Why We Use Fragrance Oils in Our Scented Candles

Not All Candle Scents Are Created Equal

One of the most common questions we get at the Willis Candle Shop is: “Why don’t you use essential oils?” It’s a fair question. Essential oils sound pure and natural, but when it comes to candles, they just don’t perform. That’s why we use fragrance oils—they’re safer, more stable, and give you the kind of scent throw you expect from a premium candle.

Performance, Consistency, and Safety

Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are formulated specifically for heat performance. They deliver a consistent candle scent from top to bottom without breaking down. This is crucial for a clean burning candle, especially with blends like our coconut soy candles. Fragrance oils don’t evaporate too quickly or burn off unevenly, which is a common issue with essential oils in candles.

What’s Actually In a Fragrance Oil?

We source all our fragrance oils from Wholesale Supplies Plus, a trusted leader in clean, phthalate-free candle ingredients. These oils are skin-safe, non-toxic, and extensively tested for use in high-heat environments. They’re perfect for our eco-friendly candles that prioritize air quality without sacrificing scent power.

Stronger, Longer-Lasting Scents

If you’ve ever been disappointed by a candle that smelled great cold but barely noticeable when burning, odds are it wasn’t using the right kind of oil. Fragrance oils help burn candles evenly and throw scent effectively. This is especially important with our cotton wick and wood wick candles, where airflow and wick position make all the difference.

Example: Our 12oz Glass Jar Candle

Take our 12oz Glass Jar Candle as a prime example. It’s made with a coconut soy blend, single cotton wick, and premium fragrance oils. You’ll get a full-bodied scent that lasts, whether it’s a luxury candle for your living room or one of our scented candles for relaxation.

Essential Oils Just Can’t Keep Up

For a deeper explanation on why essential oils can be unstable and even hazardous in non-toxic candles and clean burning candle formulas, we recommend reading this breakdown on their flashpoints and performance risks. Why Essential Oils Don’t Belong in Candles (Divine Purity). Let’s be clear—essential oils are great in diffusers or skincare. But in candles, they often underperform. They don’t mix well with soy wax, they can burn off quickly, and they pose safety risks in higher concentrations. For candles designed to be clean-burning, long-lasting, and potent, fragrance oils are the smarter choice every time. 

Cleaner Air, Better Experience

Using essential oils might sound like the natural choice, but when heated, some can produce smoke or soot—especially in poorly formulated blends. Our non-toxic candles use ingredients that meet stringent indoor air standards. No parabens, no phthalates, and no harsh chemical byproducts.

Versatility for Every Candle Lover

Fragrance oils allow us to offer a broader scent library—from fresh to floral, woodsy to fruity. That’s how we make scented candle fragrances that suit your space, your season, and your mood. Whether you're gifting one of our beautiful candles for gifts or burning a cheap autumn candle on a chilly morning, the scent will fill the room and linger long after the flame goes out.

Better for Everyday and Seasonal Use

We build our lineup to support year-round use. Customers love our small white candles in glass for clean minimalist looks and our candles for Christmas gifts as holiday favorites. Because we stick with fragrance oils, we can provide bold scents that never fade into the background.

Set the Scene at Home

Looking for design inspiration? Check out this helpful guide on ways to decorate your home with candles. It pairs perfectly with our candles home decor strategy, where you’re not just lighting a wick—you’re styling your space.

We Stand by Every Flame

At the Willis Candle Shop, we don’t cut corners. We blend every jar by hand using scented candles handmade with precision and care. We use safe materials, including a coconut soy wax candle formula and tin candle, glass candle, and frosted glass candle jars that protect fragrance and amplify glow.

Learn More About What Sets Us Apart

Read more on What Makes Willis Candle Shop Different to understand why our ingredients, designs, and burn experience leave the others behind. From a simple candle tray setup to full-on home decor with candles, we’ve got a scent and a look for every room.