Why we don't use essential oils in our candles

As a family-run small business, we at Honey Willow believe in offering the best quality candles to our customers. While essential oils may seem like a natural and appealing choice for candles, they come with many risks and limitations. Instead, we only use the best quality fragrance oils that adhere to RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards for safety and purity. Here are the top 4 reasons why we chose not to use essential oils in our candles. 

1. Essential oils are not sustainable

There are several reasons why we choose not to use essential oils in our candles. Firstly, essential oils are not sustainable. The demand for essential oils has resulted in over-harvesting and depletion of certain natural resources, which can have a negative impact on local ecosystems. Additionally, many essential oils are sourced from countries with inadequate labour laws, leading to exploitation of workers.

2. Safety hazards

Furthermore, using essential oils in candles can also be unsafe. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues when used in large quantities. In some cases, they can even become toxic when burned. On the other hand, fragrance oils are formulated to be safe for use in candles and are less likely to cause any health issues.

3. Loss of therapeutic benefits

Another reason we don’t use essential oils is that they lose their therapeutic benefits when used in candles. When essential oils are burned, the heat can destroy many of the beneficial compounds in the oil, leaving behind a fragrance that may not have the same therapeutic properties as the original oil. Whereas, fragrance oils are specifically designed for use in candles and will maintain their scent and properties even after being heated.

4. Inconsistent and unreliable

Using essential oils in candles can result in inconsistent and unreliable results. Essential oils can vary in quality and composition, even within the same species, which can result in inconsistent fragrance intensity and burn time. Additionally, essential oils can react with other ingredients in the candle, causing discolouration, sediment, and other issues. In comparison, fragrance oils are consistent and reliable, providing the same fragrance and burn time with every candle.

While essential oils may seem like a natural and appealing choice for candles, they come with many risks and limitations.

By choosing fragrance oils that adhere to RIFM and IFRA standards for safety and purity, we at Honey Willow ensure that our customers receive the best quality candles, free from harmful chemicals and safe to use in their homes. So why not try our soy wax candles today and experience the difference for yourself!