What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are naturally scented liquids extracted from plants using steam, pressure, or a combination of both. Each oil contains naturally occurring compounds that give it its unique “essence” — the fragrance you smell when you light an essential oil candle.
Unlike synthetic fragrances, which are man-made and often derived from petrochemicals, essential oils come directly from nature. This makes them a more natural and often gentler option for people, pets, and the environment.
Essential Oils vs. Synthetic Fragrance Oils
So what’s the difference between essential oil candles and candles made with synthetic fragrance oils?
- Air Quality: Essential oils don’t pollute the air or irritate airways as much as synthetic fragrances can.
- Natural Benefits: Many essential oils are known for their aromatherapy properties — lavender for relaxation, bergamot for uplifting energy, eucalyptus for clarity.
- Authenticity: Essential oils capture real scents from plants, while synthetics can be made to mimic anything, even scents that don’t exist in nature.
Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: essential oils aren’t always easy to work with in candlemaking.
The Challenges of Essential Oil Candle Making
Synthetic fragrances are generally more forgiving for makers. They can handle higher or lower temperatures during the candlemaking process and offer bold, unusual scents you’d never find in nature.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are trickier. They can lose potency if added at the wrong temperature, and the scent palette is limited to what Mother Nature provides. That’s why so many big brands lean on synthetic fragrances to create their unique blends.
Why Simpl Candle Chooses Essential Oils
At Simpl Candle, we welcome the challenge. We’re committed to using only essential oils in our candles because we believe natural scents are better for you, your home, and the environment.
As of 2025, our range includes carefully crafted blends like Palmarosa & Bergamot, with more natural combinations in the works. Each candle is hand-poured with the goal of bringing subtle, authentic, and uplifting aromas into your space.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils might be harder to work with, but we believe the results are worth it. They offer a cleaner burn, a closer connection to nature, and a more mindful candle experience.
If you’d like to experience the difference yourself, explore our Essential Oil Candle Collection.
