Essential vs. Fragrance Oil: Understanding the Difference for Candle Makers

Some candles smell like fresh baked cookies. Others smell like crisp eucalyptus. It all depends on whether essential oils or fragrance oils were used to make the candle. Both types of oils do more than give a candle an aroma. They have unique properties and performance. Understanding the difference between essential oils vs fragrance oils is key to candle making–whether you’re crafting for personal use or building a product line. 

Here's what you need to know.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained from steam distillation or cold pressing. They capture the natural aroma found in flowers, leaves, peels, bark, roots, etc. They’re often used in aromatherapy. 

Essential oils are all-natural and highly sought after for their scent and candle-making potential. But here’s the thing: not all essential oils hold up well in heat. Some fade quickly or behave unpredictably. It’s crucial to know which essential oils perform best if you want to make the most of your candles.

Common Extraction Methods:

• Steam Distillation – Used for most plant materials; it involves heating the plant matter to release vaporized oil.
• Cold Pressing – Mainly for citrus peels like lemon and orange; no heat is used, which helps preserve delicate top notes.

What Are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils are manufactured scents made in a lab using aroma compounds—both synthetic and naturally derived. They may contain essential oils, but they're usually blended with synthetic materials to mimic natural aromas or create entirely new ones you’d never find in nature like, “Birthday Cake” or “Ocean Breeze”.

Because fragrance oils are engineered for performance, they’re designed to maintain a strong, stable scent throughout the life of a candle. They’re also tested for flash point and compatibility with wax types, which gives candle makers more predictability and control during production.

How Are Fragrance Oils Made?

Fragrance oils typically include:

• Aroma Chemicals – These give the oil its distinct scent.
• Solvents or Carriers – These help stabilize and dilute the fragrance to usable levels.
• Essential Oil Blends (optional) – Some fragrance oils include small amounts of natural oils for complexity or realism.

Key Differences Between Essential and Fragrance Oils

Feature	Essential Oils	Fragrance Oils
Source	Naturally derived from plants	Synthetic and/or blended with natural compounds
Scent Range	Limited to what exists in nature	Unlimited, including fantasy scents
Performance in Candles	Unpredictable; may fade or burn off	Strong scent throw, consistent performance
Cost	Usually higher due to extraction process	Generally more affordable and scalable
Safety Considerations	Can be irritating in high concentrations	Formulated for cosmetic and candle use under IFRA guidelines

Are Fragrance Oils Safe to Breathe?

Fragrance oils from reputable suppliers like The Flaming Candle are tested to meet IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards. These standards set maximum usage levels for various applications—including candles—to help minimize risks like skin irritation or hormone disruption. Still, not all noses are created equal. Some people may be sensitive to certain aroma chemicals, so ventilation and label transparency are key when working with any scented candle.

Why Scent Throw Matters in Candle Making

Scent throw—both hot (when lit) and cold (when unlit)—is one of the biggest reasons many makers lean toward fragrance oils. Essential oils often struggle to fill a room with scent unless used in very high concentrations, which can exceed safe usage rates or affect how the candle burns.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are optimized for candle wax. They provide rich, consistent aroma with less oil required. That means better results, less waste, and fewer safety issues during burn.

Can Essential Oils Be Used as Fragrance?

Yes, but with caution. Essential oils can be used in candle making if you understand their limits. Some oils—like citrus or floral types—are delicate and may lose their scent quickly or burn off entirely. Others, like patchouli or cedarwood, are more resilient. If you’re using essential oils:

• Keep fragrance loads low to stay within safe limits.
• Monitor how the oil performs during test burns.
• Pair with hard waxes for better retention.

Which Lasts Longer: Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils

In most cases, fragrance oils have more staying power. Their scent holds up over time, and they resist degradation better than essential oils, which are more volatile and sensitive to heat, light, and oxidation. For shelf stability and long-term scent, fragrance oils win.

What Should Candle Makers Use?

If your priority is a clean-label product with simple, botanical ingredients, essential oils might suit your vision—as long as you can live with a subtler scent. But if you need bold, consistent aroma and wider scent options, fragrance oils are a better tool for the job.

Things to Consider:

• Audience expectations: Are your customers looking for “natural” or “long-lasting”?
• Product use case: Is this a luxury candle, a seasonal launch, or an everyday scent?
• Cost and scalability: Essential oils can get expensive fast in larger batches.
• Performance testing: Always do a burn test before releasing a new formula.

Final Thoughts

The winner between essential oils vs fragrance oils isn’t a matter of which is better—it’s about what fits your product goals. Both have their place in candle making, and many crafters even use blends to strike a balance between natural appeal and performance. Whichever you choose, always source high-quality oils, follow IFRA guidelines, and test your candles thoroughly before sharing them with customers.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, and The Flaming Candle does not make any therapeutic or health-related claims regarding the use of essential or fragrance oils. Always follow proper handling guidelines and test products thoroughly.