Whether you’re making homemade soap or pouring your first candle, choosing between fragrance oils and essential oils can affect how the final product works, smells and even how safe it is. Both are popular ways to add a nice scent, but they differ in composition, how they work in your recipes and how long they last.
The main differences between essential and fragrance oils, their use in soap and candle making, and how to choose the best one for your project are all covered in this guide.
What is a fragrance oil?
Aromatic blends, called fragrance oils, are used to produce certain scents. Unlike essential oils, which come from plants, fragrance oils can be made using synthetic, natural or a combination of aromatic compounds. Their adaptability allows them to mimic complex scents not naturally found in essential oils, such as cotton blossom, vanilla latte and sea breeze. Most high-quality fragrance oils, such as those from YouWish, are made specifically for use in candles and cosmetics and are phthalate-free and safe for the skin. Fragrance oils are often a better choice if you want to try different scents or if consistency of batch is important.
Fragrance oils are valued for their control and consistency, in addition to their versatility. Because they are made in the laboratory, they maintain the same fragrance profile every time you use them, regardless of season, batch or production size. They are therefore perfect for manufacturers who need consistent results for large batches and who sell soaps and candles professionally. You can create signature blends with fragrance oils that never go out of style, giving your customers a reliable sensory experience every time they open a jar or unwrap a bar of soap.
Want to try new blends? You can easily explore the possibilities and buy fragrance oils to make candles, soaps or diffusers from YouWish’s carefully curated collection.
What is an essential oil?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts made by solvent extraction, steam distillation or cold pressing. Think tea tree, eucalyptus or lavender; they contain the natural essence and healing properties of plants. When used correctly, they offer wellness benefits such as invigoration and relaxation in addition to fragrance.
Because of their natural and unrefined nature, essential oils can vary slightly from batch to batch, depending on climate, soil and harvesting conditions. Their inherent diversity adds to their appeal, but it also means they must be carefully incorporated into formulations.
Essential oils not only have wonderful scents, but also give your creations authenticity by connecting them to nature. Their holistic appeal, making soaps and candles that promote mindfulness and well-being, makes them a popular choice among manufacturers. However, respect is also needed for their strength, as each essential oil has different chemical properties that affect strength, solubility and possible skin reactions. By being aware of these subtleties, you can create natural, safe and effective products. If you plan to buy essential oils for your soap or candle projects, make sure you choose reliable sources that provide information on purity, safety data and usage guidelines.
The main differences between fragrance oils and essential oils
The difference between essential oils and fragrance oils goes beyond their origins, even though both are used to perfume candles and soap. Let’s take a closer look at them and discover what to look for when you want to buy essential oils for your next project.
Source and compilation
- Fragrance oils are made in a laboratory. By combining natural and synthetic molecules, they can create a wider variety of scents, from gourmand scents to fruity blends.
- Essential oils are completely natural. They are extracted directly from plants, flowers, fruits or resins, without the need for chemical replication.
This difference makes essential oils suitable for those who prefer all-natural products, while fragrance oils offer more flexibility and creative freedom for complex scent profiles.
Odor variation and stability
- Almost any scent can be imitated with fragrance oils. Their flexibility makes them perfect for soap and candle makers looking for distinctive scents, whether they are using clean linen or freshly baked cookies.
- Essential oils evaporate and fade faster over time and their scent spectrum is more limited.
Fragrance oil used to make soap tends to hold its aroma longer after curing. It is also more resistant to heat when poured and burned in candles. Conversely, essential oils offer more delicate, organic scents that may not last as long, but are appealing to those seeking authenticity.
Therapeutic benefits
Natural properties associated with aromatherapy, such as promoting concentration or relaxation, may be present in essential oils. Despite their pleasant scent, fragrance oils are used primarily for their fragrance and have no medicinal benefits.
Essential oils may be a better choice when making wellness-oriented products, such as bath oils or massage candles. However, always consider possible sensitivities and safe use limits before using them.
Performance in soap making
High pH, saponification heat and curing time are special challenges in soap making. During this process, some essential oils, especially delicate citrus or floral oils, may change or fade. However, to maintain fragrance stability, fragrance oils are tested specifically for melt and pour soap and cold-pressed soap.
Always check the recommended usage dosage and flash point (the temperature at which fragrance evaporates) before using fragrance oils. YouWish’s fragrance oils contain extensive information to help you get reliable, long-lasting fragrance results. For example, in cold-pressed soap, lavender fragrance oil produces a more consistent aroma than pure lavender essential oil.
Performance in candle making
Heat stability is essential when making candles. During melting and molding, essential oils can lose their aroma because they are sensitive to high temperatures. In contrast, fragrance is retained from the first burn to the last because fragrance oils are made to withstand heat.
Fragrance oils often offer better scent performance in both hot and cold temperatures if you like to experiment with scent diffusion, or how strong a candle smells when it burns. This is why it is the preferred choice of experienced candle makers.
Tip: You can buy fragrance oils from YouWish that have been tested for both soy wax and kerosene candles, so you can always be assured of perfect scent diffusion.
Which one should you choose?
