Are Essential Oil Candles Better Than Fragrance Oils?
- Dave Shillingford
- Nov 16, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever shopped for candles and wondered whether essential oil candles are better than those made with fragrance oils, you’re not alone. While both options can scent your space, the source of that scent and how it affects your well-being matters more than you might think. At Lily-Rose Candles Co., we use only pure essential oils, never synthetic fragrance blends. Here’s why that decision supports a cleaner, more mindful home.
What Are Essential Oil Candles?
Essential oil candles are scented using naturally extracted plant oils, from flowers, herbs, roots, and citrus peels, without artificial additives. When burned, they gently release aromatic compounds that can support everything from calm to focus, depending on the oil.
Because essential oils are natural and unadulterated, they offer not just scent, but therapeutic benefits too, often used in aromatherapy to support emotional wellness, sleep, and energy balance.
What Are Fragrance Oil Candles?
Fragrance oils are synthetic or blended scents, often made in labs to mimic natural aromas or create entirely new ones. While they can be long-lasting and bold, most fragrance oils are created using chemical compounds, including:
Phthalates
Petroleum-derived ingredients
Artificial dyes and stabilisers
These compounds can trigger headaches, allergies, or sensitivities in some individuals, and may release toxic particles when burned, especially in enclosed spaces.
Why We Choose Essential Oils at Lily-Rose Candles Co.
We believe scent should nurture, not overwhelm. That’s why every candle we create is made with pure essential oils, never fragrance blends or synthetics.
When paired with our beeswax base and wooden wicks, essential oils create a clean, gentle aroma that’s:
Non-toxic
Free from synthetic perfumes
Safe for everyday use
Emotionally supportive through natural aromatherapy
This natural approach makes our candles ideal for sensitive users and those who want to prioritise clean living at home.
Benefits of Essential Oil Candles vs. Fragrance Oil Candles.
Feature | Essential Oil Candles | Fragrance Oil Candles |
Scent Source | Natural plant extracts | Synthetic compounds |
Health Impact | Non-toxic, safe | May contain allergens or irritants |
Aromatherapy | Offers therapeutic benefits | No natural wellness benefits |
Burn Quality | Softer, more natural aroma | Stronger, sometimes overwhelming |
Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, sustainable | Often petroleum-derived |
How to Tell the Difference When Shopping.
Unfortunately, not all candles labelled “natural” are truly clean. Here’s what to look for:
Ingredient Transparency: Brands should clearly list essential oils, not just “fragrance.”
Wax Type: Choose beeswax over paraffin.
Wick Materials: Avoid candles with zinc or lead-core wicks.
If you’re unsure, trust your nose. Essential oil candles tend to have a subtler, more grounded scent than synthetic versions.
Final Thoughts.
In the world of wellness candles, essential oils stand apart for their ability to scent your space while supporting your emotional and physical well-being. They may be gentler than synthetic fragrances, but they’re infinitely more nurturing.
If you’re seeking a non-toxic, sensory candle experience, essential oil candles offer the cleanest, calmest choice.
