There are a lot of different fragrance oils on the market these days. You can find just about any scent you can imagine, from apple pie to rainforest. However, not all fragrance oils should be mixed. This blog post will discuss some of the fragrance oil combinations you should avoid.
Although no fragrance oils cannot be mixed, certain fragrance oil combinations do not complement one another. Some fragrance oils can cancel each other out, while others can create an unpleasant scent. If you do not feel comfortable, try using pre-made blends.
First, we will discuss the difference between fragrance oil and essential oil. Next, we will cover the basics of mixing oils. Finally, we will review those scents that do not mix well together – so you do not have to.
What is the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils?
Essential oils are natural, concentrated extracts from plants. They have a variety of uses, including aromatherapy, massage, and skincare. Fragrance oils are synthetic, artificial scents. They are often used in candles, soaps, and other products.
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils
The main difference between essential oils and fragrance oils is that essential oils are natural, while fragrance oils are synthetic. Essential oils are made from plant extracts, while fragrance oils are made from chemicals. Fragrance oils often have a stronger scent than essential oils.
You will find few candles made purely scented with essential oils because they are expensive. For example, one pound of lavender oil can cost around $50. On the other hand, fragrance oils only cost a few dollars per pound. The amount of oil you would need to add to a candle would make the process very costly.
Essential oils are not sustainable. They come from plant materials that must be grown, harvested, and distilled. This process can take weeks or even months. It is not possible to make essential oils on a large scale. It can take 10,000 times the amount of raw material to make a pound of essential oil.
On the other hand, fragrance oils are created in a lab. They can be made quickly and on a large scale. This is why fragrance oils are less expensive than essential oils. The process of creating fragrance oils is also more environmentally friendly. Essential oil production often requires the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
Now that we have covered the basics of fragrance oils and essential oils let’s talk about how to mix them.
If you happen to be someone thinking about putting essential oils on a wax burner, hold up for just a minute. We wrote an article all about whether you can or not that we encourage you to read!
Basics of essential and fragrance oil mixing
When mixing fragrance oils, it is essential to consider the following:
- The fragrance oils you are using should have similar notes. For example, if you mix a floral fragrance oil with fruity fragrance oil, make sure both fragrance oils have similar top notes.
- The fragrance oils should not be too strong. If you are mixing two fragrance oils and one is much stronger than the other, it will dominate the scent of the final product.
- The fragrance oils should be compatible with each other. Some fragrance oils will not mix well together, no matter how similar they are. If you are unsure whether two fragrance oils will blend well together, it is best to test them out first.
- When mixing fragrance oils, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired scent. This will help you avoid adding too much of one fragrance oil and overwhelming the other.
- Once you have identified the correct ratio of your two or more fragrance oils, work out the total amount you need to add to the wax. Between 4 to 8ml, depending on your desired strength per 100g of wax.
- Remember, you can always add more fragrance oil, but you cannot take it away. So, start with less and build up to the desired scent.
What candle fragrance and essential oils should not be mixed?
Here are some fragrance oil combinations to avoid:
- Lavender and citrus oils: These fragrance oils do not mix well. Lavender has a strong floral scent, while citrus oils are much more light and refreshing. When these two fragrance oils are combined, the result is an unpleasant fragrance.
- Rosemary and mint oils: These fragrance oils should not be mixed because they can cancel each other out. Rosemary has a strong, herbaceous scent, while mint is much more refreshing. When these two fragrance oils are mixed, the result is an unpleasant fragrance.
- Lemon and vanilla oils: These fragrance oils should not be mixed because they can create an unpleasant scent. Lemon has a strong citrus scent, while vanilla is much more sweet and rich. When these two fragrance oils are mixed, the result is an unpleasant fragrance.
- Jasmine and cinnamon oils: These two fragrance oils should not be mixed because they can create an unpleasant scent. Jasmine has a strong, floral scent, while cinnamon is much spicier. When these two fragrance oils are combined, the result is an unpleasant fragrance.
- Peppermint and Eucalyptus: These two fragrance oils should not be mixed. Peppermint essential oil is refreshing and energising. Eucalyptus essential oil is refreshing and cooling. Combining these two can create an overwhelming fragrance that is too strong.
- Cinnamon – Another fragrance oil that should be used sparingly is cinnamon. This essential oil has a strong, sweet scent that quickly becomes overwhelming. Using too much cinnamon oil in your blend will likely overwhelm the other fragrance oils.
If you are unsure which fragrance oils to use, many pre-made blends are available. These blends are designed to be used together to create a pleasant aroma. You can also ask a fragrance expert for help in choosing the suitable fragrance oils for your needs.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few fragrance and essential oils that you should avoid mixing. When creating your fragrance blends, use only a few drops of each oil not to overpower the scent. By following these guidelines, you can generate fragrance blends that are unique and pleasant to smell. Thanks for reading!
Do you have any favorite fragrance oil combinations? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great tips on fragrance mixing. Happy blending!
Check out our fragrance oil blog post archive if you’re looking for more fragrance oil information. We have posts on everything from storing fragrance oils to what candle fragrance oils should not be mixed. Thanks for reading!
Have any questions about fragrance oils? Leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them! Thanks for reading! Fragrance oil blog post archive.
