essential oils vs fragrance oils

Essential Oils

Essential oils in candles are popular. It’s one of the top questions people ask me when they try our candles.While essential oils are often celebrated for their various potential benefits, it's essential to understand that incorporating them into candles may have some downsides.

  • Essential oils, derived from various plants, have been utilized by humans for centuries due to their potential therapeutic properties.

  • One of the primary concerns when it comes to essential oils in candles is the potential for health risks. When essential oils are heated, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Higher concentration of essential oils (needed to fill the room with scent) amplifies the potential risks associated with VOC emissions.

  • There are dangers in the flammable nature of essential oils. These oils have the potential to ignite when exposed to open flames or high heat. Candles using essential oils can pose a fire risk.

  • In addition to the health risks, incorporating essential oils into candles may pose another problem – the issue of quality control. Not all essential oils on the market are created equal. There is a wide variance in the quality, purity, and sourcing of essential oils. Some cheaper alternatives may be synthetic, diluted, or adulterated, which can further increase the risk of adverse health effects when burned.

  • Another concerns associated with essential oils is their impact on the environment. The extraction process for essential oils often involves massive amounts of plant material, resulting in deforestation and habitat destruction. This is particularly true in regions where rare and endangered plants are extensively harvested for their oils. As demand for essential oils grows, the pressure to meet consumer needs pushes suppliers to exploit natural resources, often disregarding sustainability practices and contributing to the loss of biodiversity.

  • Another ethical dilemma lies in the exploitation of labor and local communities. In many essential oil-producing regions, workers, often vulnerable and impoverished, are subjected to low wages, hazardous working conditions, and long hours. Families that rely on essential oil production as their main livelihood may find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to seek alternative means of income. The profits generated from the sales of these oils seldom find their way back to the communities in which they are sourced, further perpetuating economic inequalities.

  • Due to the lack of industry regulations, the claims made by essential oil companies could be unsubstantiated, raising concerns among healthcare professionals and consumer advocates. The promotion of unproven medical benefits fosters a culture of misinformation.

  • Issues surrounding authenticity and purity are also prevalent within the essential oil industry. Companies looking to cut costs may dilute oils with synthetic additives or low-grade substances, deceiving consumers by selling them diluted or impure products. This not only undermines the trust between consumers and manufacturers but also places users at risk of adverse effects or unintended consequences.

  • Manufacturers can take precautions by using high-quality, properly diluted essential oils and natural waxes. If bought from reputable sources, candles made with organic and sustainably sourced ingredients can minimize the potential negative effects on health and the environment.

Fragrance Oils

  • Fragrance oils are synthetic compounds created to mimic various scents, both natural and human-made. They offer an extensive range of fragrances and offer an excellent scent throw (the ability to disperse fragrance when the candle is burned). Their synthetic composition allows for a longer-lasting and more potent aroma, ensuring your living space is enveloped in delightful fragrance for hours on end.

  • Premium fragrance oils are meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients, capturing the true essence of nature's scents. Expert perfumers pour their creativity, expertise, and devotion into perfecting each composition, ensuring an excellent olfactory experience. The result is an authentic, long-lasting and high-quality fragrance.

  • Premium fragrance oils offer incredible versatility, allowing us to tailor our scent experience to fit any occasion and personal preference. Whether creating a customized room spray, crafting scented candles, wax melts or reed diffusers, these oils empower us to express our individuality and infuse our surroundings with an ambiance that is uniquely ours.

  • Unlike their alcohol-based counterparts, premium fragrance oils are incredibly long-lasting, making them a cost-effective choice. A small amount of oil can go a long way, ensuring that we can savor their enchantment for an extended period. Additionally, by leveraging these oils, we reduce our carbon footprint as they do not contain harmful propellants.


    All of the fragrances we use in our candles are paraben and phthalate free. Our reed diffuser base is 100% VOC-free and natural

Andrea Campbell

Modern ritual in candle form.

Award-winning soy candles, hand-poured with intention.

Rooted in the art of living well, crafted in London, Ontario. 🌙

https://www.augustmoonrise.com
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