Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils: Which are Better for You?

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils: Which is Better for You?

At Whimsy & Wist Candles, we often hear the question: “Are essential oils better than fragrance oils in candles?” This is a common myth that deserves a closer look. As a brand committed to using high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free fragrance oils that contain no parabens or phthalates, as well as essential oils, we believe it’s important to educate our customers on the merits and considerations of each type of oil.

Essential oils and fragrance oils are both used for adding scent to your home products such as cleaning products and candles, as well as body products and perfumes. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between essential oils and fragrance oils to help you make an informed decision.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants. They are created through a process of steam distillation or cold pressing. This process extracts the volatile aromatic compounds from the plant material, resulting in a highly concentrated oil that retains the plant's unique scent and therapeutic properties.

What are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetically created scents. They are often made from a combination of chemicals, resins, and other ingredients to replicate the scent of natural essential oils or to create entirely new fragrances. These oils are typically less expensive than essential oils and can be used in a wider range of applications.

The Lowdown on Essential Oils

Benefits of Essential Oils:

1. Natural Origins: Essential oils are derived from natural sources such as plants, flowers, and herbs, which can appeal to those seeking a natural alternative.
2. Aromatherapy Benefits: Many people use essential oils for their therapeutic properties, such as lavender for relaxation or eucalyptus for clarity.
3. Purity: When sourced responsibly, essential oils are pure and unadulterated, making them a popular choice for those avoiding synthetic ingredients.

Cons of Essential Oils:

1. Stability Issues: Essential oils can be less stable when used in candles. They may not hold their scent as well over time or when exposed to heat, leading to a weaker fragrance throw.
2. Allergy Potential: Essential oils are potent and can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those with sensitivities. This is more likely where the oil is applied directly to the skin but can also occur when the oil is diffused. 
3. Pet Safety: Some essential oils, such as tea tree or eucalyptus oils, can be dangerous for pets, making them unsuitable for households with animals. However, if you know which ones to avoid, there are plenty of essential oils that may have therapeutic benefits for your furry friend. 
4. Cost: Depending on the plant and extraction process, essential oils can be expensive.

The Case for Fragrance Oils

Benefits of Fragrance Oils:

1. Consistency and Stability: Fragrance oils are designed to be stable and consistent. They maintain their scent well and provide a reliable fragrance throw in candles.
2. Variety: Fragrance oils offer a wider range of scents, including those that cannot be naturally derived from essential oils, such as vanilla or ocean breeze.
3. Customisation: Because they are created in labs, fragrance oils can be customised to be vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful additives like parabens and phthalates.
4. Cost: Fragrance oils do tend to be cheaper than essential oils.

Cons of Fragrance Oils:

1. Synthetic Nature: While many fragrance oils are made to be safe and non-toxic, they are synthetic and may not appeal to those looking for a completely natural product.
2. Perception: There is a common perception that synthetic equals harmful, which is not necessarily true but can influence customer choices.

Whimsy & Wist Candles' Approach

At Whimsy & Wist Candles, whilst we do use some essential oil blends, we’ve also chosen to use high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free fragrance oils that are free from parabens and phthalates. Here’s why:

• Quality and Safety: Our fragrance oils are rigorously tested to ensure they are safe for you, your family, and your pets. We only purchase oils from certified suppliers. 
• Best of Both Worlds: By using fragrance oils, we can offer a diverse range of stable, long-lasting scents that maintain their integrity from the first burn to the last.
• Ethical Standards: We are committed to ethical practices, ensuring that our oils are cruelty-free and vegan.

In conclusion, whether you prefer essential oils or fragrance oils largely depends on your personal preferences and needs. Essential oils have their own set of benefits but come with some limitations and risks. Fragrance oils, especially those that are ethically and responsibly made, provide a reliable, versatile, and safe option for scented candles.

Thank you for joining us on this exploration of essential oils vs. fragrance oils. We hope this information helps you make an informed choice for your next candle purchase.