When it comes to making candles, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is what type of scent you want to use.
Essentially, there are two main options: fragrance oils and essential oils.
But what’s the difference between the two, and which one is best for your candle-making needs? In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using fragrance oils and essential oils when making candles, and why you shouldn’t mix the two.
Contents
Difference between Fragrance and Essential Oils
Before we dive into the pros and cons of each type of oil, it’s important to understand the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils.
Fragrance oils are synthetic oils that are created to mimic the scent of a particular plant or natural fragrance.
They are made by combining various chemical compounds in a laboratory setting.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are extracted directly from plants using steam distillation or cold pressing.
They are the pure, concentrated essence of the plant and contain the natural aroma of the plant.
Essential oils are more difficult to work with, but they’re also stronger, more natural, and more eco-friendly than fragrance oils.
Related – Are essential oils in candles toxic to breathe in?
Pros and Cons of Using Fragrance Oils When Making Candles
One of the main pros of using fragrance oils when making candles is that they are very versatile. There are a wide variety of fragrance oils available, so you can choose from almost any scent you can imagine.
You can easily mix and match different fragrance oils to create your own custom scent.
Another pro of using fragrance oils is that they are generally less expensive than essential oils. This can be a big advantage if you’re looking to keep costs down.
On the downside, fragrance oils are not natural and are often made with synthetic ingredients. Some people may be sensitive to these ingredients, which could cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Pros and Cons of Using Essential Oils When Making Candles
One of the main pros of using essential oils when making candles is that they are natural and pure.
This can be a big advantage if you’re looking to create a more natural, organic candle.
Another pro of using essential oils is that they have therapeutic benefits.
Different essential oils have different properties and can have positive effects on mood, stress, and other aspects of health.
For example, lavender essential oil is often used to promote relaxation, while peppermint essential oil can help with headaches.
The main con of using essential oils when making candles is that they are generally more expensive than fragrance oils.
They are also not as widely available, so you may have a harder time finding the scent you want.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Fragrance and Essential Oils
It’s generally not a good idea to mix fragrance oils and essential oils when making candles. Fragrance oils are synthetic and essential oils are natural, so mixing the two can produce an inconsistent scent.
In addition, essential oils are much more potent than fragrance oils, so you’ll need to use much less of them to achieve the same level of scent.
Mixing the two can result in a candle that is too strong or overpowering.
Ultimately, the choice of which type of scent to use when making candles is up to you, but I consider fragrance and essential oils to be two very different things.
What Scent Lasts Longer: Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils?
When it comes to scent longevity, fragrance oils tend to last longer than essential oils.
This is because fragrance oils are made with synthetic ingredients that are more stable and don’t evaporate as easily as essential oils.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that fragrance oils are always the better choice.
As mentioned above, essential oils have therapeutic benefits and are a more natural option and this alone is enough for a lot of people to turn their backs on fragrance oils!
It ultimately comes down to your personal preference and what matters most to you when it comes to scent and ingredients though.
I treat using essential oils as creating a therapeutic and spiritual experience for myself and my customers, but I also enjoy experimenting with fragrance oils and creating unique scents.
Related – Here’s how to use fragrance oils in candles the right way!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both fragrance oils and essential oils when it comes to making candles.
Fragrance oils are more versatile and less expensive, but they are not natural and may contain synthetic ingredients that some people may be sensitive to.
Essential oils are pure and natural, but they are generally more expensive and may not be as widely available.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what works best for you.
Ultimately, the choice between fragrance oils and essential oils when making candles comes down to personal preference and what matters most to you in terms of scent and ingredients. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your needs and choose the one that is right for you.
So, make your choice wisely, don’t be afraid to experiment, and enjoy your candle-making experience!
Image credits – Photo by Chelsea Gates 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.