Aromatic Candles: Essential Oils Explained

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids derived from organic plant matter, and they contain the strongest scents of that particular plant. They are often used in candle-making to provide a natural, aromatic experience. However, essential oils have a lower flash point than fragrance oils, meaning they can evaporate more quickly if exposed to high heat. They may also contain CMRs, release an inconsistent scent when burned, and not mix well with waxes. Despite these challenges, essential oil candles are possible to make, and some popular essential oils for candle-making include cedarwood, lavender, peppermint, lemon, and lemongrass.

Characteristics and Values of Essential Oil Candles

Pros and cons of essential oils in candles

Essential oils are natural, highly concentrated extracts from plants that are often fragrant. They can be found in the roots, leaves, stems, flowers, or fruits of plants and are extracted using a process called distillation. Essential oils are 100% natural and are prized for their therapeutic and mood-boosting qualities.

Pros of using essential oils in candles:

Essential oils are an eco-friendly choice for candles as they are derived from natural resources and contain no additional additives or chemicals. They are also safe to use at home as they do not release harmful toxins. In addition, they have a host of wellness properties and can provide a natural, aromatic experience. Essential oils are also long-lasting, with a shelf life of 12-24 months, making them excellent value for money.

Cons of using essential oils in candles:

Essential oils are not suitable for all types of wax. They do not mix well with waxes like soy or beeswax, leading to uneven fragrance distribution. They also have a low flash point, which means they can evaporate quickly when exposed to high heat, limiting the strength of their aroma. This can result in inconsistent scent diffusion, with the oil losing its scent quickly or even smelling unpleasant when heated. Using essential oils in candles can also increase the risk of accidents due to their low flash point, which can lead to ignition if the oil is incorrectly dosed or the temperature becomes too high. Lastly, essential oils are more expensive than fragrance oils.

Safety concerns

Essential oils are often perceived as safer alternatives to synthetic products like fragrance oils. However, it is important to remember that natural does not always mean safe. In reality, essential oils can introduce risks that are not always suspected.

Firstly, essential oils have a low flash point, or a low temperature at which they become flammable, which can increase the risk of accidents, including ignition if they are incorrectly dosed or if the combustion temperature becomes too high. This can lead to explosions, as some candle-makers have experienced.

Secondly, essential oils can release substances known as CMRs (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic) when heated to high temperatures, posing potential health risks. For example, commonly used oils like cinnamon, clove, and lavender can release toxic compounds when burned.

Thirdly, the scent of essential oils can be inconsistent when used in candles. Essential oils are designed to be diffused cold or at low temperatures. When heated by a candle flame, their chemical composition can degrade, reducing the strength of the scent or even transforming a sweet scent into a harsh, unpleasant odor. This can be frustrating, especially given the high cost of essential oils.

Additionally, essential oils don't always mix well with waxes like soy or beeswax, leading to uneven fragrance distribution or candles with little to no scent when lit. This can affect the texture and burn of the candle, compromising its effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.

Lastly, while some sources claim that essential oils are safe for candle-making if diluted properly, others caution that they contain alcohol, which is flammable and can produce an unpleasant smell when burned.

To ensure safety when using essential oils in candles, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines and choose oils with higher flash points and strong aromas. It is also important to select the right wax, such as soy wax flakes, which are easy to use, non-toxic, and produce a clean, even burn with minimal soot. Proper curing of the wax is also essential for optimal fragrance throw and burn quality.

Essential oils vs fragrance oils

Essential oils are natural oils extracted from various parts of plants, including the roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. They are highly concentrated and are used for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. They have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient civilisations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are manufactured in laboratories to mimic the scent of essential oils or other natural materials. They are often synthetic, created from artificial chemical components not found in nature, and designed to hold their fragrance for longer periods. While fragrance oils lack the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, they are widely used in various products, including candles, soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics.

When it comes to candle-making, there are several considerations when choosing between essential oils and fragrance oils. Essential oils have a lower flash point, which means they can evaporate quickly at high temperatures, potentially impacting the strength and consistency of their aroma in candles. Heat can also alter the chemical composition of essential oils, sometimes resulting in an unpleasant odour. Additionally, essential oils may not mix well with certain types of wax, leading to uneven fragrance distribution.

In contrast, fragrance oils are designed to withstand heat without degrading their scent. They are generally stronger and longer-lasting than essential oils, making them a popular choice for scented candles. However, it is important to note that fragrance oils may contain undisclosed chemical ingredients that could potentially cause adverse reactions in some individuals.

