Candles are a great way to add ambiance and warmth to any space. But what makes them even better is when they are infused with essential oils. Essential oils not only add a beautiful fragrance to candles but also have therapeutic benefits that can help improve mood and promote relaxation. In this blog post, we will explore candle-making essential oil and how to use them in your candle-making projects.
What are candle-making essential oils?
Candle-making essential oils are highly concentrated oils derived from natural sources, such as plants, flowers, and fruits. They are extracted through a process of steam distillation or cold-pressing and contain the essence and aroma of the plant they are derived from. Essential oils are used in candle-making to add fragrance and therapeutic benefits to the candles.
Why Use Essential Oils in Candle Making?
1. Natural and Non-Toxic
Essential oils are free from synthetic chemicals, making them a safer choice for those seeking all-natural candles.
2. Aromatherapy Benefits
Burning candles with essential oils can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and even enhance focus, depending on the oil you use.
3. Unique and Personal Scents
Essential oils allow you to create custom blends, giving your candles a personal touch.
How to Use Essential Oils in Candle Making
While using essential oils in candles is straightforward, it does require some care to achieve the best results.
1. Choose the Right Essential Oils
- Popular Choices: Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, orange, lemon, and rosemary.
- Blend for Balance: Combine complementary scents for a unique aroma, like lavender and lemon or orange and clove.
2. Add at the Right Temperature
Essential oils are sensitive to heat and can evaporate if added when the wax is too hot. Add them when the wax cools to around 130–150°F (55–65°C).
3. Use the Correct Ratio
- Essential oils are less potent in candles than in diffusers.
- For every 1 pound of wax, use 25–50 drops of essential oil. Experiment to find the scent strength you prefer.
Types of Candle-Making Essential Oils
There are many different types of essential oils that can be used for candle-making, each with its own unique scent and benefits. Some popular essential oils for candle-making include:
- Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular oils used in candle making. It has a calming and soothing effect and is known for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Lavender oil is also a good choice for candles used in bedrooms and bathrooms as it can help create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
- Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a refreshing and invigorating oil that is perfect for candles used in kitchens and living rooms. It has a minty and cool fragrance that can help to improve concentration and focus. Peppermint oil can also be mixed with other oils to create unique and custom fragrances.
- Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is a bright and uplifting oil that is perfect for candles used in home offices and study areas. It has a fresh and citrusy fragrance that can help to boost energy and enhance mental clarity. Lemon oil can also be used to create a clean and fresh scent that can help to neutralize unwanted odors in your home.
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its refreshing properties and ability to promote a clear mind and open airways.
- Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass – is known for its citrusy scent and ability to promote a positive mood and relieve stress.
- Rose essential oil
Rose – is known for its floral scent and ability to promote a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Best Essential Oils for Candle Making
When it comes to candle making, choosing high-quality essential oils can significantly enhance the fragrance and therapeutic benefits of your candles. Here are three of the best essential oils available on Amazon, each offering unique qualities to elevate your candle-making experience.
1. Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Overview: Plant Therapy’s Lavender Essential Oil is a top choice for candle makers due to its calming and versatile fragrance. This oil is steam-distilled from lavender flowers and is 100% pure, undiluted, and therapeutic grade.
Pros:
- High Quality: Plant Therapy is known for its rigorous testing and high standards, ensuring you get a pure and potent product.
- Calming Scent: Lavender is renowned for its relaxing properties, making it perfect for candles intended for relaxation and stress relief.
- Versatility: This oil can be used in various applications beyond candle making, such as in diffusers, bath products, and skincare.
Cons:
- Price: Higher quality often comes with a higher price, and this essential oil is no exception.
- Scent Strength: Some users may find the lavender scent to be strong and may need to use it sparingly.
User Reviews: Customers consistently praise the quality and purity of Plant Therapy’s Lavender Essential Oil. Many users highlight its strong, authentic lavender scent and its effectiveness in promoting relaxation.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking to create calming and therapeutic candles, Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil is an excellent choice. Its high quality and versatile uses make it a valuable addition to any essential oil collection.
2. Radha Beauty Peppermint Essential Oil
Overview: Radha Beauty Peppermint Essential Oil is a 100% pure and natural oil known for its invigorating and refreshing properties. This oil is steam-distilled from peppermint leaves and is free from additives and fillers.
Pros:
- Energizing Scent: Peppermint oil is perfect for creating candles that uplift and energize, making it great for morning or workspace candles.
- High Purity: Radha Beauty ensures a high level of purity, making this oil suitable for therapeutic uses.
- Value for Money: This essential oil offers excellent quality at an affordable price point.
Cons:
- Strong Aroma: The strong peppermint scent might be overwhelming if used in large quantities.
- Cooling Sensation: While great for certain applications, the cooling effect of peppermint oil may not be suitable for all users or all candle purposes.
User Reviews: Users love the invigorating and refreshing scent of Radha Beauty Peppermint Essential Oil. Many appreciate its purity and potency, noting its effectiveness in creating energizing and revitalizing candles.
Final Verdict: For those looking to create candles with an energizing and refreshing aroma, Radha Beauty Peppermint Essential Oil is a fantastic choice. Its high purity and affordable price make it a favorite among candle makers.
