Why I don’t use Essential Oils in my Candles.

Essential oils have been known to help people in some ways.

I have been asked several times if my candles contain essential oils, and have told people no I don’t, I use specifically formulated fragrance oils engineered for candle making. Some customers have actually told me that these oils are toxic and not good for you to breathe in. That’s not true.

Putting essential oils in candles is far more dangerous than the fragrances that I use. Here are some reasons why I won’t use essential oils in my candles.

1. **Flammability:** Some essential oils are flammable and may pose a fire hazard if used in higher concentrations or inappropriately. They can contribute to a candle's flammability, increasing the risk of a candle catching fire.

2. **Flash Point:** Each essential oil has a specific flash point, which is the temperature at which it can ignite. When heated in a candle, essential oils with low flash points can ignite more easily, creating a safety concern.

3. **Unpredictable Combustion:** Essential oils, when heated, can vaporise at different rates. This can create uneven combustion or result in the oil igniting if exposed to the candle flame.

4. **Residue and Soot:** Some essential oils might leave residue or produce soot when burned, which can affect the candle's appearance, create buildup in the candle holder, or affect air quality.

5. **Health Concerns:** Burning essential oils can release compounds into the air. While natural, some people might be sensitive or allergic to certain oils. Additionally, incomplete combustion of oils might release harmful substances or irritants into the air.

6. **Impact on Candle Performance:** Essential oils might affect the candle's burn time, scent throw, and overall performance. Some oils might evaporate more quickly, leading to a shorter-lasting fragrance.

7. **Quality and Consistency:** The quality of essential oils can vary widely. Inconsistent quality or impurities in oils can affect the scent, the candle's performance, or even lead to unwanted reactions.

Alternatives to using essential oils in candles include using fragrance oils specifically formulated for candle-making, as they are designed to burn safely and consistently. Fragrance oils are often engineered to meet safety standards, have a controlled flash point, and are tested for their performance in candles.

While essential oils have some great health benefits when used correctly, I definitely advise people to do a little bit more research on candles that contain essential oils, as they may be doing more harm than good.