Frequently asked

Appellation’s ultrasonic diffuser is a clever little device that uses water and electronic frequencies to transform essential oil into tiny micro-droplets. There’s a small disc in the base of the reservoir that silently vibrates, gently agitating the water and causing the oil to vaporise into a fine, aromatic mist. The mist then disperses through the air, filling a room, or any other space, with your desired aroma.

Unlike other forms of diffusion, an ultrasonic diffuser doesn’t require the use of heat, making it a safe way to disperse scent and preserving the integrity of the essential oils. Applying heat to an essential oil can alter its chemical composition and aroma, and negate the therapeutic benefits.

As an added bonus, these diffusers also require very little oil, making them a cost-effective solution.

Of course!

We only ask that you ensure they are 100% pure, undiluted essential oils. Using a synthetic perfume oil, for example, simply won't have the therapeutic benefits, while an essential oil diluted with carrier oil could damage the diffuser or cause it to malfunction.

Essential oils are highly volatile, which means they evaporate rapidly and emit concentrated aroma molecules, which is why they are so beneficial in aromatherapy. Carrier oils are usually cold-pressed from fatty seeds, nuts, kernels etc, and are not as volatile. They are ideal for topical applications, but there is no benefit in diffusion. 

To ensure you're buying a quality oil for your diffuser, take a look at the Appellation guide to buying essential oils.

To protect your diffuser and ensure the best performance, we recommend using only 100% essential oils.

Our diffusers are designed specifically for pure essential oils. Because perfume oils, fragrance oils, and other scented blends can vary greatly in their ingredients and texture, we cannot be certain how they may behave inside the diffuser or what effect they may have on its components over time.

Some oils may leave residue, clog the ultrasonic plate, or gradually contribute to wear that affects diffusion. For that reason, we do not recommend using them, and any resulting damage would not be covered under warranty.

For best results, use 100% essential oils and clean your diffuser regularly according to our care guidance.

It’s easy!

Follow our simple instructions, which you can find in the accompanying manual or a quick start guide here.

Appellation’s stone diffuser has two settings. Press once for a 9-hour continuous setting, or twice for a 16-hour intermittent (20 seconds on, 20 seconds off) mist.

No, there’s no need – the diffuser automatically shuts off when the water level is too low. 

The simplest way is to diffuse them – just add a few drops to water and let scent shape the atmosphere of your space.

You can also use essential oils more intuitively throughout the day. Add a few drops to a tissue or your palms and inhale, incorporate them into a warm bath (always diluted), or use them to anchor practices like meditation, journalling, or winding down before bed.

Often, it is less about doing more and more about using scent consistently – morning, evening, or in moments where you want to shift your mood, focus, or sense of calm. Head to our Journal for ideas including how to use esential oils for wellbeing, in a relaxing bath, or as part of an evening sleep ritual

Besides creating a beautifully scented space, the benefits of diffusing essential oils are endless, from alleviating anxiety and stress to lifting your mood, improving sleep and productivity, and even the ability to recall memories. Using aroma as part of a daily ritual can have a powerful effect on mental wellbeing and there are many studies into the proven therapeutic benefits of specific essential oils.

We encourage you to learn more about Aromachology, follow along @appellation.co , or head to our blog, Living Well, to learn more about this fascinating subject.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most studied essential oil for stress reduction. Frankincense has been shown to slow breathing and encourage deeper respiration. Bergamot may help regulate cortisol levels.

Natural incense made from sandalwood or agarwood can also promote relaxation.

For an easy place to start, explore Appellation’s Calm series – a collection of three essential oil blends created to cultivate a sense of calm.

The price reflects the reality of production and availability. Some essential oils are inexpensive because they are extracted from plants that grow abundantly and have a higher-yield. Others, like precious florals such as rose, jasmine or neroli require vast quantities of blossoms. Woods like sandalwood and agarwood can take years to grow before harvest is possible. Many plants are only in season for a few weeks each year. Climate and weather conditions also play a role.

If rare oils are sold at unusually low prices, dilution or synthetic substitution, and unethical sourcing is likely. True essential oils carry the cost of ethical sourcing, careful distillation and sustainability.

Discover more about how Appellation sources essential oils sustainably and responsibly here.

Begin with transparency. A reputable essential oil company will clearly state the botanical (Latin) name, plant part used, country of origin and extraction method. They will also provide batch-specific GC/MS testing to verify purity upon request.

At Appellation, every oil is selected with this level of scrutiny, and we are glad to share detailed sourcing and safety information so you can make informed decisions.

