Both essential oils and scented candles are my absolute favorites when it comes to creating a cozy, fragrant space at home. But it got me wondering—what’s actually better, essential oils or scented candles? Which one lasts longer and gives you more bang for your buck?
Let’s break it down by looking at how they’re made, their safety, and their potential health benefits to figure out which one might work best for you.
Before diving into which one is better, let’s first talk about the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils.
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Difference Between Essential Oil and Fragrance Oil
It’s easy to mix up essential oils and fragrance oils—they both smell amazing and are popular choices for home scents! But they’re actually pretty different, and understanding how they’re made can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Essential oils are completely natural. They’re extracted from plants, flowers, herbs, and trees, capturing the true essence of their source. If you’ve ever smelled lavender oil and felt like you were in a field of flowers, that’s why—it’s the real deal.
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are created in a lab. These synthetic scents are designed to mimic natural aromas or even create new ones that don’t exist in nature. That warm sugar cookie scent? It’s probably a fragrance oil!
Essential Oils and Scented Candles Production Methods
It’s fascinating how everyday items like essential oils and scented candles come together, each with its own unique process and ingredients.
Essential oils are all about capturing the pure essence of plants. They’re made through methods like steam distillation, cold-pressing, or even solvent extraction. Each process ensures the natural aroma and properties of the plant are preserved.
Scented candles, on the other hand, are crafted using paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax as the base. To give them their signature fragrances, candlemakers add fragrance oils or synthetic perfumes into the mix.
Historical Development and Modern Usage
Essential oils have been around for centuries. They were first distilled by the Arabs during their golden age and played a significant role in traditional Arabic Medicine. Fragrance oils, though, were made for modern uses. They’re used in candles, perfumes, and other scented items to meet our desire for lasting fragrances.
Essential oils are often stronger than scented candles due to their intense and lasting scent. However, scented candles provide a steady fragrance as they burn, creating a different aromatic experience. Essential oils in diffusers release a consistent scent into the air and can last longer in terms of scent lingering after use, while candle scents can vary as the wax melts. The quality and concentration of the oils in both products play a significant role in their overall strength.
Candles infused with essential oils generally have a shorter scent lifespan compared to those made with synthetic fragrance oils. Popular essential oil scents such as peppermint, bergamot, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and orange are widely appreciated for their unique aromatherapy benefits, though they may fade faster in candle form.
Safety and Health Considerations
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Safety and health are key when considering air freshening options. Essential oils and scented candles have benefits, but it’s important to consider the differences when choosing.
Fire Hazards and Prevention
Essential oil diffusers are safer than candles. Candles have an open flame, which is risky, especially around kids and pets. Diffusers, on the other hand, use technology to spread the oils without fire.
Air Quality Impact
Essential oils can clean the air by removing harmful particles. Oils like eucalyptus have antimicrobial properties. But, some candles release chemicals that can harm the air.
Toxins and Chemical Exposure
Many candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum product, which can release harmful chemicals when burned. Switching to soy or beeswax candles can significantly reduce your exposure to these toxins. Essential oil diffusers, like the Aero SM, offer an even cleaner solution, avoiding harmful chemicals altogether.
But what about plug-in air fresheners? You might be wondering, are plug-in air fresheners safe for cats? Unfortunately, many plug-in air fresheners contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can be harmful to cats, causing respiratory irritation or other health issues.
Pet Safety and Considerations
Some candles can harm our pets as they may emit smoke and chemicals that irritate their respiratory systems. Essential oils used in diffusers are generally safer, but certain oils, like tea tree or eucalyptus, can be toxic to pets. Always opt for pet-safe options and avoid exposing your furry friends to harmful scents.
Want to learn more about which scented candles are bad for dogs? Check out our article!
Best Fragrance Oils for Candle Making
If you love candle making and want to turn your hobby into a little side hustle, fragrance oils can be a total game-changer. These fragrance oils can elevate your candles and make them stand out.
- Vanilla Bean
- A timeless favorite that adds warmth and coziness to any space.
- Perfect for standalone candles or blending with other scents like cinnamon or coffee.
- Lavender Fields
- Known for its calming and relaxing properties.
- Ideal for spa or self-care collections.
- Amber & Sandalwood
- A luxurious, earthy scent that gives a sophisticated touch to your candles.
- Often used in high-end or masculine blends.
- Citrus Zest
- Bright, fresh, and uplifting, with notes of orange, lemon, or grapefruit.
- Great for kitchen candles or summer collections.
- Eucalyptus Mint
- Clean, fresh, and invigorating, perfect for stress-relief or wellness candles.
- Works well in bathroom or office settings.
- Pumpkin Spice
- A seasonal favorite that screams cozy autumn vibes.
- Combines warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- Ocean Breeze
- Light and refreshing, with hints of sea salt and driftwood.
- Perfect for beach-themed or summer candles.
- Jasmine Blossom
- A floral, exotic scent that adds elegance and romance to your candles.
- Great for weddings or special events.
- Cedarwood & Musk
- A woodsy, musky scent that’s ideal for creating rustic or masculine candles.
- Often paired with tobacco or amber for depth.
- Berry Vanilla
- A sweet and fruity combination that’s playful and inviting.
- Popular for gifts and festive occasions.
Bonus Tip:
When choosing fragrance oils, always ensure they are specifically made for candle making. Look for options that have good hot and cold throw to ensure your candles smell amazing whether lit or not.
Therapeutic Benefits and Aromatherapy Properties
Essential oils have unique benefits over scented candles. They are pure, natural compounds from plants. This makes them powerful for both mental and physical health.
Mental Health Benefits
Lavender and bergamot oils help with relaxation and anxiety. Lavender oil calms the mind and body. Bergamot oil reduces stress and anxiety.
These oils can be diffused or applied to the skin. They improve mood and mental health.
Physical Wellness Effects
Essential oils also help physically. Peppermint oil boosts energy and focus. Eucalyptus oil relieves congestion and pain.
Cinnamon oil creates a cozy atmosphere. Its warm scent is relaxing. Essential oils can improve physical health when used in diffusers or applied to the skin.
Mood Enhancement Capabilities
Essential oils deeply affect mood and emotions. Orange oil, for example, reduces stress and depression. When used, these oils improve overall well-being. They’re an excellent choice if you want to make your home smell like a spa—calming, refreshing, and all-natural.
They offer a natural, pure experience. This is different from synthetic scented candles.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are stronger and better if you value natural, concentrated scents with therapeutic benefits. Their ability to blend and customize makes them versatile for wellness routines and creating personalized experiences. Scented candles, while less natural, excel at adding warmth and ambiance, making them perfect for relaxation and cozy aesthetics.
The choice between them depends on your priorities. If you prefer health-focused, customizable options, essential oils are the way to go. If you’re drawn to the charm and atmosphere of a flickering candle, they’re an excellent choice.
Both offer unique ways to enhance your space and mood.
Chris Soronio
Reyl Bongolo
