DIY Candle & Wax Melt Making 2025: Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils Explained

DIY Candle & Wax Melt Making 2025: Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils Explained

Introduction

DIY candle and wax melt making has never been more popular. In 2025, more people than ever are turning to handmade creations — whether it’s for relaxation, home fragrance, thoughtful gifts, or even launching a small business. The UK candle market alone continues to grow strongly, fuelled by a love of personalised scents, sustainability, and natural aromatherapy touches.

When it comes to crafting, one of the biggest choices makers face is whether to use essential oils or fragrance oils. Both bring something different to the table:

  • Essential oils are 100% natural, distilled from plants, and often chosen for their pure and mindful qualities.

  • Fragrance oils are carefully crafted blends designed to deliver a stronger, longer-lasting scent throw and a huge variety of fragrance options.

In this guide, we’ll explore how essential and fragrance oils compare in candle and wax melt making, highlight some of the most-loved oils from the Aroma Energy collections, and share safe, practical tips for DIYers and small-business makers alike.

Why DIY Candle & Wax Melt Making is Booming in 2025

In the UK, the candle and home fragrance market is thriving. In fact, it’s worth hundreds of millions and continues to grow year on year. What’s driving this surge?

  • Sustainability & eco-conscious choices – Many makers now prefer natural waxes like soy or beeswax, combined with plant-based essential oils. This shift is boosting demand for cleaner, greener products.

  • Personalisation – Instead of buying mass-produced scents, people want candles and melts that feel unique. Blending oils allows creators to design signature scents that stand out.

  • Small business opportunities – More hobbyists are turning their passion into side hustles. From craft fairs to Etsy shops, candles and wax melts are one of the most accessible DIY businesses to start.

  • Seasonal appeal – While demand peaks in the run-up to Christmas, many makers start preparing their creations as early as September. Warm, cozy scents like cinnamon, clove, and vanilla are always in demand, while uplifting oils like orange and lemon carry well from autumn into winter.

Whether you’re crafting for your own home, making gifts for friends and family, or producing batches for customers, 2025 is the perfect time to dive into DIY. Aroma Energy’s range of essential oils and fragrance oils gives makers plenty of options to experiment with, no matter their goal.

Essential Oils in Candle & Wax Melt Making

Essential oils remain a favourite among DIY crafters who value natural, plant-based ingredients. Distilled from flowers, fruits, woods, and herbs, these oils bring a sense of purity and mindfulness to handmade candles and melts.

Why choose essential oils?

  • Natural appeal – Ideal for eco-conscious makers and customers.

  • Aromatherapy associations – Many people enjoy the calming or uplifting qualities linked with plant oils.

  • Versatile blending – Essential oils layer beautifully together, making them perfect for experimenting with signature scents.

Limitations to be aware of

  • Scent throw – Essential oils generally create a softer fragrance compared to fragrance oils.

  • Price – Some pure oils (like rose or jasmine) are more costly, which can be a factor for small businesses.

  • Flash point – Certain oils may lose potency if added to wax at too high a temperature, so timing matters.

Aroma Energy essential oils perfect for candles & melts

Pro tip: For candles, add essential oils when the wax has cooled slightly (around 60–65°C for soy wax). This helps preserve their natural character. For wax melts, a curing period of about a week will allow the fragrance to settle and release more evenly.

aroma energy full essential oil collection

Fragrance Oils in Candle & Wax Melt Making

Fragrance oils are the go-to choice for makers who want strong, consistent, and long-lasting scent throw. Unlike essential oils, they’re formulated specifically for home fragrance, which makes them ideal for candles, wax melts, and larger batch production.

Why choose fragrance oils?

  • Stronger scent throw – Delivers a bolder aroma that fills a room quickly.

  • Wider variety – From fruity blends to designer-inspired scents, fragrance oils cover notes that essential oils can’t replicate.

  • Consistent results – Great for small businesses that need uniform batches every time.

  • Cost-effective – Often more affordable per gram than pure essential oils, especially for large-scale projects.

Usage guidance

  • For wax melts, a 6–10% fragrance load by wax weight is common for best results.

  • For candles, follow wax supplier recommendations — usually around 6–8%.

  • Always cure wax melts for at least 7–14 days to get the strongest scent.

Aroma Energy fragrance oils perfect for DIY projects

Pro tip: If you want both strength and natural notes, try blending a fragrance oil with an essential oil. For example, Vanilla FO pairs beautifully with Orange EO for a balanced sweet–citrus candle.

aroma energy full fragrance oils collection

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils — Which Should You Choose?

