When it comes to candles, many assume that those made with essential oils are the "healthier" or more natural choice. However, this isn't as straightforward as it seems. While essential oils are great in diffusers, using them in candles is a different story. Here’s why we don't use pure essential oils for our candles and why we recommend you think twice before buying such products.
Burning Essential Oils Diminishes Benefits and Can Be Toxic
Essential oils lose their intended therapeutic benefits when exposed to high heat. A flame burns at much higher temperatures than a diffuser, causing oils to break down chemically. Some essential oils can even become harmful when burned. For example:
- Eucalyptus oil can release toxic compounds when heated.
- Citrus oils like lemon and orange may irritate airways or release potentially harmful substances like formaldehyde when exposed to open flames.
You can find more about which essential oils become toxic when burnt in this article.
Essential Oils Are Not Environmentally Sustainable
Producing essential oils requires vast amounts of organic material. For example, it takes about 10,000 roses to extract just 1 ounce of rose essential oil. This demand places enormous strain on natural resources, making essential oils less sustainable than they appear. As a brand that cares about the environment, we aim to reduce our ecological footprint—which is another reason why we avoid using pure essential oils in our candles.
Essential Oils Make Candles Unaffordable
Because essential oils are expensive to produce, candles made with them often come with a hefty price tag. This makes them inaccessible to most customers. We believe luxury doesn't have to mean unaffordable, and that beautiful scents can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
Why We Use Fragrance Oils Instead
We carefully choose fragrance oils from trusted suppliers who ensure their products are non-toxic and free from parabens and phthalates. Our fragrance oils are safe to burn and just as delightful to smell, offering a premium scent experience without the risks or costs associated with essential oils.
Why We Are Cautious About Candles Marketed with Essential Oils
We don't fully trust businesses that promote candles made solely with essential oils. In our humble opinion, this demonstrates:
Lack of professionalism – They may not be aware of the toxic risks when burning essential oils.
Unsustainable practices – Their products can have a high environmental impact.
Unnecessary costs – They pass expensive raw material costs to consumers without delivering any added value.
Final Thoughts: Choose Thoughtfully
When shopping for candles, don't get distracted by buzzwords like “organic” or “natural.” Instead, take the time to research the ingredients and the brand's values. Look for products that truly align with your beliefs. At the end of the day, a good candle is about more than just scent—it should reflect your values, sustainability, and safety.
We hope this article helps you make more informed decisions about the candles you choose to bring into your space. Happy candle shopping! 🕯️