Essential Oils or Scented Candles? Your Guide to Choosing the Best

Essential Oils or Scented Candles? Your Guide to Choosing the Best

Always want to fill your room with a delightful smell? Be it essential oils or scented candles. Imagine coming home after a long day to a room that smells like your favorite essential oil blend—perhaps calming lavender or invigorating citrus. Or picture lighting a beautifully crafted candle that fills the air with cozy notes of vanilla or spicy cinnamon, instantly making your home feel more welcoming. Good scents can enhance your living space instantly. But between essential oils and scented candles, which one should you pick? Read on!


What is a scented candle?

 A scented candle is a type of candle that releases fragrance into the air when lit. The benefits of scented candles are endless—they can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and even mask unpleasant odors. They come in everything from floral and fruity to warm and spicy scents.



Scented candles have three main components: the wax, the wick, and the fragrance. The wax, which can be soy, beeswax, or paraffin, acts as the candle's base. The wick, typically cotton or wood, is the part you light. It carries the flame and allows the candle to burn evenly. The fragrance gives the candle its unique scent, often inspired by nature or favorite aromas like vanilla, lavender, or cinnamon.

scented candle with different flavors 


What are essential oils? 

Essential oils are purified extracts from various plant parts such as flowers, fruits, leaves, or tree bark. They are produced by steaming or cold pressing these parts to extract their aromatic compounds. Essential oils are very concentrated, which means all you need is a few drops to change your mood and set the atmosphere in your bedroom. 


The benefits of essential oils range from relaxation, and sleep improvement to energy boosting and natural antibacterial properties.


 Essential oils are a game-changer when it comes to candles. They give a longer and more real fragrance than artificial fragrances. To have a feel, search for candles that already contain essential oils or put some drops into the candle wax after it has melted and put out(the fire should never be lit while adding oil). This enhances the aroma without overheating the oils and losing their benefits.




Scented candles v essential oils: pros & cons.

Scented candles and essential oils are two of the best ways to make your home smell and feel amazing. Scented candles create a cozy vibe with their warm glow, but essential oils offer endless possibilities with natural scents. But which one suits you better, considering both have perks and drawbacks?


Scented candles:

Pros:

  • Ambiance: Scented candles add a cozy, warm glow to any room.
  • Ease of use: Light a candle, and you're good to go—no extra equipment required.
  • Variety of scents: They come in an endless range of fragrances, from floral to spicy, so you can find one that suits your mood.

Cons:

  • Potential toxins: Candles with paraffin wax release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene.
  • Air quality: Some candles release soot and VOCs, which affect indoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Shorter lifespan: Scented candles burn out quickly and must be replaced.


Essential oils:

Pros:

  • Natural scents: Essential oils are made from plants, offering a pure and chemical-free way to enjoy fragrances.
  • Versatility: You can use them in diffusers, add them to skincare, or even use them for cleaning.
  • Health benefits: Many essential oils have therapeutic properties, such as lavender for relaxation or peppermint for an energy boost.

Cons:

  • Initial investment: You may have to purchase a diffuser or other tools.
  • Strength: Some people find essential oils too concentrated or overwhelming if not diluted properly.
  • Limited scent throw: Unlike candles, essential oils might not fill your living room with fragrance without the help of a diffuser.


Scented candles are the way to go if you love a cozy vibe and an easy, instant fragrance. While essential oils have their perks—like natural scents and potential therapeutic benefits—they often lack the immediate comfort and ambiance a beautifully crafted scented candle provides. Stān dle offers the best-scented candles guaranteed to elevate your living area or office and improve your well-being.


How long do essential oils & scented candles last?

The longevity of essential oils or scented candles affects their overall value and user experience. When choosing an essential oil or scented candle, it's important to know factors like the size, burn time, and the strength of the scent.


How long do scented candles last

The burn time of scented candles can vary widely based on the size and type of wax used. For example, soy wax candles last longer and burn cleaner than paraffin wax candles. Typically, a scented candle can burn between 20 to 100 hours, depending on the size and type of wax. Larger candles or those made from natural waxes like soy tend to burn longer.

Stān dle lavender-scented candle


How long do essential oils last 

An essential oil's longevity can depend on factors like how you store it, the quality of the oils, and how often you use it. For example, if stored in a cool, dark place, it'll last longer. Using them in a diffuser generally helps them last longer than direct application since they're dispersed into the air gradually over time. The higher the quality, the longer the scent tends to last, too.



What is better? Essential oils or scented candles?

