Ever picked up a candle labeled “made with essential oils” and thought, Oh, this must be the healthy choice!? Same. But here’s the thing, just because a candle contains essential oils doesn’t mean it’s actually safer or better.
The truth? The type of wax, how the scent is formulated, and the quality of the ingredients all matter. Let’s break down the myths and facts about essential oils vs. fragrance oils in candles so you can make the best choice for your space.
Essential Oils in Candles: The Truth
🌿 What They Are:
Essential oils are naturally derived from plants, flowers, and herbs. They’re often used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic benefits but that doesn’t always translate well into candles.
⚠️ Why They’re Not Always Ideal for Candles:
- Not stable at high temperatures → Many essential oils break down and lose potency when burned, making them less effective in candles.
- Can cause uneven burning → Some essential oils clog the wick or alter the wax’s consistency, leading to poor candle performance.
- Not all are safe for pets & allergies → Certain essential oils, like tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, and pine, can be toxic to pets 🐾 and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
- Weaker scent throw → Since essential oils don’t always hold up in wax, the fragrance can be very subtle—or disappear completely after a few burns.
So while essential oils have their benefits, they’re not always the best fit for candles.
Fragrance Oils: The Better Choice for Candles (When Done Right!)
🌸 What They Are:
Fragrance oils are specially formulated to provide consistent, long-lasting scents in candles. They can be a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients, designed to withstand heat and deliver a strong scent throw.
✅ Why They Work Best in Candles:
- Designed for high heat → Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are made to hold up when burned, ensuring a strong, lasting scent.
- More scent variety → Essential oils are limited to plant-based scents, but fragrance oils allow for unique blends—like warm vanilla, rich amber, and fresh linen.
- Controlled formulation → The best fragrance oils (like the ones we use at Relit Yourself) are free from parabens and phthalates, making them a safe and clean choice for your space.
💡 But here’s the catch: Not all fragrance oils are created equal either! Many brands use low-quality fragrance oils loaded with harmful additives, which can release toxins into the air. That’s why we’re super picky about what we use in our candles.
The Relit Yourself Difference: Clean Wax + Safe Fragrance Oils
At Relit Yourself, we ONLY use:
✅ 100% pure soy wax (no paraffin, no mystery blends, no additives)
✅ Paraben-free, phthalate-free fragrance oils for a clean, non-toxic burn
✅Lead free cotton wick
✅ Pet-friendly & allergy-conscious scents—no harsh chemicals, just cozy vibes
So when you light one of our candles, you’re getting a safe, high-quality, toxin-free experience—without the hidden junk.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Look for in a Candle?
When shopping for candles, don’t just trust labels like “made with essential oils.” Instead, check for:
✔️ Clean-burning wax (pure soy or beeswax—avoid paraffin)
✔️ Paraben-free, phthalate-free fragrance oils for safety
✔️ No harmful additives that can release toxins into your space
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Check out our hand-poured, eco-luxe soy candles here!
🔥 Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll spill all the tea on how to choose the right scent for your space!
Stay Relit! 🕯✨