There is no absolute winner in the discussion between fragrance oil and essential oil; it all depends on your goals, values and the type of product you want to make.
| Purpose or preference | Best choice | Why |
| Long-lasting fragrance in candles | Fragrance Oil | Remains stable and odor resistant at higher temperatures |
| Natural and herbal ingredients | Essential oil | 100% sourced from nature |
| Wide variety of fragrances and affordability | Fragrance Oil | Wide choice and more economical to use |
| Focus on aromatherapy or wellness | Essential oil | Offers natural, relaxing properties |
| Consistent results in soap making | Fragrance Oil | Retains fragrance well during curing |
Many manufacturers actually use both: fragrance oil to make the scent more complex or longer smelling, and essential oil for the base notes.
Tips for using fragrance and essential oils in your creations
One of the best things about soap and candle making is working with essential and fragrance oils. Any combination you make can take an ordinary product to the next level. But you need some skill, precision and knowledge about how these oils work to find the perfect scent balance. Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of both.
Measure carefully and know your limits
Accurate measurement is super important when using essential or fragrance oils. Using too much can lead to irritation, poor curing or smoking candles, while using too little can cause your scent to be barely perceptible. Always make sure you use the right amount of soap, wax or cosmetic.
Candles, for example, can tolerate up to 8-10% fragrance, depending on the type of wax, while cold-pressed soap typically uses 3-5%. According to IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines, each essential oil or fragrance oil has a unique “maximum safe use percentage.” By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your creations are safe for your skin and have a wonderful fragrance.
Understand temperature control
How your scent adheres to soap or wax depends on the temperature. Your essential oil may evaporate before it is poured if your wax is too hot, reducing the scent. Also, soap may start to separate or discolor if fragrance oil is added too late in the process.
About 60 to 65 °C is the best temperature for adding fragrance to candles; it is warm enough to blend evenly, but cool enough to maintain fragrance. To avoid acceleration or clumping, do not add oil to cold-pressed soap until the mixture has reached a light trace.
Experiment with mixing
Some of the most enchanting scents come from creative blends of fragrance oils and essential oils. Try mixing a strong base note with a light top note to achieve depth and character. For example:
- Combine lavender essential oil with vanilla fragrance oil for a soothing, creamy scent.
- Combine orange essential oil with cinnamon fragrance oil for a festive candle scent.
- Mix peppermint essential oil with chocolate fragrance oil for a fun holiday-inspired soap.
Start small; even test batches of 10 ml can help you discover unique combinations before pouring larger quantities. Keep a simple scent journal to record ratios and impressions so you can recreate your favorites.
Test before you scale up
Each base has its own unique behavior. A fragrance oil that smells strong in soy wax may react differently in beeswax or kerosene. Similarly, if you add lye to
This method allows you to refine your formulas and save materials so that each soap or candle you make smells as wonderful as you want it to.
Creating a signature scent: inspiration for blending
Blending fragrances is one of the most creative and personal aspects of soap and candle making. Your imagination takes the lead here: you combine oils, test ratios and discover that one perfect scent that’s just right for you. Whether you choose fragrance oils for their stability and wide range, or essential oils for their natural character – blending is the step that turns a pleasant scent into an unforgettable experience. Many makers begin buying fragrance oil or buying essential oil to experiment and create their own unique scent combinations.
Think about what feeling or memory you want to evoke before you start mixing. What do you prefer: light and refreshing, like a walk in spring, or warm and sentimental, like a cozy evening by the fireplace? Your decisions are influenced by the story you want to convey with your fragrance. Eucalyptus essential oil and sea breeze fragrance oil, for example, feel pure, clean and invigorating, while orange essential oil and vanilla fragrance oil can mimic the cozy smell of freshly baked cookies.
The fragrance pyramid, which shows how a fragrance develops over time, can be used to create a balanced composition.
- Top notes are what you smell first; they are fresh, bright and volatile, like citrus or mint.
- Heart notes give body and warmth; they can be floral, spicy or herbal.
- Base notes provide depth and longevity; think wood, musk and resin.
For a soft romantic heart, you can mix rose oil with jasmine oil if you like floral scents. Cedarwood oil and amber oil can be combined to create a soothing, earthy blend that is more grounding. You will learn how different oils behave in each combination, including which ones balance the composition, which blend well and which dominate.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
V1. Can essential oils and fragrance oils be combined?
Yes, by combining the two you can create distinctive, layered scents that give a more nuanced feel. To find the ideal balance, start with small amounts and note the proportions.
V2. Which lingers longer: essential oil or fragrance oil?
In general, fragrance oils last longer and retain their potency over time. The natural scent of essential oils may not last as long, but it feels more authentic.
V3. Is it always safer to use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Not always. When used correctly and in accordance with IFRA guidelines, both are safe; however, overuse of essential oils can cause irritation.
V4. Can I make soap and candles with the same oil?
Certain oils, especially multi-use oils, work super well in both. Always check the IFRA use rates and flash points before incorporating them into your recipes.
V5. How do I determine what to buy?
Choose fragrance oil for consistent, strong scents, or buy essential oil if you prefer natural, plant-based flavors. Many makers choose to experiment and mix both, especially when they start buying fragrance oils to find the right balance.
Conclusion: finding your perfect scent
Both have something unique to offer for your creations, whether you are more drawn to the boundless creativity of fragrance oils or the inherent simplicity of essential oils. The important thing is how the scent comes across to you and how it connects to the story you want to convey with your soap or candle.
Experimenting with scents is fun for both novice and experienced makers. If you start with small amounts, take notes and trust your senses, you will eventually develop your own scent style and confidence as a maker.
Browse YouWish’s full range of essential oils and fragrance oils to find the ideal scent for your next project.
