Essential oils and fragrance oils can both work in candles, but they behave very differently.
Essential oils are natural, heat-sensitive compounds that require careful formulation to perform in wax, while fragrance oils are engineered for stability and stronger scent throw. Most confusion arises when they are treated as interchangeable, they are not.
By Pratyusha Mishra — Founder & Scent Architect, Nura Studios
What are essential oils in candle making?
Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted directly from plants using processes like steam distillation or cold pressing.
In candles, essential oils:
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interact naturally with heat
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release scent gradually
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can lose volatility if overheated
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require controlled wax temperatures and correct wick pairing
They were not originally developed for candles, which makes formulation more technical and less forgiving.
What are fragrance oils in candle making?
Fragrance oils are formulated scent blends designed specifically for products like candles, soaps, and perfumes.
In candles, fragrance oils:
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are more heat stable
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disperse scent more predictably in wax
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deliver stronger, more immediate throw
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allow replication of scents not found naturally
They are not essential oils, even when marketed with “natural-inspired” language.
Do essential oils actually work in candles?
Yes, Essential oils can work in candles when formulated correctly.
However, they require:
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lower pouring temperatures
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realistic oil load levels
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appropriate wick strength
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adequate curing time
When these factors are ignored, the candle may smell weak or burn inconsistently. This is a formulation issue, not a failure of essential oils themselves.
Why do fragrance oil candles usually smell stronger?
Fragrance oil candles often smell stronger because fragrance oils are engineered to release aroma efficiently under heat.
They are designed to:
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bind easily with wax
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remain stable at higher temperatures
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project scent more aggressively
This makes them easier to use, especially for brands prioritising high throw over subtlety.
Why do essential oil candles smell softer?
Essential oil candles typically smell softer because essential oils evaporate gradually and do not flood the air instantly.
This results in:
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a slower scent build-up
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less sharp aroma spikes
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a more ambient experience over time
Many people perceive this as “weak,” when it is simply a different scent behaviour.
Why do many essential oil candles disappoint?
Most underperforming essential oil candles fail due to:
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overheating oils during pouring
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incorrect wick size or material
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unrealistic expectations of throw
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insufficient curing time
Essential oils are sensitive materials. Treating them like fragrance oils leads to disappointing results. We, here at Nura Studios, take deep care and effort in each step to be precisely handled, for the optimal throw, create in house boosted wick with for right amoutn of fire and give atleast 2 weeks of curing time to each batch we produce..
Why some candles use blends instead of only essential oils?
Not all scent profiles exist or perform safely as pure essential oils and also, blended due to its high procurement cost and making cost, which makes it more inefficient for candle making purpose.
For this reason, some candle makers may use fragrance blends for scents such as:
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vanilla
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sandalwood
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coffee
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cocoa
The key issue is not blending itself, but whether this is communicated transparently and formulated responsibly.
How wick choice affects scent performance
Scent throw is not determined by oil alone.
In soy wax candles, wick selection influences:
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melt pool width
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heat distribution
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rate of scent release
Wooden wicks, cotton wicks, and eco-braided systems behave differently and must be matched to both wax and oil type to prevent tunnelling or poor diffusion.
What expectations should buyers realistically have?
Essential oil candles:
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may feel subtler than mass-market candles
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can vary slightly between batches
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are affected by room size, airflow, and usage habits
A larger candle does not automatically mean a stronger scent, and burn behaviour can change in warm or humid Indian climates.
Final clarification
Essential oils and fragrance oils are not interchangeable materials.
The difference is not about which is “better,” but about:
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formulation intent
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technical handling
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honest communication
Understanding this helps buyers choose candles that align with their preferences rather than expectations shaped by marketing claims.