Before starting my candle journey, I dove deep into researching the different types of oils that can be used and the pros and cons for each one. In this post I will give the pros and cons for each, and why I chose essential oils in the end.
First, we will discuss fragrance oils. Lets dive into some of the common ingredients:
benzene derivatives
aldehydes
touline
phthalates
other known toxic chemicals
The word toxic is enough to do me in on that one. Yikes. Fragrance oils are made in a lab, and do not come from nature. Some fragrance oils do contain a small amount of essential oils, but they still contain toxins as well. Fragrance oils are designed to imitate a scent. They are meant to smell good, and they do. Lets look at the pros and cons
Pros:
they are very fragrant, and smell great
many different fragrance choices
cheaper to buy
good hot and cold throw in candles
Cons:
contains toxins
can cause skin irritation
can cause headaches
many fragrance oils are linked to cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, and other chronic health problems.
There are some companies that create fragrance oils that are cruelty free and phthalate free. There are more natural fragrance oil options out there if you look for them. Fragrances are everywhere, in laundry detergent, soaps, shampoos, candles, etc.
Now lets look at Essential oils and the common ingredients. Essential oils are plant based extracts. They are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds that produce fragrance.
Essential oils can be derived from:
trees
flowers
roots
bark
fruit
Essential oils are 100% natural. They contain zero toxins or chemicals. Another bonus of essential oils is the aromatherapy benefits. Each oil has its own unique set of benefits. Lets look at the pros and cons of essential oils.
Pros:
aromatherapy benefits
all natural, no toxins or chemicals
highly fragrant
mood boosting qualities
can be used to relieve stress and anxiety
Cons:
more oil is required to get a good hot throw
can cause allergies
After looking at the pros and cons for both fragrance and essential oils, I chose essential oils. My main goal is to help others who may be battling with infertility, anxiety, stress, etc. Essential oils have great aromatherapy benefits and are all natural. I do advise to never use a candle that contains an oil that you are allergic to. All of my candles have the essential oils used listed on the label for your safety. All of the ingredients in my candles are 100% natural. If you are looking for a candle that is super fragrant, essential oil candles are probably not for you. Since they are all natural, they have a more delicate scent. Me personally, I like knowing that what I'm breathing in is natural and not harmful to my body or my family.
I hope that this blog helps you understand the good and bad of fragrance and essential oils and why I chose essential oils for my candles.
Great explanation!!!!