🕯️ What Are the Benefits of Using Essential Oils in Candle Making (And Why We Don’t Use Them Exclusively)

As a candle maker, one of the most exciting parts of the process is choosing the perfect scent. Fragrance can transform a room, set the mood, and even shift our emotional state. That’s where essential oils often come into the spotlight. They’re natural, plant-based, and packed with wellness benefits. But while they sound like the perfect option for crafting candles, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

Let’s explore the beauty of essential oils in candle making—and why we choose not to use them exclusively in our collection.

🌿 The Benefits of Essential Oils in Candles

1. Aromatherapy & Emotional Wellness

One of the biggest draws of essential oils is their therapeutic qualities. Lighting a candle infused with essential oils can bring about a sense of calm, clarity, or energy—depending on the oil used. Some popular examples include:

• Lavender: Promotes relaxation and better sleep

• Eucalyptus: Clears the mind and sinuses

• Lemon & Orange: Boosts mood and energy

• Peppermint: Enhances focus and mental clarity

This natural aromatherapy can make your candle more than just a scent—it becomes an experience.

2. Natural & Non-Toxic

Essential oils are extracted from real plants, which means they don’t contain the synthetic additives often found in fragrance oils. For those sensitive to artificial ingredients or simply looking to reduce toxins in their space, candles made with essential oils can be a healthier choice.

3. Earthy, Subtle Scent Profiles

Unlike synthetic fragrances, which can sometimes feel overpowering or artificial, essential oils provide a more gentle, earthy aroma. If you love a candle that smells like nature itself—soft, grounding, and real—essential oils shine here.

💡 So... Why Not Go All Essential Oils?

As much as we love what essential oils bring to the table, they’re not always the best or only choice for candle making. Here’s why we choose a balanced approach:

1. Scent Throw Limitations

In candle making, “scent throw” refers to how well a fragrance fills a room. Unfortunately, essential oils often don’t have the same hot throw strength (how the scent travels when the candle is burning) as high-quality fragrance oils. This means the scent might be too light or fade quickly once lit—especially in larger spaces.

2. Cost and Accessibility

Some essential oils are significantly more expensive due to the extraction process. For example, rose essential oil can cost hundreds of dollars per ounce. These prices can make 100% essential oil candles cost-prohibitive for both makers and customers.

3. Stability in Heat

Not all essential oils are heat stable. Some break down at high temperatures or even pose a risk of being flammable at certain concentrations. This can affect the safety, performance, and shelf life of the candle.

4. Limited Scent Variety

Essential oils are derived from plants, so you're limited to what exists in nature. If you’re looking for scents like pumpkin spice, birthday cake, or ocean breeze, those are typically made with synthetic or blended fragrance oils. Using only essential oils would mean sacrificing creative freedom and the ability to craft fun, unique blends.

✨ Our Balanced Approach

At Enchanted Wik Candle Co. & Bar, we use a blend of essential oils and premium, phthalate-free fragrance oils. This way, we get the best of both worlds:

• The natural aromatherapy benefits of essential oils

• The reliable scent throw, variety, and performance of safe fragrance oils

We’re committed to using clean ingredients that smell amazing and feel good to burn. It's all about creating candles that elevate your space and your mood—without compromise.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils bring a beautiful, natural element to candle making—but going 100% essential isn’t always practical, safe, or sustainable. We believe in transparency, quality, and scent experiences that make you feel something special. Whether you're here for calm lavender nights or cozy caramel vibes, we’re here to light the way. 🕯️💛