3. ArtNaturals Tea Tree Essential Oil
Overview: ArtNaturals Tea Tree Essential Oil is a therapeutic-grade, 100% pure essential oil known for its clean, medicinal scent and various health benefits. This oil is steam-distilled from tea tree leaves and is renowned for its antiseptic and cleansing properties.
Pros:
- Medicinal and Clean Scent: Tea tree oil offers a unique, clean scent that is perfect for creating candles aimed at purifying the air and promoting a clean environment.
- Versatile Uses: Beyond candle making, tea tree oil is highly valued for its use in skincare, haircare, and as a natural cleaning agent.
- Affordability: ArtNaturals provides a high-quality product at a reasonable price, offering great value for money.
Cons:
- Distinctive Aroma: The medicinal scent of tea tree oil may not appeal to everyone and can be overpowering if used excessively.
- Potential Sensitivity: Some individuals may be sensitive to tea tree oil, so it’s important to use it in moderation and test for any reactions.
User Reviews: Customers appreciate the purity and effectiveness of ArtNaturals Tea Tree Essential Oil. The clean and medicinal scent is particularly praised for its use in creating candles that promote a fresh and hygienic atmosphere.
Final Verdict: ArtNaturals Tea Tree Essential Oil is an excellent choice for those looking to create candles with a clean and purifying aroma. Its versatility and affordability make it a valuable addition to any candle maker’s toolkit.
How to Use Essential Oils in Candle Making
While using essential oils in candles is straightforward, it does require some care to achieve the best results.
1. Choose the Right Essential Oils
- Popular Choices: Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, orange, lemon, and rosemary.
- Blend for Balance: Combine complementary scents for a unique aroma, like lavender and lemon or orange and clove.
2. Add at the Right Temperature
Essential oils are sensitive to heat and can evaporate if added when the wax is too hot. Add them when the wax cools to around 130–150°F (55–65°C).
3. Use the Correct Ratio
- Essential oils are less potent in candles than in diffusers.
- For every 1 pound of wax, use 25–50 drops of essential oil. Experiment to find the scent strength you prefer.
Challenges of Using Essential Oils in Candle Making
1. Cost
Essential oils are generally more expensive than fragrance oils, especially for larger candle batches.
2. Scent Throw
Essential oils often have a weaker hot throw (scent when the candle is burning) compared to fragrance oils.
3. Flash Point
Essential oils have specific flash points (the temperature at which they evaporate or burn). Adding oils at the wrong temperature can affect the candle’s scent and safety.
How to use essential oils in candle-making
When using essential oils in candle-making, it is important to use a high-quality, pure essential oil. Start by melting your candle wax and adding your desired amount of essential oil. The recommended ratio is 1 ounce of essential oil per 1 pound of wax. Stir the essential oil into the melted wax thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Tips for using essential oils in candle-making
- Start with a small amount of essential oil and test the fragrance before adding more.
- Choose essential oils that complement each other for a unique and personalized scent.
- Experiment with different essential oil combinations to find your perfect blend.
- Use caution when handling essential oils as they are highly concentrated and can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Essential Oils Alone in Candles?
Yes, but they may not produce as strong of a scent throw as fragrance oils.
2. How Much Essential Oil Should I Use in a Candle?
For a 1-pound batch of wax, 25–50 drops of essential oil is a good starting point.
3. Can I Mix Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils?
Yes, combining the two can give you the benefits of natural oils with the strength of synthetic fragrances.
In conclusion, candle-making essential oils are a great way to add fragrance and therapeutic benefits to your candles. With a wide range of essential oils to choose from, you can create unique and personalized candles that not only look beautiful but also smell amazing. Just remember to use high-quality essential oils, start with a small amount, and have fun experimenting with different blends!
Shop My Favorite Essentials for Candle Making: A Complete Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms
Candle making is a fantastic hobby that allows stay-at-home moms to tap into their creativity, relax, and even start a small business. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, having the right tools and materials is essential. Here’s a list of must-have candle making supplies available on Amazon to get you started. Each item includes a specific product example to make your shopping easier.
1. Wax
Wax is the foundation of any candle. Different types of waxes like soy, beeswax, and paraffin have their unique benefits.
Recommended Product:
- NatureWax C-3 Soy Wax
NatureWax C-3 Soy Wax on Amazon
This all-natural soy wax is perfect for beginners. It provides a smooth finish and excellent scent throw, ideal for container candles.
- Paraffin wax
Blended Waxes, Inc. offers a versatile paraffin wax suitable for various candle-making projects. This wax is fully refined and designed for creating both container and pillar candles, making it a versatile option for different types of candles.
- Palm wa
This palm wax can be used to make many types of candles, including pillars, votives, tapers, and tealights. It can be heated to 180 °F (82 °C). You may choose any fragrance for your candle or leave it unscented.
- Coconut wax
The True Coconut Premium All-Natural Coconut Wax Blend is a game-changer for DIY candle makers seeking a luxurious and eco-friendly option. This wax burns exceptionally clean, delivering an impressive fragrance throw that fills the room without any unpleasant residue. Its soft texture ensures excellent adhesion to glass jars, making it easy to create professional-looking candles.
