Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils: Which One Is Best For Candles?

Bottles of essential oils surrounded by fresh lavender sprigs, showcasing the natural beauty and plant-based origins of these fragrant extracts.

When choosing scents for candles, one of the biggest decisions is whether to use essential oils or fragrance oils. Both offer unique benefits, but when it comes to candle making, they perform very differently. If you've ever wondered why some candles fill a room with a rich, lingering aroma while others barely release a scent, understanding the difference between these two types of oils is key. Let's dive into what sets them apart and why fragrance oils are the preferred choice for candle makers.

Understanding Essential Oils And Fragrance Oils

Essential oils are natural extracts derived from plants, capturing their pure aromatic essence. They are obtained through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing, making them a favorite for those who prioritize natural ingredients. Popular essential oils include lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint, all known for their therapeutic benefits.

A vibrant display of fragrance oils, representing the diverse range of scents they can mimic, each bottle offering a unique aromatic experience.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are either synthetic or a blend of natural and synthetic components. Unlike essential oils, they are specifically formulated to be stronger,

longer-lasting and even more versatile. Fragrance oils can mimic virtually any scent, from fresh linen to decadent desserts, offering a much broader range of options.

Hot Throw vs. Cold Throw: Why It Matters

When evaluating a candle's scent performance, two key factors come into play: cold throw and hot throw.

• Cold throw refers to how a candle smells when it's unlit. This is the first impression customers get when they open the lid or walk past a candle on display.

• Hot throw is the fragrance a candle releases when burning. This determines how well the scent fills a space and lingers in the air.

Fragrance oils typically have a stronger hot throw than essential oils because they are engineered for better scent diffusion. Essential oils, while potent in their raw form, often lose their strength when exposed to the high heat of a burning candle. Many essential oils have low flash points, meaning they can evaporate too quickly, resulting in a weak or inconsistent aroma.

Why Fragrance Oils Are Best For Candles

If your goal is to create candles with an impressive scent throw, fragrance oils are the superior choice. Here's why:

1. Stronger And More Consistent Hot Throw -

   Fragrance oils bind well with wax and release a more potent scent when burned.

2. More Variety -

   The options with fragrance oils are endless, allowing for unique and complex scent blends.

3. Better Stability -

   Many essential oils degrade over time, while fragrance oils are designed to maintain their scent integrity.

4. Cost-Effective -

Essential oils are often more expensive and require larger amounts to achieve the same scent intensity as fragrance oils.

Best Uses For Each

While fragrance oils reign supreme in candle making, essential oils still have their place in other applications.

• Best for Candles: Fragrance Oils

• Best for Aromatherapy & Wellness: Essential oils (used in diffusers, massage oils and personal care products)

• Best For Natural - Based Products: Essential oils (soap, lotions and body care)

• Best For Unique & Custom Scents: Fragrance oils (ideal for creating signature candle scents)

The Bottom Line

Both essential oils and fragrance oils offer wonderful scents, but they serve different purposes. If you're making candles, fragrance oils provide the best hot throw, longevity and scent variety. However, if you're looking for therapeutic benefits in skincare or aromatherapy, essential oils are the way to go. Understanding their differences allows you to choose the right oil for the right purpose - ensuring that your candles not only smell amazing but also perform exceptionally well.

Looking for high-quality, hand-poured soy candles with captivating scents? Explore our collections at 94 Candles and find the perfect fragrance for your space!