In the world of home fragrance, candles have become more than just a source of light – they’re a wellness ritual, and a reflection of personal style. As more people seek natural options for their homes, there is one question I see repeatedly among candlemakers: Are essential oils safe to use in candles?
There’s a great deal of misinformation circulating online about the safety of essential oils in candle making. Some claim that essential oils are dangerous due to their lower flash points, while others argue that synthetic fragrances are superior because they are “more stable” under heat. But how much of this is fact, and how much is fiction? Let’s dive into the truth about essential oils in candles, address the myths, and explore why they are often a better choice than synthetic fragrances.
Understanding Essential Oils in Candle Making
First, let’s define what essential oils are. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold-pressing methods. They capture the natural aromatic compounds from flowers, leaves, bark, or roots, providing not only a beautiful scent but also potential therapeutic properties.
When used in candles, essential oils infuse the air with these natural aromas, offering a pure and authentic fragrance experience. Unlike synthetic fragrance oils, essential oils don’t contain artificial additives, stabilizers, or chemicals designed solely to mimic scents.
The Flash Point Myth: Do Essential Oils Catch Fire?
One of the most persistent myths about using essential oils in candles revolves around flash points. A flash point is the temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to ignite in the presence of a flame or spark. Many essential oils have flash points ranging from 100°F to 200°F (38°C to 93°C), which leads some to believe they will catch fire when used in candles.
Here’s the truth: having a low flash point does not mean the oil will spontaneously combust in a candle.
When making candles, essential oils are blended into molten wax, typically at a temperature between 130°F and 185°F, depending on the wax type. As long as the oils are mixed into the wax properly, they are safely dispersed and do not present a fire hazard. Once the candle is burning, the wax acts as a controlled fuel source, and the flame only vaporises the wax and fragrance at the wick, not the entire body of essential oil at once.
If flash points automatically caused combustion, then adding essential oils into a hot bath, diffuser, or even cooking with herbs and spices (many of which contain essential oil compounds) would be hazardous, which, of course, they’re not.
So don’t worry – essential oils are safe in candles when used correctly.
Luxury Brands Use Essential Oils
To put this into perspective, some of the world’s most premium candle brands proudly use essential oils in their formulations.
For example, NEOM Organics, a leading luxury wellness brand, has built its entire fragrance line on 100% natural essential oil blends. NEOM’s candles are known for their pure aromas and therapeutic benefits, from sleep-supporting lavender blends to invigorating citrus and rosemary combinations. Their commitment to essential oils not only demonstrates the safety of using these ingredients in candles but also highlights the superior experience they offer to discerning consumers who want both luxury and wellbeing.
If essential oils posed a genuine safety risk, leading brands like NEOM simply wouldn’t be able to build a successful business on them.
Essential Oils vs. Synthetic Fragrances: Why Natural Is Often Better
While synthetic fragrance oils are widely used in the candle industry due to their affordability, stability, and wide range of available scents, they come with several drawbacks that consumers should consider.
Purity and Safety
Synthetic fragrance oils are manufactured from petrochemicals and often contain numerous undisclosed ingredients, including phthalates, parabens, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These substances can release potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated, contributing to indoor air pollution and possibly triggering headaches, allergies, or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are pure plant extracts without synthetic additives. When burned, they emit far fewer VOCs compared to synthetic fragrances, making them a safer option for people seeking a cleaner burn and healthier indoor air quality.
Remember that essential oils can contain allergens (for example, linalool in lavender). This is why a responsible (and legally compliant) candle-maker will have a CLP label on the product detailing the presence of this compound. The aromatherapy benefits also come from linalool (in lavender), and only a small percentage of people will have any adverse effects from the quantities in a candle, but this labelling is essential for those who may have a sensitivity.
Aromatherapeutic Benefits
Essential oils are not just about scent; they also offer therapeutic properties. Lavender can promote relaxation and sleep, eucalyptus can clear the sinuses, and citrus oils can uplift and energize the mood. When incorporated into candles, these natural benefits create an immersive aromatherapy experience that synthetic oils simply can’t replicate.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Many synthetic fragrances rely on petroleum-derived ingredients, which contribute to the depletion of fossil fuels and increase carbon emissions during manufacturing. Essential oils, when sourced responsibly, are renewable and biodegradable, offering a more sustainable alternative.
Additionally, essential oil production often supports small-scale farmers and ethical harvesting practices, especially when brands prioritize fair trade and organic cultivation.
Authenticity of Scent
Even to an untrained nose, synthetic fragrances can often smell artificial or overly sweet, while essential oils provide a complex, nuanced aroma that mirrors nature. The subtle variations in essential oil composition add depth and character to the fragrance profile, creating a more sophisticated and authentic sensory experience.
Best Practices For Essential Oils In Candles
Use the correct amount: Essential oils are potent and should be used at proper concentrations. I find this can vary between oils. For example, lavender, orange and eucalyptus will need less than those like ylang ylang, cedarwood and neroli. You will have to experiment in order to find the optimum ratios for your wax and wick.
Choose the right wax: Plant waxes often pair better with essential oils than paraffin, which may not hold the scent as effectively.
Monitor temperatures: Adding essential oils at the appropriate wax temperature (most people prefer 130°F to 170°F) preserves the delicate aromatic compounds without degrading them.
Source quality oils: Only use pure, unadulterated essential oils from reputable suppliers to ensure safety and consistency.
Conclusion: A Safer, More Natural Choice
Much of the fear around essential oils in candles stems from misinformation, often spread by candle-makers and fragrance manufacturers who specialise in synthetic fragrance oils. It’s in their interest to promote the narrative that essential oils are unstable or unsafe for candle use, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.
In reality, many artisan candle brands and small businesses around the world successfully produce safe, beautiful essential oil candles by understanding the science and respecting the nature of these oils.
Essential oils are a safe, natural, and superior option for candle making when used correctly. They offer a host of benefits that synthetic fragrances simply can’t match: cleaner burning, aromatherapeutic effects, environmental sustainability, and a true-to-nature scent profile. The myth that essential oils are inherently dangerous because of their flash points is not supported by the science of how candles work.
For consumers looking to reduce their exposure to synthetic chemicals, support sustainable practices, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nature, essential oil candles offer a beautiful, safe, and meaningful alternative.
Number 17 Eucalyptus Neroli & Orange Soy Essential Oil Candle
Invigorate your space with Number 17 – a refreshing, natural candle infused with pure eucalyptus and sweet orange essential oils. Clean, uplifting and beautifully balanced.
INGREDIENTS
– 100% soy wax
– Therapeutic-grade essential oils
🚚 Ships in 1-3 business days.
2 in stock