If you’re a fan of scented candles and essential oils, you may be wondering if you can use essential oils to scent your candles.
The short answer is yes, you can use essential oils in candles.
But as with any ingredient, there are pros and cons to consider before adding essential oils to your candle-making repertoire.
In this post, we’ll explore the question of whether or not you can use essential oils in candles, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of using essential oils in your candle-making projects.
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Can You Use Essential Oils When Making Candles?
The good news is that you can use essential oils when making candles.
In fact, many people prefer to use essential oils in their candles because they are natural and may have therapeutic benefits.
Various essential oils have a wide range of properties and can have positive effects on mood, stress, and other aspects of health.
For example, Jasmine essential oil is often used to promote relaxation, while Citrus oils can help to lift the mood and create a more energizing atmosphere.
To use essential oils in your candles, you’ll need to add them to the wax before it hardens.
You can use a dropper or pipette to measure out the oils, or you can use a pre-measured fragrance oil blend.
Just be sure to use the oils sparingly, as they are very potent and a little goes a long way.
Related – Here is how to use fragrance oils in candles.
Do Essential Oils Lose Their Effectiveness When Heated?
It is possible for essential oils to lose their effectiveness if you add them to wax that’s too hot.
The exact temperature depends on the type of wax, but generally speaking it is believed to be around 90°F (32°C) or lower.
To be safe, you can wait until the wax cools to around 85°F (29°C) or less before adding essential oils.
This will help to preserve their potency and aroma.
This isn’t always possible depending on the type of wax you’re using, it’s something you’ll need to experiment with.
As a general rule of thumb, the lower the temperature of the wax when adding oils, the better.
Are Essential Oils Better Than Fragrance Oils in Candles?
When it comes to choosing a scent for your candles, you have two main options: essential oils and fragrance oils.
Both options have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what matters most to you.
One benefit of using essential oils in candles is that they are natural and may have therapeutic benefits.
They are also generally more potent than fragrance oils, so you’ll need to use less of them to achieve the same level of scent.
On the downside, essential oils are generally more expensive than fragrance oils and may not be as widely available.
They are also not as versatile, as there are not as many essential oils available as there are fragrance oils.
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are more affordable and widely available.
They are also very versatile, as there are a wide variety of fragrance oils available, allowing you to choose from almost any scent you can imagine.
However, fragrance oils are not natural and are often made with synthetic ingredients, which may be a concern for some people.
Related – I compare the use of fragrance oils vs essential oils in candles in this post.
Which Essential Oils Should You Use in Candles?
The scent or type of essential oil you use is completely up to you!
I recommend doing some basic research into which oils will be most beneficial to you based on what you’re looking to achieve.
For example, if you want a calming scent, use essential oils like lavender or chamomile.
If you want an energizing scent, use essential oils like citrus or peppermint. The possibilities are endless, literally!
It’s also important to remember that some essential oils can be quite strong and overpowering, so it’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Finally, be sure to use high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils for best results.
This will ensure that your candles are as fragrant and potent as possible.
In Summary
In conclusion, you can use essential oils in candles, and many people prefer to use them because they are natural and may have therapeutic benefits.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of using essential oils, such as the higher cost and limited availability.
Ultimately, the choice between essential oils and fragrance oils comes down to personal preference and what matters most to you in terms of scent and ingredients.
Image credits – Photo by Carlos Rodríguez on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.