Amazingly, it's the exact same. The cool thing is you can tailor the essential oils to get whatever scent you'd like. The store-bought paste smells really medicinal but I think the next batch I'll use vetiver/sandalwood oil instead of pine/sandalwood. I really hope the conditions improve in your country soon! We'll see how good this cutting-edge technology really is longer-term. It seems like it could create utopia but it could also be our downfall. I hope you're enjoying the week, Nancy!