While essential oils offer natural therapeutic benefits and a pleasant olfactory experience, they require careful handling and consideration of potential risks when used in candles. Fragrance oils, despite being synthetic, provide a consistent and strong fragrance that is formulated for use in candles. Ultimately, the choice between essential oils and fragrance oils depends on individual preferences, desired benefits, and safety considerations.

Best essential oils for candle-making

Essential oils are natural products that can be used to create scented candles. However, they are not always safe for candle-making due to their low flash points, which can cause them to burn off or evaporate quickly, and their potential to release CMR substances. They may also not mix well with certain waxes, leading to uneven fragrance distribution.

When choosing essential oils for candle-making, opt for oils with higher flash points (above 150°F) and strong aromas. Some examples of essential oils with higher flash points include lemongrass and lavender. It is also important to use the correct dosage of essential oils in your candles, as overloading the candle with too much oil can increase the risk of accidents and ignition. The general rule is to keep the essential oil concentration between 5-8% of the candle's finished volume, although some sources suggest using even less, around 1-3%.

To create unique fragrances, you can also mix different essential oils. For a refreshing scent, blend floral oils like lavender with citrus oils like lemon. For a warm and cozy aroma, pair vanilla with cinnamon. For a cool winter feel, mix peppermint and eucalyptus, or blend orange and clove for a festive fall scent.

It is crucial to educate yourself on the properties of different essential oils and their suitability for candle-making. While essential oils can be tricky to work with, using the right techniques and proper curing can help you create beautifully scented, long-lasting candles.

How to make essential oil candles

Essential oil candles are scented candles made with essential oils, wax, and wicks. They are often considered a healthier alternative to synthetic fragrance oils, which can be made from petroleum and release toxins when burned. However, it's important to note that essential oils have a lower flash point, meaning they can evaporate quickly or ignite if exposed to high heat.

Now, let's get into the steps on how to make essential oil candles:

Ingredients and Materials:

You will need a few simple ingredients and materials for your candles. These include:

• Soy wax flakes or beeswax: Soy wax is a popular choice as it burns cleaner with minimal soot and is non-toxic. Beeswax has a pleasant natural scent but may not hold the scent of essential oils as well.
• Natural wicks: Hemp-based wicks are a good option as traditional wicks can release butane gas when burned.
• Essential oils: Choose oils with higher flash points (above 150°F) and strong aromas, such as lavender, lemongrass, or grapefruit. You will need around 80-100 drops or more, depending on the potency of the oil.
• Containers: Glass mason jars, enamel cups, or tin containers are ideal as they are heat-resistant. Avoid delicate containers like wine glasses.
• Stirring device: Use a disposable wooden or silicone spatula.
• Chopstick or pencil: To anchor the wick in place.
• Thermometer: A basic candy thermometer will do.
• Weighing scales: To measure the wax.
• Large pot: For boiling water and melting wax.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare your containers by ensuring they are clean and dry. Centre and glue the wicks to the inside bottom of the containers using wick stickers or a glue gun. Place wick holders or chopsticks across the tops of the jars to keep the wicks upright and centred.
• Weigh your wax using a digital kitchen scale. For a 120ml jar, you will need around 100g of soy wax.
• Melt the wax in a pouring pot or double boiler on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir the wax with a wooden or silicone spatula to prevent sticking. You can also use a basic candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for around 150°F.
• Once the wax is melted, add your essential oils. The amount of oil will depend on the type and potency, but generally, you will need around 80-100 drops or more. Stir gently to combine.
• Slowly and steadily pour the wax into your prepared containers. Avoid rushing this step to prevent cratering or sinkholes in the finished candle.
• Allow the wax to set and cure properly. This step is crucial for a smooth, long-lasting fragrance. Patience is key—wait for at least 24 hours, but 3-5 days is optimal.

Tips and Considerations:

• Always use heat-resistant materials and ensure your containers are suitable for candle-making to avoid safety hazards.
• Essential oils can be costly, so it's important to check for purity and buy from reputable sources.
• Soy wax is a popular choice for essential oil candles due to its clean burn and ability to hold scents well. However, some prefer the natural scent of beeswax.
• Be mindful of the flash point of essential oils. Some oils may have a lower flash point, increasing the risk of ignition if not dosed correctly or exposed to high heat.
• Experiment with different essential oil combinations to create unique fragrances, such as lemon-lavender, cypress-clove, or cinnamon-orange.

Frequently asked questions