2. Wicks
Choosing the right wick is crucial for an even burn. Cotton wicks are the most popular, but wood wicks can add a unique crackling sound.
Recommended Product:
- EricX Light 100 Piece Cotton Candle Wicks
EricX Light Candle Wicks on Amazon
These eco-friendly cotton wicks are pre-waxed and come in various sizes, making them perfect for different candle types.
3. Fragrance Oils
To add delightful scents to your candles, fragrance oils are a must. Make sure they are specifically formulated for candle making.
Recommended Product:
- P&J Trading Fragrance Oil Set
P&J Trading Fragrance Oil Set
This set includes a variety of scents like lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood. The oils are highly concentrated, ensuring a long-lasting fragrance.
4. Dye for Candle Coloring
If you want to add color to your candles, go for candle-specific dyes that won’t clog your wick.
Recommended Product:
- Candle Shop Candle Dye Flakes
Candle Dye Flakes
These dye flakes come in a variety of colors and are easy to use. Just a small amount can give you vibrant colors without affecting the candle’s performance.
5. Candle Molds
For creative shapes beyond standard jars, silicone molds are a versatile option.
Recommended Product:
- Cozyours Silicone Candle Molds
Cozyours Silicone Molds
These reusable molds come in various shapes like hearts and stars, perfect for making unique candles.
6. Candle Pouring Pot
A pouring pot is essential for safely melting and pouring your wax. It allows for easy control to prevent spills.
Recommended Product:
- CandleScience Aluminum Pouring Pot
CandleScience Pouring Pot
With a 2-pound capacity, this pouring pot is lightweight, durable, and perfect for handling hot wax.
7. Thermometer
Temperature is key in candle making. A thermometer ensures your wax is at the optimal temperature for adding fragrance and pouring.
Recommended Product:
- KT THERMO Deep Fry Thermometer with Clip
KT THERMO Deep Fry Thermometer
This stainless steel thermometer comes with a clip, making it easy to attach to your melting pot. It provides accurate readings between 50°F and 550°F, perfect for monitoring wax temperature. The large dial display ensures you can easily read the temperature, and the clip keeps it secure during the melting process.
Key Features:
- Temperature Range: 50°F to 550°F (10°C to 290°C)
- Clip Attachment: Securely clips onto the side of your pot for hands-free monitoring
- Large, Easy-to-Read Dial: Clear display for quick temperature checks
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Built to last and easy to clean
This thermometer is versatile and can also be used for cooking, making it a handy tool to have in your kitchen.
8. Heat Gun
A heat gun helps smooth out the tops of candles and fix imperfections like sinkholes.
Recommended Product:
- Chandler Tool Heat Gun
Chandler Tool Heat Gun
This compact heat gun is perfect for candle makers. It features two heat settings and a built-in stand.
9. Candle Labels
For a professional finish, especially if you’re selling your candles, consider using pre-made labels or printable sticker sheets.
Recommended Product:
- Avery Printable Round Labels
Avery Round Labels
These glossy labels are easy to customize and print, giving your candles a professional touch.
10. Candle Containers
Containers like tins, jars, and votives are essential for making container candles.
Recommended Product:
- Accguan 12 Pack Glass Candle Jars with Bamboo Lids
Accguan Glass Candle Jars
These elegant glass jars come with airtight bamboo lids, perfect for preserving the scent of your candles. They have a modern and minimalist design, making them ideal for creating gifts or selling candles. Each jar holds about 7 oz, which is perfect for medium-sized candles.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 12 jars per pack
- Capacity: 7 oz per jar
- Material: High-quality, heat-resistant glass with bamboo lids
- Design: Clear glass for a sleek look, ideal for showcasing candle colors
- Versatile Use: Great for candle making, storage, or home decor
- YIHANG 24 Pack Candle Tins
YIHANG Candle Tins
These tins come with lids and are perfect for travel candles or gift sets. They are durable and reusable.
11. Wick Centering Device
To ensure your wick stays perfectly centered as your candle sets, a centering device is a handy tool.
Recommended Product:
- DINGPAI Adjustable Candle Wick Holders (12-Pack)
DINGPAI Adjustable Wick Holders
These adjustable wick holders are designed to fit various container sizes, making them a versatile choice for candle making. Made from durable stainless steel, they can be adjusted to perfectly center your wick in jars, tins, and other containers. The adjustable arms allow you to secure multiple wick types, whether you’re using cotton or wooden wicks.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 12 holders per pack
- Material: High-quality stainless steel, built to last
- Adjustable Design: Expandable arms to fit containers from 2 inches to 4 inches wide
- Versatility: Suitable for single or double wicks, as well as wood wicks
- Ease of Use: Keeps wicks perfectly centered for an even burn
12. Safety Equipment
Safety should always come first. Protect yourself with gloves, aprons, and safety glasses when working with hot wax.
Recommended Product:
- NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves
NoCry Gloves
These gloves are heat-resistant and protect your hands from hot wax spills and burns.