Both essential oils and fragrance oils have a place in candle and wax melt making. The best choice depends on what you value most as a maker.

Essential Oils

✅ 100% natural, plant-derived
✅ Ideal for eco-conscious customers and mindful crafting
✅ Work beautifully in wellness-inspired blends
⚠️ Softer scent throw and higher cost may be limiting for larger batches

Great picks from Aroma Energy’s range:

Fragrance Oils

✅ Stronger, longer-lasting scent throw
✅ Huge variety of scents (including designer-inspired and gourmand)
✅ Cost-effective for small businesses scaling up
⚠️ Synthetic nature may not appeal to all-natural audiences

Great picks from Aroma Energy’s range:

Blending Both

Many makers use a mix of essential and fragrance oils to get the best of both worlds.

  • Example: Orange EO + Vanilla FO = a balanced sweet-citrus scent.

  • Example: Cinnamon EO + Cinnamon & Apple FO = a strong festive blend with a natural base.

👉 Rule of thumb:

  • Use essential oils when you want a mindful, natural story.

  • Use fragrance oils when you need boldness, variety, and consistency.

  • Use both when you want to get creative.

Seasonal & Holiday DIY Inspiration (2025)

While many makers start crafting in September to be ready for the busy Q4 season, the beauty of candles and wax melts is that scents can be tailored to both autumn cosiness and holiday festivities. Even if you’re not making Christmas-specific products, seasonal blends are a powerful way to connect with mood and memory.

Cozy Autumn Ideas

  • Orange Essential Oil + Clove Leaf Essential Oil – a spicy-citrus combo that feels warm and grounding.

  • Cinnamon Fragrance Oil + Vanilla Fragrance Oil – a bakery-inspired scent perfect for rainy evenings.

Transition into Winter

  • Cinnamon & Orange Fragrance Oil – balances festive spice with brightness, a classic for candles or wax melts.

  • Lavender Essential Oil + Clean Cotton Fragrance Oil – a fresh, comforting pairing that works year-round.

Holiday-Ready Blends

Even if you’re not going “full Christmas” in September, these blends are worth experimenting with:

  • Cinnamon Essential Oil + Cinnamon & Apple Fragrance Oil – cozy, nostalgic, and gift-worthy.

  • Orange Essential Oil + Vanilla Fragrance Oil – sweet citrus that doubles as a holiday treat or an all-year favourite.

Pro tip: For small businesses, seasonal blends can help products stand out in autumn/winter markets, while everyday scents (like clean, floral, or fruity) keep your range balanced outside the holiday rush.

aroma energy autumn essential oils

Step-by-Step: How to Make Candles & Wax Melts Safely

Whether you’re a beginner or running a small business, a safe process is key for good results. Here’s a simple guide you can adapt to your own style.

For Candles

  1. Choose your wax – Soy and beeswax are popular eco-friendly choices.

  2. Melt the wax – Use a double boiler until fully liquid.

  3. Add oils at the right temperature – Around 60–65°C for soy wax is ideal to protect essential oil integrity.

    • Fragrance oils can tolerate slightly higher temps.

  4. Secure the wick – Place it in the centre of your container before pouring.

  5. Pour carefully – Into pre-warmed jars to avoid cracking.

  6. Cure – Let candles sit for at least 48 hours, though longer gives a smoother burn.

For Wax Melts

  1. Melt wax and check temperature (follow supplier’s guidance).

  2. Add oils – For fragrance oils, aim for 6–10% load by wax weight.

  3. Pour into moulds – Silicone moulds work best.

  4. Allow to cure – 7–14 days is recommended for a strong scent throw.

  5. Pop out & package – Store in airtight bags or containers.

Safety Essentials

  • Always check oil flash points before adding to hot wax.

  • Don’t exceed safe oil percentages — too much can cause sweating or fire risk.

  • Follow CLP regulations if selling — see Aroma Energy’s CLP Guide.

  • Never add oils directly to a flame.

Discover Fragrance Oils
For makers who want bold, long-lasting aromas and endless variety, explore our Fragrance Oils Collection. Whether you’re after cozy cinnamon, sweet vanilla, or fresh, modern scents, these oils are designed to deliver strong and consistent results in every project.

