When it comes to candles, both fragrance oils and essential oils are used to provide scent, but they differ in composition, sourcing, and performance. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Composition
Essential Oils: These are natural oils extracted from plants (such as flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds). They are highly concentrated and retain the plant's natural fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Fragrance Oils: These are often synthetic or a blend of natural and synthetic compounds designed to mimic specific scents. They can replicate the scent of flowers, fruits, spices, or even man-made fragrances that cannot be sourced from plants.
2. Sourcing
Essential Oils: Sourced directly from nature through steam distillation, cold-pressing, or other extraction methods.
Fragrance Oils: Created in laboratories to produce a specific scent. They are typically a mix of synthetic chemicals, though some may contain natural extracts.
3. Scent Strength & Longevity
Essential Oils: The scent of essential oils in candles tends to be more subtle and may not last as long because the oils evaporate more quickly when burned.
Fragrance Oils: Fragrance oils tend to have a stronger and longer-lasting scent throw because they are designed for that purpose. They may also provide a more consistent fragrance over time.
4. Performance in Candles
Essential Oils: Can be more challenging to work with because they are generally less stable at high temperatures. Some may degrade or lose their scent when burned, and their strong, natural scent might not have the same "throw" (how far the fragrance travels) as fragrance oils.
Fragrance Oils: Typically perform better in candles due to their stability at high temperatures and better scent throw. They are specifically formulated to burn evenly and produce a consistent scent.
5. Price
Essential Oils: Tend to be more expensive because they are natural and require large quantities of plant material for extraction. For example, rose essential oil can be particularly costly.
Fragrance Oils: More affordable because they are often synthetic or a mix of synthetic and natural ingredients.
6. Health & Environmental Impact
Essential Oils: Generally considered more natural and pure, which appeals to consumers looking for eco-friendly or aromatherapy-based products. However, some essential oils might cause allergies or skin sensitivities.
Fragrance Oils: May contain synthetic chemicals, some of which could irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They may also have a higher environmental impact due to the use of synthetic materials.
7. Uses in Candles
Essential Oils: Preferred by those who want a more natural product or are making candles with therapeutic benefits (e.g., lavender for relaxation). They are also favored by eco-conscious consumers.
Fragrance Oils: More commonly used in commercial candle making because they provide a stronger, more reliable scent. They allow candle makers to create a broader range of complex or seasonal scents.
Conclusion:
Essential oils are ideal for those seeking a natural, eco-friendly product with potential aromatherapy benefits, but they may not have the same strong scent throw as fragrance oils.
Fragrance oils are typically the go-to for candle makers looking for a consistent, long-lasting scent that can handle the high temperatures of burning candles. They’re also more affordable and offer more scent variety.
Ultimately, the choice between fragrance oils and essential oils depends on your goals: If you're looking for a natural experience with potential therapeutic benefits, essential oils are the better option. If you want strong, long-lasting, and diverse scents, fragrance oils might be more suitable.
