One of the most common questions I receive as a candle maker is:
“Why don’t you use essential oils in all your candles?”

It’s a great question—and one that deserves an honest, informed answer. While I do use essential oils in some of my blends, the truth is: using only essential oils in candles isn’t always better, safer, or healthier. Let’s explore why.

💡 Myth: Essential Oils Are the “Healthiest” Option

We’ve all heard the phrase “natural is better.” But when it comes to candles, natural doesn’t always mean safe or effective.
Here’s the truth:

• Some essential oils are flammable and can combust when exposed to high heat or an open flame—posing a serious fire risk.

• Oils like cinnamon, clove, or citrus may not be skin-safe or suitable for open-air diffusion in high concentrations.

• Pet owners, take note: many essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, or wintergreen) can be toxic to dogs and cats. Always consult your vet before burning any scented product around pets.

🔬 Science and Safety Over Hype

Every fragrance I use is selected with safety and performance in mind.
Here’s a peek behind the curtain:

• I review IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards for each oil to ensure it’s approved for candle use. I also use this document for each and every fragrance oil to review the different categories in each application (lotion, soap, perfume, reed diffusers, room sprays etc). There are maximum usage rates allowable for different categories in each fragrance.

• I read Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to check for allergen content, flashpoints, and safe usage levels.

• Each scent is tested rigorously before ever making it to your home—burn tests, flame behavior, scent throw, timing, and more.

I don’t just pour wax and cross my fingers—I treat each candle like a small science experiment rooted in care.

🍪 Essential Oils Can’t Do It All

There are so many beautiful scents in the world—vanilla cupcakes, fresh-baked bread, toasted marshmallows, cotton candy, library books...

Here’s the catch: you can’t get those smells from essential oils.
They’re made possible by safe, lab-created aroma molecules that replicate beloved scents we know and love. These fragrance oils allow us to explore entire scent families that nature simply can’t offer us on its own—especially gourmand or fantasy fragrances.

And don’t worry: fragrance oils don’t mean “toxic.”
High-quality fragrance oils are often more stable, tested, and controlled for allergens and safe use. In many cases, they’re actually safer and more consistent than unregulated essential oils.

🌹 The Environmental and Ethical Impact

Did you know it takes about 10,000 pounds of rose petals to make just one pound of rose essential oil? That’s a massive environmental footprint. Some natural oils require rare plants or resource-intensive harvesting practices that harm ecosystems and biodiversity.

Synthetics aren’t the enemy—in fact, they often offer a more sustainable, ethical alternative without sacrificing quality or safety.

❤️ At the End of the Day…

My goal is always to craft candles that are:

• Safe to use

• Joyful to smell

• Thoughtfully tested
  

Whether I’m using essential oils, fragrance oils, or a blend of both, I approach every product with care, transparency, and your wellbeing in mind.

So the next time you see “fragrance” listed in your candle, rest assured—behind that label is a maker who’s done the research, testing, and due diligence to bring you a safe, beautiful experience.

Got questions? I’m always happy to chat more. I believe in empowering you with the knowledge to feel good about what you’re bringing into your home.