The Truth About Essential Oils in Candles: Myths and Misconceptions
- Bottlenose Candles

- Oct 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 3
The Truth About Essential Oils in Candles: Myths and Misconceptions
There’s a growing belief that candles made with essential oils are the most natural and healthiest option. It’s an appealing idea; after all, essential oils are connected to wellness, nature, and purity. However, when it comes to candle-making, this belief doesn’t always hold true. While essential oils sound ideal, they aren’t necessarily the best or safest choice for creating a high-quality, long-lasting candle.
At Bottlenose Candles, an Australian soy candle brand inspired by the coast, we’re often asked why we use premium fragrance oils instead of pure essential oils. In this post, we’re uncovering the myths around essential oils in candles and explaining why fragrance oils can actually be the better, more sustainable choice for your home.
Myth 1: Essential Oils Are Always Safer and More Natural
Essential oils are plant-derived, but that doesn’t automatically make them safer to burn. When exposed to high heat, many essential oils lose their natural properties and can even create unwanted compounds. Some oils, like citrus or eucalyptus, can release irritants when burned, especially indoors.
In contrast, high-quality fragrance oils for candles are specifically formulated to burn cleanly and safely. They’re designed to maintain their scent integrity under heat and meet safety standards. Many of the fragrance oils we use even include natural essential oil components, giving you the perfect balance of authenticity and performance.
Myth 2: Essential Oils Provide a Stronger, More Authentic Scent
Essential oils often smell amazing straight from the bottle, but their scent can quickly fade once mixed into candle wax. The high temperatures needed to melt wax can break down delicate aroma compounds, leading to weak scent throw.
Fragrance oils are made to perform in heat, which means your candle delivers a rich, lasting aroma both when it’s burning (hot throw) and when it’s not (cold throw). That’s what makes soy candles made with quality fragrance oils ideal for filling your home with a consistent, enjoyable scent.
Myth 3: Essential Oils Make Candles More Eco-Friendly
It’s easy to associate essential oils with sustainability, but producing them can be surprisingly resource-intensive. It takes vast amounts of plant material to extract even small quantities of oil. For instance, hundreds of roses are needed for just a few drops of rose essential oil. This level of demand isn’t always environmentally sustainable.
Fragrance oils can actually be the more eco-friendly candle option. Many are designed using synthetic and natural blends that mimic the scent of plants without overharvesting natural resources. At Bottlenose Candles, our fragrance oils are vegan, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free, offering a cleaner and more ethical alternative for conscious candle lovers.
Myth 4: Essential Oil Candles Are Better for Your Health
Burning essential oils isn’t the same as diffusing them for aromatherapy. Once the wax and wick are lit, the chemical makeup of the oils changes, meaning the therapeutic properties don’t survive the heat.
If your goal is to enjoy a beautifully scented home, not necessarily the wellness benefits of aromatherapy, then fragrance oil candles are the better choice. They’re specifically formulated for scent performance and safe home use.
The Bottlenose Candles Difference
At Bottlenose Candles, we handcraft every candle using pure soy wax, cotton wicks, and premium Australian fragrance oils. Each candle is designed to evoke a sense of coastal calm and connection, all while supporting Dolphin Research Australia.
Our focus is on clean, sustainable burning and rich, lasting aromas. Whether you’re lighting your candle for relaxation, atmosphere, or to create a little coastal escape at home, you can do so knowing it’s been made with care and purpose.
Why Choose Soy Candles?
Soy candles are a fantastic choice for those who care about the environment. Unlike paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum, soy candles are made from renewable resources. This means that every time you light a soy candle, you’re making a more sustainable choice.
Moreover, soy candles burn cleaner and longer than their paraffin counterparts. They produce less soot, which means a healthier home environment. This is especially important for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
The Importance of Scent in Your Home
Scent plays a crucial role in how we feel in our spaces. A pleasant aroma can uplift your mood, create a sense of calm, and even evoke memories. When choosing candles, it’s essential to consider the quality of the fragrance.
With Bottlenose Candles, you can enjoy a wide variety of scents that transport you to the coast. From fresh ocean breezes to warm, comforting notes, our candles are designed to enhance your home experience.
Conclusion
In summary, essential oils have their place in wellness, but not always in candles. Choosing soy candles made with premium fragrance oils ensures a cleaner burn, stronger scent, and a more sustainable experience! It’s everything a candle should offer.




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