heavier, spicy, woody and floral
Evaporation very quickly	Evaporation is moderately quick	Evaporation is slow
They are absorbed into the skin quickly	Absorbed into the skin moderately quickly	Absorbed into the skin very slowly
Last for about 10 hours in the body	Last for 24 hours in the body	Lasts up to five days in the body
Originate from citrus plants and herbs	Originate from herbs and flowers	Originate from woods, resins and flowers
Generally stimulating and uplifting	Generally balancing oils	Generally relaxing to mind and body
Thinnest of the oils	Affect the body organs	Some are sedative and aphrodisiac
Highly volatile	Slightly sedative	Fix the top and middle notes
Fast acting

Essential oils and their classification

A chart to show the classification of individual oils