Well, it all comes down to what you need and what makes you feel good. Some love essential oils for their calming effects. Others can't get enough of scented candles because they fill the air with soothing fragrances and set the mood with their warm, flickering glow. It's all about finding the vibe that works best for you. 

When to choose scented candles

1. For ambiance, décor, and ease of use

Scented candles can instantly elevate the mood of a room with their warm glow, perfect for dinner parties, cozy evenings, or special occasions. They double as décor with their stylish jars and unique designs and don't require additional tools like diffusers.

A cozy living room with scented candles


2. When you want a warm, flickering light with your fragrance

Candles provide a sensory experience beyond smell. The soft flicker of a candle's flame adds a romantic or relaxing vibe that essential oils can't replicate. They are great for creating a calming environment during baths or quiet evenings. Scented candles also offer endless complex scent profiles because you can blend various notes to create unique fragrances.


3. To set the mood for romance

You can't plan a romantic date night without some scented candles. They are a must-have because their warm glow and sweet fragrances would make your setting feel more intimate and special. Pair them with soft background music and dimmed lights to create that cozy, romantic ambiance.

Romantic dinner with scented candles

4. For a cozy night in

Scented candles are perfect for those quiet evenings when you just want to curl up on the couch and watch your favorite show or read a good book. Their soft flicker and inviting aromas create an atmosphere that instantly makes your living room cozier. Choose flavors like Stān dle's lavender-scented candles for that extra relaxation and recharge for the next day.


5. When guests are coming over

Hosting friends or family? Buy scented candles to make your home feel warm and inviting. Before your guests arrive, light scented candles with refreshing scents like citrus, eucalyptus, or ocean breeze. For evening gatherings, consider warm scents like vanilla, sandalwood, or bergamot to create a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Scented candles are a simple way to make a great first impression without much effort.



When to choose essential oils

1. For aromatherapy

Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy to promote physical and emotional well-being. Scents like lavender can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation, while eucalyptus may improve focus or clear congestion. 

2 . Ideal for meditation, yoga, or unwinding after a stressful day.

It offers targeted health benefits for mood enhancement, better sleep, and improved energy levels.


3.  If sustainability and natural ingredients are a priority

Essential oils are typically derived from plants through steam distillation or cold pressing. These processes are all-natural and don't require synthetic chemicals, dyes, or additives. So you can use them as much as you like without worrying about increasing your environmental footprint. 


Shop scented candles at Stān dle

Stān dle is your trusted source for premium scented candles. We are committed to ethically producing safe, clean, and all-natural products. Our thoughtfully crafted candles deliver pure, long-lasting aromas you'll love and create that calming home retreat you've always longed for. Grab a Stān dle candle from our online store and transform your space into a haven of peace and comfort!

Conclusion

Essential oils and scented candles are both great at elevating your mood. But let's be honest, nothing beats the magic of a scented candle that creates the inviting ambiance right away. 


Scented candles are like a warm hug after a stressful day. They also immerse you in their rich, long-lasting aroma and cozy, flickering glow. Unlike essential oils that require a diffuser, cleaning, and constant refills, scented candles like Stān dle's are simple, mess-free, and always ready to go. Treat yourself to Stān dle's incredible collection of scented candles. Order now, you've earned it!



FAQS

Are scented candles harmful to your health?

Possibly, if you use low-quality scented candles made with synthetic fragrances, lead wicks, and paraffin wax, such candles emit harmful toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, which are linked to cancer and respiratory health problems. 


But no, when you choose quality candles like Stān dle's scented candles. Stān dle uses natural, non-toxic ingredients so your candle burns cleanly.


Can you use both essential oils and scented candles together?

Absolutely! Pairing scented candles with essential oils creates a multi-layered scent experience. Light a scented candle to set the mood, then add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser for an extra touch of luxury. For an even better experience, use Stān dle's incredible line of scented candles.



How can I tell if my candle or essential oil is sustainably made?

First, check the labels for certifications like USDA Organic and Fair for Life. Then, see if the candles or essential oils were made with eco-friendly ingredients, ethically sourced, and minimal packaging, like what Stān dle offers. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our use of renewable waxes, reusable jars, and responsibly sourced essential oils. Shop now!


Is it ok to burn scented candles every day?

Yes, as long as they're high-quality, made with clean-burning waxes like soy wax and beeswax, and lead-free wicks like Stān dle candles. Stān dle candles are safe for daily use. They fill your space with beautiful aromas while keeping the air fresh and healthy.