Top Essential Oils for Crafting Custom Scented Candles
When our home smells good, it automatically changes our mood. Many of us use aromatic candles to add that fragrance to our homes. Although these synthetic fragrances get the job done, the aroma doesn’t stay for long. There’s a more natural and arguably more beneficial way to achieve that perfect aroma. We are talking about essential oils.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture a plant’s scent and essence. If you are someone who loves making their own custom candles, you should try adding essential oils to the making process. It adds a beautiful fragrance and increases the aesthetic and sensory experience of your candles. Their captivating aromas make them a great addition to your candle-making process.
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Top Essential Oils for Candle Fragrances
Although mainly known for their benefits in skin care, essential oils offer a potent and natural way to fragrance your candles. There are many options you can choose from to add a different aromatic property to your candles. Here are some of the popular essential oils:
Lavender:
Lavender oil is a perfect choice if you want to create a peaceful ambience. Its floral scent is universally adored and pairs well with other calming essential oils like chamomile or bergamot. This would be ideal for bedtime candles. When choosing lavender oil, opt for a high-quality variety like Bulgarian lavender for the most fragrant experience.
Eucalyptus:
If you are looking for a refreshing aroma, eucalyptus is a great option. It has a clean, medicinal scent, which is very relaxing. You can blend it with citrus essential oils like lemon or grapefruit for an extra dose of zing. Eucalyptus oils can be used for your home office or workspace.
Citrus Blends:
Citrus essential oils like lemon, grapefruit, and orange are perfect for adding cheer to your candles. These bright scents are ideal for creating a positive and energetic atmosphere in your kitchen or living room.
These are just a few of the many essential oils available for candle making. Each essential oil offers a different fragrance profile. You can experiment with them to create multiple custom-scented candles. Using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances will help you build an environmentally friendly candle business.
Crafting Custom Candle Recipes
Once you know which fragrance or essential oil you want to use, gather the ingredients you need to create your custom candles. Here’s a recipe that most candle-makers generally use:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound soy wax flakes or beeswax pellets (or any other type of candle wax)
- 1 candle wick and wick holder
- 20-30 drops of essential oils of your choice
- Heat-resistant container (jar, tin, or mould)
Instructions:
- Place the candle wick on the bottom of your heat-resistant container and secure it with a drop of melted wax.
- Using a double boiler, gently melt the wax flakes over low heat. Be sure not to overheat the wax, as it can affect the fragrance throw of your essential oils.
- Once the wax is completely melted, remove it from the heat source and allow it to cool slightly (around 180°F).
- Add your chosen essential oils to the melted wax. Here’s how much essential oil to use:
- For a strong scent: 30 drops
- For a medium scent: 20 drops
- For a light scent: 10 drops
- Stir the mixture gently to mix the essential oils with the wax.
- Carefully pour the scented wax into your heat-resistant container.
- Allow the candle to cool completely for at least 24 hours before burning.
When mixing essential oils with wax, follow the recommended ratios. Generally, 1-2% of essential oil is sufficient for a strong fragrance. Test your candles before making a large batch to be sure that the scent is what you want.
Aesthetic and Sensory Appeal
The essential oils you choose impact the overall ambience and sensory experience of your candles. For example, a candle scented with lavender and chamomile creates a relaxing and soothing atmosphere, but a citrus-scented candle can energise the scent. Consider the occasion or season when choosing your scents. A warm and spicy blend of cinnamon and clove would be perfect for the holiday season, while a light and refreshing floral scent would be ideal for spring.
Eco-Friendly Candle Making
When you choose essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, you are making a sustainable choice. Synthetic fragrances contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the air when the candle is burned. But essential oils are natural and free from such harmful chemicals. This makes them a more eco-friendly option for candle making.
Creating custom-scented candles is a hobby that many enjoy. If you are one of them, you know how it helps express your creativity and create a personalised aesthetic in your home. You can experiment with different essential oils to create more creative and uniquely aromatic candles. These candles are going to make your home scent lovely and relaxing.