Imagine lighting a homemade candle and the room filling with the subtle, fresh scent of real plants instead of a heavy cloud of perfume. Many makers dream of making 100% natural candles with essential oils. It sounds like the perfect scenario, but in practice, novice candle makers often run into disappointments. Maybe you can barely smell the candle when it burns, or the flame burns erratically.
Working with essential oils in candles is a skill in itself. Unlike fragrance oils, which are specifically designed for stable performance in hot wax, essential oils are volatile, living products. You need to know exactly how to use these natural powerhouses safely and effectively for successful results.
The difference between essential oil and fragrance oil
Before you start pouring, it is crucial to understand that essential oils behave very differently than the synthetic varieties. The choice between fragrance oils versus essential oils often revolves around a trade-off between pure nature and fragrance strength. Fragrance oils are designed in a laboratory to bind well to waxes, such as kerosene or soy wax, and to provide a strong scent during burning, also known as the hot throw.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are pure plant extracts. They are often much more volatile, which means that at high temperatures they evaporate or change their fragrance profile more quickly. As you can read in our information on fragrance oils in candles, fragrance oils are often more stable, but lack the therapeutic properties that you do find in essential oils. If you opt for pure nature, you need to take extra consideration of the oil’s flash point and density.
Which essential oils work well in candles?
Not every essential oil is suitable for burning. Some delicate floral oils simply burn before they can release fragrance, while heavy resins can clog the wick. For candle makers, flash point is an important indicator of volatility. If you add an oil with a low flash point to wax that is too hot, much of the fragrance evaporates directly into the air. Instead, the goal is for the fragrance to be retained in the candle.
Citrus oils such as lemon, orange and bergamot usually have a lower flash point, often around 60-65°C. They smell wonderfully fresh, but dissipate quickly if the wax is too hot. Woody and resinous oils, such as cedar, patchouli and frankincense (incense), act as base notes. They are more stable and last longer while burning. A clever maker often combines a volatile top note with a stable base note for best results.
Here are some popular essential oils that work well in candles, ranging from fresh top notes to deep base notes such as soothing Frankincense, powerful Rosemary, fresh Bergamot and the spicy notes of Sage and Aniseed:
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Dosage and processing
A common mistake is thinking that more oil automatically means more fragrance. Too much essential oil can destabilize the wax structure, causing the candle to “sweat. Oil then floats on top of the wax, which can lead to unsafe flames. For most types of
Because essential oils are sensitive to heat, add them later than you are used to with synthetic fragrance oils. Melt your wax and remove the pan from the heat. Wait until the temperature has dropped to about 60-65°C, depending on your type of wax. Only then add the oil and stir gently but thoroughly for at least two minutes. This ensures that the oil binds to the wax molecules without immediately evaporating. You can read more about this in our article on long-lasting candle scents.
After pouring, patience is essential. Especially with natural waxes such as soy and beeswax, the candle must “mature” or cure for at least 1 to 2 weeks. During this process, the oil diffuses fully through the crystalline structure of the wax, allowing for better burning and fragrance release.
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Safety and guidelines
Just because a product is natural does not automatically mean it is always safe. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances. For candle makers, the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) is the guide. Candles fall under Category 12. These standards allow you to use only a maximum percentage of certain oils to avoid safety risks. Although the limit for Category 12 is often generous because there is no direct skin contact, the fragrance can still cause respiratory irritation when burned.
Also be careful with pets. Some essential oils can be toxic to cats and dogs if suspended in the air in high concentrations. Always provide good ventilation when burning candles.
Choosing the right wick and container
Essential oils can affect the viscosity, or thickness, of the melted wax. You must adjust your wick accordingly. A heavy, resinous oil can make a standard cotton wick clog faster. Wooden candle wicks are a popular choice for natural candles. They often have a slightly more powerful burn that works well with heavier oils and give that cozy crackling sound. In addition, make sure you have a safe glass container that will tolerate the heat well and is wide enough for your chosen wick.
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Getting started step by step
When you are ready to make your first essential oil candle, you follow a process that requires precision. You begin by melting the wax au bain-marie. While the wax melts, secure the wick in your container. The most important moment is adding the fragrance: accurately measure your essential oil by weight, not volume. Let the melted wax cool to the appropriate addition point, usually around 60-65°C, before adding the oil. Gently stir the oil into the wax for at least two minutes to ensure proper binding. Pour the mixture into the container, center the wick and allow the candle to solidify for at least 24 hours. After that, remember to let the candle harden for 1 to 2 weeks for best results.
Want to dive deeper into the details of the casting process? Then read our guide on how to make a container candle. Making candles with essential oils takes some experimentation, but once you find your perfect recipe, the rewards are great. Start with simple, safe oils and keep a log of your temperatures and ratios.
Browse our full range for candle making and discover which natural scents suit you.
