16/06/2024
As a candle maker I often have customers that want candles made with natural essential oils. Whilst I do have 1 fragrance with all natural oils ("Coconut Cream and Citrus" that has been made by professional fragrance makers), here is why I don't carry more at this stage.
There are hidden dangers in using essential oils in soy candles.
Now soy candles are a favourite for many, thanks to their eco-friendly vibe and clean burn. Adding essential oils might sound like a perfect way to boost their natural appeal with lovely scents. However, using pure essential oils in soy candles comes with some hidden dangers you should know about.
1. Flammability Risks
Essential oils are super concentrated and can be really flammable. When mixed into candles, these oils can create a fire hazard. If they’re not properly blended, the essential oils can make the candle burn unevenly or even catch fire. This is a big risk, especially if you tend to leave candles burning while you’re out of the room.
2. Health Concerns
Burning essential oils can release harmful chemicals into the air. Some oils, when heated, can produce nasty by products like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. These chemicals can cause breathing problems, headaches, and other health issues, especially if you have asthma or allergies. Not to mention some essential oils are toxic to dogs and, lets face it, we dog lovers will do almost anything to keep our beloved fur babies safe and healthy.
3. Weak Scent Throw
Pure essential oils often don’t spread their scent as well as specially made fragrance oils. Scent throw is all about how well the candle’s aroma fills the room. Essential oils might smell great in the bottle but can turn weak or even unpleasant when burned. This can be a let down if you’re hoping for a strong, lasting fragrance.
4. Compatibility Issues
Soy wax and essential oils sometimes don’t mix well. Soy wax has a lower melting point, and some essential oils can separate from the wax. This can make the candle burn unevenly, messing up both the scent and how long the candle lasts.
5. Cost Concerns
Good quality essential oils can be pricey. Using them in candles can get expensive, especially if the candle doesn’t turn out well. You might end up wasting these expensive oils if they don’t blend properly with the soy wax or if the scent throw isn’t up to par.
6. Environmental and Ethical Issues
While essential oils are natural, their production can have a big environmental impact. High demand for certain oils can lead to over harvesting and depletion of plant resources. Plus, not all essential oils are sourced ethically, which raises questions about sustainability and fair trade.
Safer Alternatives
To dodge these dangers, look for soy candles that use fragrance oils specifically made for candle making. These oils are safe to burn, offer a consistent scent, and blend well with soy wax. Many of them mimic the natural scents of essential oils without the risks.
So while adding pure essential oils to soy candles might seem like a great idea, it’s important to know about the potential dangers. By choosing candles made with safe, specially formulated fragrance oils, you can enjoy lovely, fragrant candles without worrying about safety or health issues.
Let me assure you all, I love the idea of using only natural fragrances and I have tested several and they have been a big expensive let down. However, I know my All Natural Coconut Cream and Citrus fragrance, made by professional scent makers, is safe and smells great with a good scent throw.
I will continue to try to find more natural oils for my range and will certainly try them out for my range. When I find them, I will let you guys know, so check back in with me from time to time to see if I have discovered any natural treasures.
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