What are the best essential oils for candles?

The popularity of scented candles is rising rapidly, almost completely replacing unscented candles. In recent years, a variety of essential oils have been added to candles to create a warm and sensually pleasing atmosphere. Is this a beneficial option for our health? How do essential oils in candles release their aromatic and health-promoting properties? To answer these questions, let’s take a closer look at candle oils and their use in the comfort of our own homes.

Essential oils in practice – are they suitable for candles?

Essential oils are plant extracts obtained from roots, leaves, bark or flowers. These extracts are then subjected to steam distillation or solvent extraction to produce a highly concentrated oil. Essential oils carry the characteristic essence of the plant from which they were derived. For this reason, they are natural, usually occur in the purest possible form and are not mixed with any carrier oils to reduce their base concentration.

Essential oils added to candles therefore offer a clear alternative to the currently popular synthetic equivalents. They are less toxic and more natural, whilst offering a range of benefits linked to their therapeutic properties. From reducing stress to improving sleep quality, essential oils add an extra dimension to the simple act of lighting a candle.

Soya candles are the best choice for using essential oils in practice. They offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. Candles made from soya oil burn cleaner and last longer than traditional paraffin candles. Thanks to them, not only do we avoid soot and toxins in our homes, but we also enjoy more effective diffusion of the aroma, ensuring the pure and complete release of every note of the essential oil.

Essential oils for candles – what should you bear in mind when using them?

Before you start using essential oils in candles yourself, it’s important to know that there are a few rules to follow to achieve the best and safest results. In fact, not all essential oils are suitable for this method of diffusion, so choosing the right ones is key to success. What should you bear in mind when using essential oils in candles?

• Flash point –all essential oils are flammable at different temperatures. This point is known as the flash point. Above a certain temperature, specific to each essential oil, it may ignite or become denatured (lose its properties). It is therefore important to have a good thermometer before adding essential oils to candles. For example, bergamot essential oil has a flash point of 59°C. This means it should not be heated above 59°C. So, once the wax in the candle has melted, you should wait until it has cooled to below 59°C before adding drops of bergamot oil;
• The right amount of essential oil for a candle –adding too much essential oil to a candle can have the opposite effect to that intended. Indeed, the scent released may be too strong, or even overpowering. Some essential oils may also irritate the respiratory tract. It is therefore recommended to add between 5 and 10 per cent of the candle’s total weight. For example, for a 120 ml candle, you should add 12 or 6 ml of essential oil. Failure to follow this guideline may increase the risk of the oil catching fire;
• Incorporating essential oil into a candle –for reasons of quality and safety, essential oils are added to the candle at a specific stage to prevent them from coming into contact with excessively high temperatures. Consequently, the wax is melted at a temperature of approximately 80–100°C; once it has become liquid, the heating should be stopped and the wax left to cool. Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, we can add the essential oil and enjoy its benefits.

How to blend essential oils for candles? – aromatic synergy

There are many essential oils, and each has its own specific properties and distinctive scent. As it turns out, many of them can be combined into a variety of pleasant-smelling blends suitable for use in candles. For example, a combination of lemongrass and bergamot will create a refreshing, citrusy atmosphere in a room, stimulating the senses and calming the mind. Meanwhile, geranium rose oil combined with ylang-ylang oil will give a candle a truly ‘garden-like’ aroma, which will have a calming and soothing effect on us.

So, as we can see, there are many potential combinations. Unfortunately, not all of them can be combined, if only because of significant differences in aroma, as well as in composition and flash point. Oils that differ too greatly in this respect may increase the risk of ignition, and thus the release of compounds that could be harmful to our health.

Choosing essential oils for candles – which ones are we talking about?

Essential oils for candles offer a wide range of scents that can be chosen according to personal taste and the desired atmosphere. Experimenting with different oils is not only a great way to enjoy the scent of your favourite essences and diffuse it throughout a space; it is also an opportunity to create a unique, bespoke blend.

To make it easier to find the right product, we’ve put together a short selection of the most interesting essential oils suitable for use in candles.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is often the first choice for those seeking a calming and soothing effect. Its sweet, floral aroma with a herbal note is known for its anti-stress properties and ability to promote relaxation. For this reason, this oil is widely used, particularly in the evening, before bedtime.

The flash point of lavender oil is 71°C.

Patchouli

Patchouli is characterised by an earthy and calming aroma, which is particularly conducive to creating a meditative space. When used in a candle, it deodorises the room, has antiseptic and antidepressant properties, and helps to balance the nervous system.

The flash point of patchouli oil is 116°C; for this reason, it can be used even with freshly melted wax.

Geranium

Geranium essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to the large number of therapeutic compounds it contains. As an ally to our body, when added to a candle, the oil is used to tone the body, improve wound healing and reduce inflammation. The oil’s aromatic properties stem from its complex composition, characterised by a floral and fresh scent.

The flash point of the oil is 86°C.

Ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang essential oil, with its sweet, soft, floral scent, is excellent for restoring mental balance and providing a noticeable sense of calm. The tropical character of the oil promotes inner relaxation, restores energy and noticeably improves your mood. Due to its distinctive aroma, ylang-ylang essential oil is often used in floral, sensual blends.

The flash point of ylang-ylang oil is 80°C.

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is a balancing and harmonising essence that can be used in any room, particularly in stressful situations. Bergamot, which belongs to the citrus family, is also known for its sweet and fresh aroma with a hint of the tartness typical of citrus fruits. It reduces mental tension and can help combat the signs and symptoms of melancholy.

The flash point of bergamot essential oil is 59°C.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil, also known as lemon grass, is renowned for its refreshing effect. Thanks to its citrus aroma, it lifts our mood, has a relaxing and purifying effect, and is suitable, amongst other things, for deodorising rooms and reducing airborne pathogens and pollutants. The soothing nature of lemongrass essential oil strengthens the body and promotes a greater desire to be active.

The flash point of the oil is 71°C.

Vetiver

Vetiver essential oil is extracted from the plant’s roots, giving users a tangible sense of grounding and security. This candle oil is particularly recommended for those seeking emotional balance, pain relief and a reduction in inflammation. It also aids in the treatment of circulatory problems in the lower limbs. It is characterised by a strong and striking aroma with musky, earthy and woody notes.

The flash point of vetiver oil is exactly 100°C.

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