5 Things to Know Before Buying Essential Oils for Candle Making

Adding essential oils to your homemade candles is one of the most enjoyable parts of the craft. The right scent can turn a simple wax candle into a relaxing, uplifting, or romantic experience. But before you start filling your cart with oils, there are a few important things to know about essential oils for candle making.

Not all oils are created equal—and not all of them work well in candles. Here are 5 crucial tips to help you choose the best oils and make your candles both fragrant and safe.

Not All Essential Oils Are Candle-Friendly

When it comes to essential oils candle making, they can evaporate or burn off during the heating process. This affects both the scent throw and the safety of your candle.

Essential oils are natural, volatile substances. Some, like citrus oils (lemon, orange), have low flash points— they can evaporate or burn off during the heating process. This affects both the scent throw and the safety of your candle.

What to Look For:

• Oils with higher flash points (above 170°F / 77°C)
• Oils known for good heat retention, like lavender, cedarwood, patchouli, or peppermint

Quality Matters More Than You Think

When purchasing essential oils for candle making, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Low-quality oils often contain fillers, synthetic ingredients, or added alcohols—none of which are ideal for candle use.

How to Spot Pure Oils:

• Look for labels like “100% Pure Essential Oil”
• Check for botanical names and country of origin
• Choose brands that provide GC/MS test results for purity
• Avoid products labeled "fragrance oils" unless you want a synthetic blend

A high-quality oil will give you better scent, a cleaner burn, and a more professional final product.

Consider the Oil’s Scent Strength and Longevity

 Every essential oil has a unique scent strength, and not all of them are powerful enough to carry through a burning candle. When choosing oils, ask yourself:

• Will the scent last through the heat?
• Does the oil have a strong cold throw (unlit scent)?
• Does it maintain a good hot throw (scent while burning)?

Best performers for scent throw:

• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary
• Lemongrass
• Tea Tree
• Cinnamon Leaf (not bark—too strong)

If you're new to essential oils candle making, start with stronger, more resilient scents and test how they behave in your wax blend.

Compatibility With Your Wax Type Is Crucial

Different waxes hold scent differently. Some, like soy wax, need a longer cure time and specific oil temperatures to release fragrance properly. Others, such as coconut or paraffin blends, might hold scent more easily but could affect your final aroma profile.

Wax & Oil Pairing Tips:

Soy Wax: Best with 6–10% fragrance load, add oils at 175°F–185°F

Beeswax: Harder to scent, may need higher temp and stronger oils

Coconut Wax: Soft, great for holding delicate essential oils

Paraffin Wax: Excellent scent throw but not natural

Before buying in bulk, test a small batch using your chosen wax and essential oil combo.

Know Your Usage Ratio (and Stay Safe)

Even with the best essential oils for candle making. Taking in too much can be dangerous. Because essential oils are highly concentrated and flammable, you need to carefully figure out how much to use.

General Formula:

Use 6–10% fragrance load (by weight) relative to your wax

For example, for 16 oz of wax, use 1 to 1.6 oz of essential oil

Never exceed the recommended percentage—you risk wick drowning, poor burning, and even fire hazards.

Also, always test burn your candles before selling or gifting.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right essential oils for candle making isn’t just about picking a pretty scent. To make a candle that is fragrant, safe, and lasts a long time, you need to know how oils react to heat, wax, and wicks.

Here’s a quick recap of what to keep in mind:

✅ Choose oils with high flash points

✅ Prioritize purity and quality

✅ Test for scent strength and throw

✅ Match oils with the right wax

✅ Measure and test carefully for safety

Whether you're a hobbyist or planning to start your own candle business, these tips will help you select the best oils for successful candle making.

Q1: Can I use any essential oil for candles?

A: No. Some essential oils aren’t stable under heat or don’t produce a strong scent when burned. Always check the oil’s flash point and recommended use.

Q2: What are the best essential oils for candle making?

A: Great beginner-friendly oils include lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. These oils tend to perform well in most waxes and offer a strong hot throw.

Q3: How do I know if an essential oil is pure?

A: Look for labels that say 100% pure essential oil, provide the botanical name, and offer GC/MS test results for quality assurance. Avoid oils with additives or synthetic fillers.

Q4: Can I mix essential oils in candles?

A: Yes! Blending oils can create unique and personalized fragrances. Just make sure your total fragrance load stays within the safe 6–10% range.

Q5: How long should I let a candle cure after adding essential oils?

A: Let candles cure for 3–7 days for optimal scent development. Soy wax typically benefits from longer curing times compared to paraffin.

Working with essential oils for candle making is rewarding—but it requires knowledge, testing, and care. By choosing the right oils, understanding their properties, and measuring them accurately, you’ll craft candles that are both safe and delightfully fragrant.

 So before you click “buy now” on that bundle of oils, remember these five tips. They’ll save you time, money, and frustration—and help you make candles you’re truly proud of.