The Danger of Essential Oils in Candle Making
Why avoid essential oils in making scented candles?
Essential oils are often associated with natural, beneficial products and used in wellness contexts. However, when it comes to incorporating them into candles, several issues arise, both in terms of safety and olfactory performance. This article will explain why, despite their natural appeal, essential oils are not suitable for creating scented candles .
CMR substances in essential oils: an unsuspected danger
Although natural, some essential oils contain CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic) substances that can be released when a candle burns. Indeed, when these oils are heated to high temperatures, they can release compounds that are harmful to health. Among the essential oils particularly concerned, we find:
• Cinnamon oil : It contains eugenol, a substance that is potentially toxic at high temperatures.
• Lavender oil : well known for its relaxing properties, it can however release linalool, a compound likely to degrade into allergenic by-products when heated.
• Clove : like cinnamon, it is rich in eugenol, which can pose a carcinogenic risk.
Although we often seek to favor natural products, safety is paramount. It is therefore crucial to understand that using essential oils in scented candles is not always as harmless as one might think.
A disappointing olfactory rendering: the volatility of essential oils
Essential oils are designed to be diffused cold or at very low temperatures, such as in a nebulizing diffuser or room mist. However, in a scented candle, the heat of the flame changes their chemical composition, which can alter the scent. Once heated, these oils quickly lose their olfactory effectiveness, leaving a fleeting scent that disappears after only a few minutes of burning.
Case in point : A candle scented with peppermint essential oil may release a refreshing aroma at first, but because of the rapid degradation of its aromatic molecules, the scent will quickly evaporate, making for a frustrating olfactory experience.
Other causes of this loss of scent:
• Excessive heat : Essential oils degrade above 50°C, reducing their odorant power.
• Insufficient dosage : To obtain a persistent fragrance, it would be necessary to add an excessive quantity of essential oil, which is neither economical nor without risk.
Flash point: an increased risk of flammability
The flash point refers to the temperature at which an oil becomes flammable. For many essential oils, this point is low, making their use in candles more risky. For example:
• Lemon essential oil has a flash point of around 48°C.
• Eucalyptus oil, on the other hand, becomes flammable around 50°C.
These temperatures are dangerously close to the normal heating conditions of waxes in a burning candle, increasing the risk of accidents such as spontaneous ignition or the production of uncontrolled flames.
Composition and Diffusion Issues
Beyond health and safety risks, essential oils also pose technical challenges in candle making:
• Chemical instability : Heat can alter the composition of some oils, transforming a pleasant scent into an unpleasant, sometimes even pungent, odor.
• Solubility Issue : Essential oils don't always mix well with certain waxes, especially soy or beeswax. This results in uneven scent diffusion or even no scent at all after a few uses.
Impact on the texture of the candle:
Essential oils can alter the consistency of the wax, making the candle softer or affecting the way it burns, which can cause an uneven burn or an unappealing visual appearance.
Safe Alternatives to Essential Oils for Scenting Your Candles
While essential oils may seem like a natural solution, they simply aren’t suited to the constraints of candle making. Fortunately, there are reliable alternatives that guarantee long-lasting fragrance, optimal safety, and uncompromising olfactory pleasure.
Fragrances specially designed for candles are a great solution. They are formulated to withstand heat without degrading and offer a wide range of scents, both natural and synthetic, but above all tested to ensure that they do not release harmful substances. Here's why they are to be preferred:
• Constant and long-lasting diffusion : Unlike essential oils, fragrances are designed to be released in a stable manner throughout combustion.
• Safety Guaranteed : Candle fragrances are tested to avoid any risk of toxicity or flammability.
• Better compatibility with waxes : They blend perfectly with vegetable and animal waxes, ensuring a homogeneous texture and combustion.
Essential oils, not so ideal for candles
In conclusion, while the idea of using essential oils in your candles may seem appealing at first, it has many drawbacks: short-lived scent diffusion, health risks, and compatibility issues with waxes.
To achieve a safe and olfactory-satisfying result, it is therefore recommended to turn to fragrances specially developed for candle making. These alternatives offer an optimal sensory experience while guaranteeing safety, both for you and your customers.