Fragrance Oil vs. Essential Oil - What's the Difference?

As a candle lover, you know that the scent of your candles is just as important as their appearance. But have you ever wondered about the difference between fragrance oil and essential oil? Both are widely used in candle making, but they have some significant differences that can impact their quality and your overall experience. In this blog post, we'll explore these differences to help you make an informed decision about which type of oil to use in your candles.

1. Fragrance Oil

Fragrance oils are synthetic blends that mimic natural scents. They're typically made from a mixture of aroma chemicals, synthetic compounds, and essential oils. Fragrance oils come in a wide variety of scents, and they're relatively inexpensive compared to essential oils.

One of the benefits of fragrance oils is that they offer consistent results across batches. Because they're synthetic, there's no variation in scent from one batch to the next. Fragrance oils also tend to have a stronger scent throw than essential oils, meaning that they can fill a room with fragrance more quickly.

However, fragrance oils do have some downsides. Because they're synthetic blends, they may contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Additionally, some fragrance oils may not be safe for use in candles due to their flashpoints or other factors.

2. Essential Oil

Essential oils are natural plant extracts that are highly concentrated and aromatic. They're typically extracted from leaves, flowers, stems, or roots using steam distillation or cold pressing methods. Essential oils come in a wide variety of scents and are often used for aromatherapy purposes due to their therapeutic properties.

One of the benefits of essential oils is their natural origin. They don't contain synthetic compounds or chemicals that may be harmful to health or environment-friendly than fragrance oil since it is obtained from natural sources. However, they can be quite expensive compared to fragrance oils.

Another factor to consider is that essential oils may vary in scent from one batch to the next depending on factors like the season or location where the plant was grown. Additionally, because essential oils are highly concentrated, they may not have as strong a scent throw as fragrance oils. You may need to use more essential oil in your candles to achieve a similar level of fragrance.

3. When to Use Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil

Both fragrance oil and essential oil have their pros and cons, so it's important to consider your specific needs when choosing which one to use in your candles. If you're looking for consistent results and a strong scent throw, fragrance oil might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer natural scents and want to avoid synthetic compounds altogether, essential oil would be the best choice.

It's also important to note that some fragrances simply aren't available as essential oils. For example, cotton candy or bubblegum scents are typically only available as synthetic fragrance oils.

4. Tips for Using Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil

Whether you choose fragrance oil or essential oil for your candle making needs, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your oils:

• Always follow recommended usage rates for your specific type of oil.
• Choose high-quality oils from reputable suppliers.
• Store your oils in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources.
• Test each batch of oil before using it in large quantities.
• Consider blending different scents together for unique combinations.

Both fragrance oil and essential oil have their benefits and drawbacks when it comes to candle making. Ultimately, the decision of which one to use will depend on your personal preferences and needs. By understanding the differences between these two types of oils and following best practices for their use, you can create candles with beautiful scents and exceptional quality.