Certain essential oils can be toxic to animals if ingested, however, provided there’s good ventilation and your pet is able to leave the room if they wish, there shouldn’t be any issue diffusing around animals. If you notice any obvious change in behaviour or if your pet seems uncomfortable or irritated, stop diffusing and move your pet somewhere well-ventilated. 

If you have little ones, opt for an ultrasonic diffuser with an intermittent setting in a reasonably ventilated space. Choose gentle organic essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, or sweet orange and use fewer drops.

You can rest assured that Appellation’s blends are 100% pure, and all our oils are either wild-harvested (grown in the wild as nature intended) or certified organic.

This is especially important to highlight for those concerned about pesticides, as citrus oils are heavily sprayed.

Awaji Island has been Japan’s centre of incense craftsmanship for over 150 years and produces the majority of the country’s incense. The island’s climate – with its balanced humidity and sea air – is traditionally believed to support optimal drying and production conditions.

More importantly, Awaji is home to multi-generational incense houses that have refined techniques over decades. The blending, kneading, and drying processes are highly specialised and carefully controlled.

Appellation founder, Michelle, travelled personally to Awaji Island to meet the ko-shi (incense masters) and source directly from their factories, which are aligned with Appellation’s standards of quality, composition, and finish.

This direct sourcing and honouring craftsmanship at origin defines the quality and authenticity of Appellation's Soradaki Series incense.

Traditional Japanese incense is typically made without a bamboo core and crafted from finely ground premium natural materials such as sandalwood or agarwood, borneol, clove, cinnamon, and other fragrant spices and herbs blended with Tabunoki or makkō (Machilus thunbergii), a natural binder derived from the bark of a Japanese evergreen tree. It produces less smoke and creates a more subtle, refined fragrance, making it ideal for modern homes and apartments.

Other incense, such as mass-produced incense, can contain saw dust, synthetic fragrance oils, charcoal, chemical adhesives, combustion agents or accelerants, which can release harmful gases.

Many types of incense – such as Indian incense – contains a bamboo stick, which can contain harmful heavy metals, like lead, cadmium and mercury.

Appellation incense is made using only the finest natural raw materials, following traditional Japanese incense-making methods.

Unlike many incense styles, Japanese incense does not rely on a bamboo core, charcoal fillers, artificial binders, or chemical accelerants. This results in a cleaner, more refined burn and a purer expression of scent.

Our incense is produced on Awaji Island, Japan’s historic centre of incense craftsmanship, using high-grade natural ingredients. These include treasured aromatic woods such as sandalwood and natural agarwood (also known as oud). Agarwood – featured in our Shibui incense – is one of the rarest and most sought-after aromatic materials in the world, valued for its deep, complex scent. While many manufacturers globally use synthetic oud accords, our Awaji partners use only high-quality natural agarwood.

Other aromatic materials may include spices, herbs, and resins such as benzoin, borneol, frankincense, patchouli, clove, and cinnamon – selected for balance, depth, and atmospheric clarity.

The binder is also 100% natural – made from makko, a finely powdered bark from the Tabunoki tree (Machilus thunbergii), traditionally prized in Japanese incense for its clean-burning and neutral properties.

The result is natural Japanese incense crafted with integrity, precision, and respect for material.

Consider the mood you want to create. Sandalwood and agarwood feel grounding and warm, while lighter herbal blends may feel fresher and more uplifting. Choosing thoughtfully made incense crafted from premium, natural materials will ensure a cleaner, more balanced burn.

Yes – particularly low-smoke Japanese incense. Because it burns cleanly and releases a delicate scent, it is well suited to apartment living, unlike incense with a bamboo or charcoal core, which can produce intense smoke that can aggravate allergies and feel overpowering.

This is particularly relevant in climates like Dubai, where windows are typically kept closed and air conditioning runs throughout the year. With more limited air circulation, heavier smoke can linger in the space.

In some cases, yes – particularly with mass-produced incense made using synthetic fragrance oils, chemical binders, or bamboo cores.

Studies have shown that frequent exposure to incense smoke in enclosed spaces can contribute to irritation in some individuals, including symptoms such as itchy eyes, sore throats, or respiratory sensitivity. This is often linked to the type of incense being burned, as well as the level of ventilation in the space.

This is why we favour traditional Japanese incense. Unlike many bamboo-based incense sticks, Japanese incense is typically made without a bamboo core and uses more refined, natural ingredients. It produces a softer, lower-smoke burn, which makes it a more considered option for indoor use.

This becomes especially important in environments like Dubai, where windows are often closed and air conditioning is used year-round. In these conditions, air circulation can be limited, and heavier smoke can linger more easily in the space.

As with anything, sensitivity will vary from person to person. If you are prone to allergies or respiratory concerns, we recommend using incense in a well-ventilated area and choosing high-quality, low-smoke options.