What is a Fragrance Oil? (And Why We Use Them Instead of Essential Oils in Candles)
When shopping for candles, you may notice terms like fragrance oils or essential oils and wonder what the difference really is. At Vidas Wax Works, we're committed to creating clean, non-toxic candles that fill your home with long lasting scent. That's why we use fragrance oils instead of essential oils in our candles, and here's why.
What is a Fragrance Oil?
A fragrance oil is a carefully crafted blend of natural and synthetic aromatic ingredients designed to capture a specific scent. Fragrance oils can be created to mimic aromas that don't naturally exist as oils, like fresh linen, sea salt, or mountain air.
Fragrance oils are also specifically formulated to be stable in products like candles, soaps, and perfumes, making them the ideal choice for home fragrance.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) defines fragrance as being "made by combining ingredients in carefully measured amounts. Some ingredients come from nature — like flowers, spices, or fruits. Others are made by scientists to create new or longer-lasting scents."
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils in Candles
Essential oils are pure plant extracts, which are great for uses like aromatherapy, skincare, or diffusers. However, in my opinion, they aren't always the best fit for candles and here's why:
- Heat sensitivity: Essential oils often break down when exposed to high heat, meaning the scent fades quickly during burning.
- Limited Scent Throw: Essential oils don't always carry well through a room, especially larger spaces.
- Smaller Scent Options: While essential oils capture beautiful plant based aromas, the variety is limited compared to fragrance oils.
This doesn't mean essential oils are "bad." They're just not designed specifically for candles. Fragrance oils on the other hand, are created for candle making and that's where they truly shine.
Why We Use Fragrance Oils in Our Candles
At Vidas Wax Works, every candle is poured with intention and care. Here's why fragrance oils are the best choice for our non-toxic candles:
- They're Made for Candles: Fragrance oils are designed to withstand heat and provide excellent hot throw (the scent you smell while a candle is burning) and cold throw (the scent you smell before lighting).
- They Offer Endless Variety: From fresh citrus blends to cozy woods, fragrance oils give us the freedom to create exclusive, in-house scent blends that refelect moods, seasons, and memories.
- They're Safe When Carefully Chosen: Not all fragrance oils are created equal. That's why we only use phthalate-free fragrance oils that meet IFRA safety standards. Your health and peace of mind matter just as much as the fragrance experience.
Phthalates and Candle Safety
One of the biggest concerns people have about fragrance oils is the use of phthalates which are a group of chemicals sometimes added to fragrance oils to prolong scent. Research has linked certain phthalates to health risks, which is why they're not something we allow in our candles.
Every candle we create is made with high quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils blended with our natural wax blend of beeswax and soy wax.
The Heart of it All
Fragrance oils allow us to do what essential oils can't: create long lasting and unique candles that truly fill your space with comfort, joy, and warmth. While essential oils will always have their place, fragrance oils are the key to a candle that performs beautifully every single time you light it.