Aroma Beads: Are They Toxic Or Safe To Use?

Aroma beads are small plastic beads that can be used as an alternative to candles. They are made of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic and can be scented with fragrance oils. The beads can absorb up to 30-40% of their weight in fragrance oil, and the scent can last for several months. While aroma beads are generally considered safe and non-toxic, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind, such as avoiding exposure to direct flames and keeping them out of the reach of children and pets.

Aroma beads are made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets that can be scented and coloured to create air fresheners. They are made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, also known as poly(ethyl-vinyl acetate) (PEVA). This type of plastic has rubbery yet firm properties, making it ideal for melting into different shapes.

EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, with the weight percentage of vinyl acetate varying from 10 to 50%. The remaining percentage is made up of ethylene. There are three types of EVA copolymers, categorised according to their vinyl acetate content and intended use. The first type, with a low proportion of vinyl acetate (approximately up to 4%), is referred to as vinyl-acetate-modified polyethylene. It shares some properties with low-density polyethylene but has increased gloss, making it useful for film applications. This type of EVA is generally processed as a thermoplastic material. The second type is based on a medium proportion of vinyl acetate (approximately 4 to 30%) and is called a thermoplastic ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. It is a thermoplastic elastomer material with properties similar to rubber or plasticised polyvinyl chloride. The third type of EVA copolymer has a high proportion of vinyl acetate (greater than 60%) and is known as ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber.

EVA is considered non-toxic and is widely used in various applications, including yoga blocks, interlocking floor tiles, adhesives, and biomedical engineering. It is also used as a substitute for cork in some products.

They can absorb up to 40% of their weight in fragrance oil

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, sometimes referred to as poly ethyl vinyl acetate (PEVA). They can be used to make air fresheners, potpourri, decorative vases, and scented bags. They can also be melted into fun shapes and used as car fresheners.

Aroma beads can absorb fragrance oils, with the amount depending on the type of fragrance used. Generally, the beads can hold a maximum of 20 to 30% fragrance oil by weight. However, it is important to add the fragrance oil gradually, as adding too much at once can make it difficult for the beads to absorb. The recommended amount of fragrance oil to add at one time is no more than 1 ounce per pound of aroma beads, which is approximately a 6.25% fragrance load.

To add fragrance oil to the aroma beads, simply add the desired amount of oil and beads to a clean glass jar or HDPE plastic container. Shake the jar to distribute the fragrance oil evenly among the beads. It is important to shake the jar thoroughly and in different directions to ensure proper mixing. The beads should appear wet and be coated with fragrance oil. This process may need to be repeated over several days, depending on the type of fragrance oil used, as some oils are heavier and take longer to absorb. Warmer temperatures can also help speed up the absorption process.

Once the fragrance oil is fully absorbed, the beads will appear dry and will no longer stick to the sides of the jar. At this point, the beads are ready to be used for various projects. However, it is recommended to cure the beads for at least 7 days to allow the fragrance to develop and intensify.

The fragrance can last up to six months

Aroma beads can be used as an alternative to candles for freshening up the scent in your home or car. The fragrance in these beads can last up to six months, depending on the fragrance oil used. The length of time also depends on the fragrance itself, the environment, and where the beads are placed. On average, the scent can last from three to six months.

The amount of fragrance oil added to the beads affects how long the scent will last. Aroma beads can hold a maximum of 20 to 30% fragrance oil, but only a 4 to 12% fragrance load is needed to create a strong scent. The amount of oil added also depends on the fragrance used. For example, a 4% fragrance load is about 0.5 oz of fragrance per pound of beads, while a 12% load is about 2 oz of fragrance per pound of beads.

To make the fragrance last longer, it is recommended to let the beads cure for at least seven days after the oil has been absorbed. The longer the beads cure, the longer the scent will last. Additionally, storing the beads in a cool, dark location can help prolong the scent.

If the scent starts to fade, it can be refreshed by placing the beads in a glass jar with some fragrance oil and shaking them up. This can be done once or twice, but after that, the beads can be placed in a drawer to give a pleasant aroma to your clothes.

They are not to be used for your body

Aroma beads are small plastic beads that are used to absorb colour and fragrance oil. They are not to be used on your body. They are meant to be used as a home decor item or an aromatherapy product.

Aroma beads are made of virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, which has a slightly rubbery yet firm feel. They are not the same as poly pellets, which are made from polypropylene. EVA plastic is BPA-free and phthalate-free, and does not contain formaldehyde.

Aroma beads are safe to use, but there are some safety precautions to keep in mind. They should not be exposed to direct flames or used with a potpourri burner or wax tart warmer. They should also be kept out of reach of children and pets, as they pose a choking hazard.

Once fragrance is added, aroma beads should not be used for any projects that will come into contact with food. Only skin-safe fragrances should be used for projects that will come into contact with skin.

Aroma beads can be used in a variety of ways, such as putting them in a muslin sachet or organza bag to make an air freshener, or placing them in a clear glass jar for a fragrant centerpiece. They can also be melted into fun shapes to make car fresheners.

They are safe to use but should not be exposed to direct flames

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, sometimes referred to as poly ethyl vinyl acetate (PEVA). They are safe to use but should not be exposed to direct flames. This is because EVA plastic has a low melting point, starting at around 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and will burn and emit smoke if exposed to excessively high temperatures.

Aroma beads are commonly used for creating air fresheners, as they can be scented and coloured. They are ideal for melting into shapes and can absorb a high amount of fragrance oil—up to 30% of their weight. This makes them a good alternative to candles, as they can be placed in a glass vase, potpourri dish, or decorative container.

When creating your own aroma beads, it is important to follow the correct procedure. First, add fragrance oil slowly to the beads, allowing it to absorb before adding more. This process should be repeated until the desired fragrance strength is achieved. Do not add all the fragrance oil at once, as this will prevent the beads from absorbing it effectively.

Additionally, if you wish to colour your aroma beads, add one to two drops of liquid candle dye to the fragrance oil and mix well before adding the beads. It is important to note that food colouring and soap dye will not work for colouring aroma beads.

Overall, while aroma beads are safe to use, it is crucial to follow the safety precautions and avoid exposing them to direct flames.

Frequently asked questions