Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils: Which Is Better for Candles?
Choosing the right candle isn’t just about picking your favourite scent—it’s about understanding what goes into the candle and how it affects your experience at home. One of the most important decisions is whether to select candles made with fragrance oils or those scented with pure essential oils. Each option brings its own unique benefits and considerations, from scent strength to wellness properties and even safety.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between fragrance oils and essential oils in candle-making. You’ll learn how each is made, how they perform, what to watch for on ingredient labels, and how to select the best candle for your needs—whether you’re looking for a powerful room-filling aroma or a gentle, natural fragrance to support relaxation and wellbeing.
🔎 Table of Contents
- Understanding the Difference Between Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils in Candle-Making
- How Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils Are Made
- Essential Oil Candles vs. Fragrance Oil Candles: At a Glance
- Our Essential Oil Candle Collection
- Are Essential Oils Safer Than Fragrance Oils?
- Why Do Some Fragrance Oil Candles Cause Headaches or Dizziness?
- Why Are Essential Oil Candles More Expensive?
- How to Choose High-Quality Candles Beyond Just the Fragrance
- Frequently Asked Questions: Fragrance Oil vs. Essential Oil Candles
- Final Thoughts
🕯️ Understanding the Difference Between Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils in Candle-Making
When it comes to choosing between fragrance oils and essential oils for your candles, it's essential to understand their differences. The choice affects not only the scent but also the quality, benefits, and overall experience. Fragrance oils are synthetic, offering a wide variety of scents, while essential oils are natural and extracted from plants, providing added aromatherapy benefits. Let’s explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🛢️ How Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils Are Made
What’s Really Inside? Ingredient Breakdown
Fragrance Oils:
- Made in laboratories using a mix of synthetic aroma chemicals, fixatives, and solvents (like phthalates or alcohol).
- Sometimes include a touch of natural extracts, but the main scent is synthetic.
- Designed to mimic a huge range of fragrances—including ones that don’t occur naturally.
- Provide a strong, long-lasting scent for candles and home fragrance.
Essential Oils:
- Extracted from real plants via steam distillation or cold pressing.
- Contain only pure, natural plant compounds—no added synthetics, fixatives, or colorants.
- Each oil delivers the true aroma and wellness properties of the plant.
- Ideal for those seeking pure fragrance and natural aromatherapy benefits.
Key Takeaway:
- Fragrance oils are synthetic blends made for intense, varied scents.
- Essential oils are pure, natural, and perfect for those who want authentic aroma and wellness effects.
Looking to experience the pure benefits of essential oils for yourself? Try our Lavender Essential Oil, steam-distilled from lavender grown right here on our New Zealand farm. Perfect for aromatherapy, diffusers, DIY candle making, or simply adding a calming touch to your daily routine.
🕯️ Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils in Candle-Making
Scent Throw:
- Fragrance Oils tend to produce a stronger and longer-lasting scent.
- Essential Oils provide a more subtle, natural fragrance that can be gentler but still effective.
Aromatherapy Benefits:
- Essential Oils offer therapeutic properties that can promote relaxation, improve mood, and reduce stress. They are ideal for those looking to enhance their environment with a wellness boost.
Ingredients:
- Essential Oils are 100% natural, while fragrance oils may contain synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation for some individuals.
🕯️ Essential Oil Candles vs. Fragrance Oil Candles: At a Glance
| Feature | Essential Oil Candles | Fragrance Oil Candles |
|---|---|---|
| Source | 100% natural plant extracts | Synthetic or blend of synthetic & natural |
| Scent | Subtle, authentic, true-to-plant | Strong, diverse, mimics any scent |
| Aromatherapy | Yes—therapeutic benefits | No—mainly for scent |
| Longevity of Scent | Milder, may fade faster | Longer-lasting scent throw |
| Variety | Limited to plant oils | Almost unlimited options |
| Potential Sensitivities | Lower risk (some exceptions) | Higher risk (synthetics/allergies) |
| Ingredients | No artificial additives | May contain phthalates/solvents |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
| Eco/Health Impact | Biodegradable, non-toxic if pure | Varies—high quality safe, low quality polluting |
| Label Transparency | Should list plant oils only | Can be vague—may just say “fragrance” |
| Best For | Wellness, sensitive users, aromatherapy | Strong scent, variety, designer fragrances |
🕯️ Our Essential Oil Candle Collection
At Lavender Backyard Garden, we never use synthetic fragrance oils—only pure essential oils for authentic, safe aromatherapy.
Votive Size Soy Candles:
- Lavender Soy Candle: Classic, calming, perfect for daily relaxation.
- Rosemary & Lavender Soy Candle: Herbaceous and uplifting.
Premium Coconut Wax Candles:
- Classic Lavender Coconut Candle: Extra creamy, slow-burning, elegant.
- Musky Lavender + Patchouli Coconut Candle: Earthy, sensual, and grounding.
- Wild Lavender + Vetiver Coconut Candle: Fresh, wild, and tranquil.
👉 Shop all our essential oil candles → View Collection
🚫 Are Essential Oils Safer Than Fragrance Oils?
