Why Are Essential Oils Called ‘Essential’? And Why They’re Not Safe in Candles
Essential oils have gained a reputation as natural, wholesome, and therapeutic—but when it comes to burning them in candles, there’s more to consider. At Gracious Glow, we focus on clean, unscented candles for a reason. Here's a closer look at what essential oils really are, why they're called essential, and why we believe they don’t belong in your airspace.
What Makes an Oil “Essential”?
The term essential doesn’t mean necessary or vital—it refers to the essence of a plant’s fragrance. Essential oils are concentrated extracts obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing of flowers, leaves, bark, or other parts of a plant. These oils carry the characteristic scent—or "volatile aromatic compounds"—of the plant source.
The word "essential" was coined from the idea that these oils capture the fundamental aromatic profile of the plant, not that they are essential for human health.
The Problem With Essential Oils in Candles
While essential oils may sound like a natural choice for candles, the reality is more complicated—and less safe. When essential oils are heated or burned, they don’t just release their pleasant aromas. They degrade chemically, producing harmful byproducts that are anything but therapeutic.
The Hidden Health Risks: VOCs and Combustion
When essential oils are burned in candles, they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde, both of which have been shown to negatively affect indoor air quality.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to VOCs can cause:
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Headaches and nausea
Damage to liver, kidney, or central nervous system
Increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure
(EPA Source)
In a 2019 study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that certain terpenes (a common compound in essential oils like limonene and pinene) produce secondary organic aerosols and formaldehyde when exposed to indoor ozone, particularly during combustion or diffusion processes (Pagonis et al., 2019).
Additionally, a study from Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health found that candles—even “natural” ones using essential oils—can emit ultrafine particulate matter and carbonyls, both of which accumulate in indoor environments and pose risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health (Uhde & Schulz, 2015).
Essential Oils and Pets
Even more concerning is how essential oils affect our furry companions. Cats, dogs, and small animals are especially vulnerable to diffused or burned essential oils. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) warns that essential oils can be toxic to pets, leading to symptoms such as:
Drooling
Vomiting
Respiratory distress
Liver failure in severe cases
(ASPCA Essential Oil Toxicity Info)
Why Gracious Glow Candles Stay Unscented
We believe that lighting a candle should be a safe, calming experience—not a source of indoor air pollution or hidden health hazards. That’s why every candle we create is 100% unscented, made with pure soy or beeswax, and free from synthetic fragrance and essential oils.
Our candles are hand-poured using non-toxic, VOC-free ingredients, and provide a clean, gentle glow that supports your health, your environment, and your peace of mind.
In Summary
Essential oils may carry the romantic idea of nature in a bottle, but when burned in candles, they can release harmful compounds that compromise your air quality and health. At Gracious Glow, we choose clean over scented, truth over trend, and safety over assumptions.
Because the essential thing is your wellbeing.
References
U.S. EPA. Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
Pagonis, D. et al. (2019). Emissions of VOCs and SOA formation from fragrance products. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-45323-4
Uhde, E. & Schulz, N. (2015). Emissions from candles. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-014-0279-9
ASPCA. Essential Oils and Pets. https://www.aspca.org/news/essential-oils-and-pets