Fragrance Floozy or Essential Oil Enthusiast: The Candle Debate
If you're a candle lover, you’ve likely come across the ongoing debate: essential oils vs. fragrance oils. Which creates the best scent for candles?
Essential oils are natural extracts from plants, flowers, and trees. These oils are derived from petals, leaves, bark, fruits, seeds and roots through processes like steaming, cutting or pressing. Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, offering various health benefits such as boosting mood, relieving stress and aiding sleep. Historically, essential oils have been in use since as early as 1500 BC.
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic and designed in laboratories to replicate natural scents. These oils provide the same soothing and relaxing atmosphere as essential oils. Fragrance oils also come in unique blends, from perfume dupes to food-inspired aromas, offering a wide variety of options.
Why are essential oil candles more expensive?
Since essential oils are sourced from natural ingredients, the extraction process is costly. For example, producing just 1lb of essential oil can take 10,000 rose petals, 250lbs of lavender, or 1,500 lemons. Additionally, essential oils are highly concentrated and can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Certain essential oils, like sandalwood, are becoming increasingly rare, making them harder to find and more expensive due to unsustainable sourcing practices.
Benefits of Essential Oil Candles:
Wellbeing: Lavender essential oil, for instance, contains linalool, a compound known to calm the nervous system when inhaled.
Eco-friendly: Essential oils are free from synthetic chemicals, ensuring they don’t release harmful toxins when burned. However, some experts suggest being cautious when using essential oil candles around young children or pets.
Essential oils are also tricky to work with, as they evaporate quickly when mixed with hot wax. This makes candle-making more challenging and costly, requiring precision to prevent the oils from evaporating during the process.
The pros and cons of fragrance oil candles
Fragrance oils are easier and cheaper to produce because they are made from synthetic chemicals. They offer a more affordable option for both chandlers and consumers, and are available in a much wider range of scents. Additionally, fragrance oils have a stronger, longer-lasting aroma compared to essential oils.
However, some people are sensitive to the phthalates used in fragrance oils, which help the scent last longer. Prolonged exposure to phthalates may disrupt the endocrine system and cause health issues. Fragrance oils may also contain preservatives like parabens, which can cause skin irritations.
Some manufacturers, like Nikura, now offer phthalate- and paraben-free fragrance oils to provide safer options. These are marketed as premium fragrance oils, ensuring that even synthetic scents can be enjoyed without compromising safety.
Which candle should you choose?
The choice between essential oil candles and fragrance oil candles comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a natural, eco-friendly option, essential oils might be the way to go. If you prefer a wide variety of bold, long-lasting scents, fragrance oils could be your best bet.
We hope this article has shed some light (pun intended!) on the great candle debate, helping you make an informed choice for your next candle purchase.