Can I Add Essential Oils to Soy Candles?
Yes, you absolutely can use essential oils in soy candles — and it's a popular way to keep your candle scents natural, plant-based, and aromatherapy-friendly. In fact, here at Karessa Candles, many of our handmade soy candles are infused with carefully selected essential oils for exactly that reason.
Essential oils offer a more natural fragrance option compared to synthetic fragrance oils. But when it comes to candle making, not all essential oils behave the same. Let's dig into the safety and tips around using them.
Is It Safe to Burn Essential Oils in Candles?
This is a great question — and the short answer is: Yes, with proper care and formulation.
Essential oils are flammable, which means you can’t just pour them straight into melted wax and expect them to perform well or safely. But when properly blended into soy wax at the right temperature and concentration, they are perfectly safe to use in candles.
At Karessa, our candle-making process ensures that every essential oil is added at the optimal temperature to prevent degradation or risk. The result? Clean-burning candles that are safe, beautifully aromatic, and long-lasting.
Do Essential Oils Smell Strong in Soy Candles?
This is where things get a little tricky.
Essential oils tend to offer a more subtle scent compared to synthetic fragrance oils. So if you’re used to candles that fill a room instantly, an essential oil candle might feel lighter — but more natural and authentic.
Some essential oils (like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass) perform beautifully in soy wax and throw a wonderful aroma. Others, like citrus oils, can be a bit delicate and may fade faster unless carefully blended.
We always recommend browsing our gift hampers or candle jars that highlight specific essential oil blends if you want to experience the best of nature’s fragrance.
What’s the Best Way to Use Essential Oils in Soy Candles?
Here are a few tips if you’re making soy candles at home — or just curious about how we do it at Karessa:
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Add essential oils at around 60–65°C (140–150°F) — this preserves the integrity of the oil.
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Use about 6–10% essential oil concentration depending on the oil and candle size.
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Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
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Cure your candles for at least 1–2 weeks to allow the fragrance to settle.
Prefer to skip the DIY? Our curated hand-poured soy candles are ready for you — expertly crafted, perfectly blended, and beautifully packaged.
Are There Specific Essential Oils That Work Best in Soy Wax?
Yes! Some essential oils work better in candle-making than others. The best-performing ones typically include:
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Lavender
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Eucalyptus
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Peppermint
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Lemongrass
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Rosemary
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Tea Tree
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Patchouli
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Cedarwood
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Geranium
These oils are not only safer and more stable at high temperatures, but they also hold their scent well in soy wax. You’ll find many of them featured in our handmade candles and gift-ready sets.
Are Essential Oil Candles Good for Gifting?
Absolutely — they’re thoughtful, natural, and wellness-friendly. Our gift hampers often include essential oil soy candles alongside other delightful items, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or self-care surprises.
Whether it's calming lavender to relax, energizing citrus to refresh, or grounding patchouli to soothe — there's an essential oil candle for every vibe and occasion.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Essential Oil Soy Candles?
If you're looking for a clean, plant-based candle that’s kinder to your body and the environment, essential oil soy candles are a beautiful choice. They're:
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Non-toxic and safe
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Better for indoor air
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Subtly fragrant and soothing
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A sustainable alternative to synthetic candles
At Karessa Candles, we’ve crafted a collection that celebrates all the benefits of soy wax and essential oils — without compromising on quality or beauty. Whether you're new to candles or already in love with them, there's something in our collection waiting to light up your life.