While it’s tempting to assume "natural" means "safer," both fragrance oils and essential oils can be safe when used properly. The key is to choose high-quality ingredients:
Low-Quality Fragrance Oils:
- Some cheap synthetic fragrance oils may contain harmful chemicals that can cause headaches or respiratory issues when burned.
Premium Fragrance Oils:
- These are formulated to be safe for candle use, free of harmful toxins.
Essential Oils:
- Generally safer for those sensitive to synthetic fragrances, but some oils can still cause allergic reactions, so always check the ingredients.
😵 Why Do Some Fragrance Oil Candles Cause Headaches or Dizziness?
Have you ever lit a candle and found yourself with a headache or feeling lightheaded? This can happen—especially with candles made from low-quality or synthetic fragrance oils.
Possible causes:
- Synthetic Additives: Some cheap fragrance oils contain phthalates, parabens, or other chemicals that may irritate the respiratory system or trigger sensitivities.
- Overpowering Scent: High concentrations of synthetic fragrance can be overwhelming in small or poorly ventilated rooms.
- Poor Airflow: Burning any candle in a stuffy space may increase the risk of discomfort.
What can you do?
- Choose candles made with pure, high-quality essential oils or premium fragrance oils labeled phthalate-free.
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid candles with “mystery” ingredients or very strong artificial scents if you’re sensitive.
At Lavender Backyard Garden, we only use natural essential oils and carefully sourced ingredients for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
💸 Why Are Essential Oil Candles More Expensive?
The cost of essential oil candles is often higher due to the intensive extraction process of essential oils, which are derived from natural sources like flowers, leaves, and bark. A larger quantity of oil is required to achieve the desired fragrance, which increases the cost.
However, be cautious—some candles labeled as “essential oil candles” may still contain synthetic additives. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you're getting a truly natural product.
🌟 Both Essential Oil and Fragrance Oil Candles Smell Amazing!
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to candle preferences. Many candle makers blend both fragrance oils and essential oils to create unique, custom scents. Whether you opt for fragrance oils or essential oils, high-quality ingredients are essential for a lasting and pleasant aroma.
🔑 How to Choose High-Quality Candles Beyond Just the Fragrance
When selecting candles, the fragrance is just one factor. Here are a few other things to consider to ensure you're buying a top-quality candle:
Wax Type:
- Opt for clean-burning waxes like soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax, which burn longer and produce less soot compared to paraffin wax.
Wick Quality:
- Choose candles with cotton wicks or wood wicks for a clean, even burn.
Fragrance Load:
- Higher fragrance concentrations can enhance scent throw, but be mindful that they may impact the burn quality if the wax isn’t suited for it.
By considering these factors, you can enjoy a better candle experience that lasts longer and smells great.
🔥 Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick summary of the differences to help you decide which type of candle is right for you:
- Fragrance oils are synthetic, offer a stronger scent, and come in a wide variety of fragrances.
- Essential oils are natural, provide aromatherapy benefits, and have a subtler, more authentic fragrance.
- Low-quality fragrance oils may contain harmful chemicals, while high-quality fragrance oils are safe and long-lasting.
- Essential oil candles are typically more expensive due to the natural extraction process.
- Both oils can be blended to create unique, high-quality candles that suit your personal preferences.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Fragrance Oil vs. Essential Oil Candles
Q: What’s the main difference between fragrance oils and essential oils in candles?
A: Fragrance oils are lab-created to offer a wide variety of strong scents. Essential oils are extracted from plants and provide authentic aromas with natural wellness benefits.
Q: Are essential oil candles safer than fragrance oil candles?
A: Both can be safe when made with quality ingredients and used as directed. If you have sensitivities, choose pure essential oil candles and check for transparent labelling.
Q: Can essential oil candles really provide aromatherapy benefits?
A: Yes, only candles made with pure essential oils can deliver true aromatherapy effects, such as relaxation or mood-lifting properties.
Q: Why do essential oil candles cost more?
A: Extracting essential oils from plants is a labour-intensive process, and more oil is needed to achieve a pleasant scent in candles, making them pricier than fragrance oil candles.
Q: Do fragrance oil candles smell stronger or last longer?
A: Fragrance oils usually provide a stronger and longer-lasting scent throw compared to essential oils.
Q: How can I tell if a candle labeled “essential oil” is truly natural?
A: Always check the ingredient list—some candles marketed as “essential oil candles” may still include synthetic additives.
Q: What else should I look for in a high-quality candle?
A: Opt for clean-burning waxes (like soy or coconut), natural wicks (cotton or wood), and transparent ingredient lists for a safer, longer-lasting candle.
Q: Can I blend fragrance oils and essential oils in candles?
A: Yes, many candle makers combine both to create unique, custom scents with a balance of strength and natural aroma.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right candle goes beyond fragrance—it’s about creating a healthy, comforting space you love. Whether you’re drawn to the subtle, authentic scents of pure essential oils or want to explore the benefits of plant-based living, our candles offer a natural way to enhance your home and well-being.
Ready to bring more natural lavender goodness into your daily routine?
Explore our full Lavender Body & Home collection for handcrafted candles, soothing self-care, and home essentials—all inspired by the beauty of our farm.