Tips for Small Business Creators in 2025

If you’re turning your candle or wax melt hobby into a business, a few smart practices can make all the difference:

1. Start Early
Most makers begin preparing stock in September to be ready for Q4 demand. Autumn and winter are peak selling seasons, so planning ahead is essential.

2. Compliance Matters
Always follow CLP labelling regulations to stay compliant and keep customers safe. Aroma Energy provides a helpful CLP Guide that simplifies this process.

3. Be Consistent
Customers expect the same scent experience each time. Weigh oils carefully, record exact recipes, and cure products properly to achieve repeatable results.

4. Balance Natural Appeal & Performance
Essential oils highlight eco-friendly, wellness-focused values. Fragrance oils deliver strong, consistent scents at scale. Many successful small businesses offer both to appeal to a wider audience.

5. Packaging & Presentation
Simple but professional packaging builds trust. Eco-friendly materials (kraft boxes, biodegradable wraps) resonate strongly with 2025’s sustainability-conscious buyers.

6. Test, Test, Test
Before selling, always test burn candles and test cure wax melts. This avoids wasted batches and protects your reputation.

Pro tip: Small businesses that showcase seasonal blends alongside year-round staples (like lavender, vanilla, or citrus scents) often achieve the best balance of sales and customer retention.

Explore Our Christmas Range
Looking for festive inspiration? Discover our Christmas Range, packed with warm spices, cozy citrus blends, and holiday-ready scents. Perfect for seasonal candle and wax melt creations, these oils make it easy to capture the magic of Christmas in every pour.

aroma energy christmas range

FAQs

Can you use essential oils in candles?
Yes, but they’re generally softer in scent than fragrance oils. Add them at lower temperatures (around 60–65°C for soy wax) to preserve their aroma, and always check the oil’s flash point.

How much fragrance oil should I use in wax melts?
A common guideline is 6–10% by wax weight. Too little will give a weak throw, too much can cause sweating or unstable melts.

Are fragrance oils safe?
When used correctly, yes. Always follow supplier recommendations, stick to safe percentages, and label products properly with CLP compliance if selling.

Which oils last longer in candles?
Fragrance oils typically have stronger and longer-lasting scent throw. Essential oils may fade faster, but offer a natural character many customers prefer.

Can I mix essential and fragrance oils together?
Absolutely. Many makers blend the two to balance natural appeal with stronger scent throw. For example: Orange Essential Oil + Vanilla Fragrance Oil makes a sweet, balanced candle.

Which oils are best for holiday candles in 2025?
Classic choices include:

Explore Essential Oils
If you’re inspired to start creating with natural, plant-based scents, browse our full Essential Oils Collection. From calming lavender to zesty citrus and warming spices, you’ll find a wide variety of oils perfect for candles, wax melts, and mindful blends.

Final Thoughts

2025 is the perfect year to dive into DIY candle and wax melt making. Whether you’re creating for yourself, gifting loved ones, or building a small business, choosing between essential oils and fragrance oils shapes your creations.

  • Essential oils bring a natural, mindful quality that resonates with eco-conscious customers and wellness seekers.

  • Fragrance oils deliver stronger, longer-lasting scents and a wider variety — perfect for consistent results and business scalability.

  • Many makers find the sweet spot by blending both, combining the authenticity of natural oils with the bold performance of fragrance oils.

At Aroma Energy, we make it easy to experiment, offering a wide collection of essential oils and fragrance oils suited to every type of maker. Whether you’re looking for festive cinnamon, refreshing citrus, or soothing lavender, you’ll find the right scent to bring your DIY vision to life.

So, light the wick, pour the wax, and start exploring — your next signature scent is waiting.

Further Reading: Explore More on Essential Oils

If you found this guide helpful, you might enjoy diving deeper into some of our other popular aromatherapy articles. These posts expand on the benefits, uses, and safety of essential oils—perfect for growing your knowledge and refining your rituals:

Feel free to browse our full blog archive for even more inspiration, tips, and product ideas.

Further Reading from Vita London: Natural Support for Daily Wellness

If you’re exploring candles and wax melts as part of a mindful lifestyle, it’s worth thinking about wellness beyond home fragrance too. Our sister brand, Vita London, offers a range of natural supplements that may help support energy, focus, sleep, mood, and overall balance — a perfect complement to the calming rituals you create with essential oils and fragrance oils.

Here are a few helpful reads from their expert-led blog:

Explore more natural wellness insights at Vita London’s blog.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.