Can You Use Essential Oils in Soy Candles? A Complete Safety Guide

If you love the natural aroma of essential oils and enjoy burning candles, you might wonder: Can I safely use essential oils in soy candles? The short answer is yes, but there are important factors to consider to ensure a clean, safe, and long-lasting candle.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The safety of essential oils in soy candles
✔ Best essential oils for candle making
✔ How to properly blend them for maximum scent
✔ Common mistakes to avoid

Are Essential Oils Safe in Soy Candles?

1. Yes, But With Some Considerations

Essential oils are natural plant extracts, but not all are candle-friendly. Some key factors affect their safety and performance:

• Flash Point Matters – Essential oils have different flash points (the temperature at which they evaporate or combust). Oils with low flash points (like citrus oils) can degrade or even become flammable when exposed to high heat.

• Skin Sensitivity – Some oils (like cinnamon or clove) can irritate skin if spilled. Always handle with care.

• Proper Dilution – Using too much essential oil can lead to poor burn quality, soot, or even tunneling in your candle.

2. Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils: What’s Better?

• Essential Oils = Natural, plant-derived scents (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus). They offer aromatherapy benefits but may have a weaker throw in candles.

• Fragrance Oils = Lab-made scents designed for candles. They often have a stronger, longer-lasting scent but are synthetic.

For the purest option, essential oils work—but you’ll need the right type and amount.

Best Essential Oils for Soy Candles

Not all essential oils perform well in candles. Here are some of the best choices for a strong, safe scent:

Strong & Long-Lasting Oils

• Lavender (calming, great for relaxation)

• Peppermint (invigorating, good for focus)

• Eucalyptus (refreshing, ideal for congestion relief)

• Lemongrass (bright and citrusy, good for energy)

• Vanilla (CO2 extract) – Adds a warm, sweet base note

Oils to Use Sparingly (Low Flash Point)

• Citrus Oils (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit) – Can fade quickly

• Tea Tree – Can sometimes produce a medicinal smell when burned

• Cinnamon & Clove – Can irritate skin if spilled

How to Safely Add Essential Oils to Soy Candles

Step 1: Choose High-Quality Oils

• Look for 100% pure essential oils (no synthetic additives).

• Avoid "perfume oils" or diluted versions—they won’t bind well with wax.

Step 2: Measure Properly

• General Rule: 6-10% oil-to-wax ratio (e.g., 1 oz oil per 10 oz soy wax).

• Too much oil can make the candle greasy or unsafe.

Step 3: Add at the Right Temperature

• Heat soy wax to 185°F (85°C), then let it cool slightly (to around 160°F / 71°C) before adding oils.

• Adding oils at too high a temp can cause them to evaporate before binding.

Step 4: Stir Well & Pour Slowly

• Stir for 30+ seconds to ensure even distribution.

• Pour into a pre-warmed container to prevent cracking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Too Much Oil

• Excess oil won’t burn off—it can pool at the bottom, creating a fire hazard.

❌ Mixing Incompatible Oils

• Some oils (like florals + spices) can clash and create an unpleasant scent.

❌ Not Testing First

• Always make a small test candle before a large batch.

❌ Using Cheap Soy Wax

• Low-quality wax won’t hold scent well. Opt for natural, additive-free soy wax flakes.

Final Verdict: Are Essential Oils Safe in Soy Candles?

Yes—if you follow these guidelines! Essential oils can create beautiful, natural candles, but they require careful handling. If you want a stronger, more consistent scent, fragrance oils may be better. But for pure, aromatherapeutic candles, essential oils are a great choice when used correctly.

Want to skip the DIY? Try our hand-poured soy candles—made with clean ingredients for a perfect burn every time.

Would you like recommendations for essential oil blends? Let us know in the comments!