Candle Fragrance Oils: Safe For Lotions?

Creating your own lotion is a fun and rewarding project, and adding a fragrance can make it even more enjoyable. But can you use candle fragrance oils in lotion? The answer is a little complicated. While some fragrance oils are designed specifically for candles and may not be safe for skin contact, many fragrance oils are versatile and can be used for both candles and skin care products like lotion. It's important to check the product description and the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) certificate to ensure that the oil is safe for skin contact and to determine the maximum usage percentage. Additionally, fragrance oils are different from flavour oils, which are typically used for lip products. When creating lotion, it's crucial to follow a recipe and pay attention to the recommended usage rates for fragrance oils to ensure a safe and enjoyable final product.

Fragrance oil vs perfume oil

While fragrance oils can be used in lotions, it is important to note that not all fragrance oils are created equal. Some fragrance oils are formulated for candle use and may not be suitable for skin application, while others are specifically designed for use on the skin. When using fragrance oils in lotions, it is crucial to refer to the product's recommended usage rate and adhere to safety guidelines provided by organisations like the IFRA (International Fragrance Association).

Now, let's delve into the differences between fragrance oil and perfume oil:

The terms "fragrance oil" and "perfume oil" are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinct differences between the two. Fragrance oil, in contemporary usage, usually refers to mass-produced stock oils used in candles, home fragrances, and bath and body products. These oils are typically inexpensive blends that may not be ideal for creating fine fragrances. On the other hand, perfume oil is a more specialised product, referring to a finished combination of raw oils mixed with alcohol to create a professional perfume.

Composition:

Fragrance oils are often highly diluted and may consist of a single accord or note. They are designed for use in various applications, including candles, diffusers, and bath and body products. While some fragrance oils are safe for skin application, they may not be of the same quality as those intended for perfumery.

Perfume oils, on the other hand, are highly concentrated fragrance products made primarily from essential oils and carrier oils. They contain a higher percentage of essential oils, typically ranging from 15% to 30% or more. This results in a more potent and long-lasting scent.

Longevity:

The higher concentration of essential oils in perfume oil allows it to last longer on the skin. While traditional perfumes can linger for several hours, up to 6-8 hours or more, perfume oils often exceed this duration and may even last all day.

Scent Intensity:

Perfume oils offer a more subtle and intimate fragrance experience. They tend to stay closer to the skin, making them ideal for those who prefer a personal and less overpowering scent. Traditional perfumes, on the other hand, are known for their bold and noticeable fragrances that can be detected by others nearby.

Application:

Fragrance oils are typically applied using a rollerball or dropper, allowing for precise application to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. They are often packaged in small, leak-resistant bottles, making them convenient for on-the-go use.

Traditional perfumes, on the other hand, are usually available in spray bottles and are applied by spritzing them onto the skin or clothing. Their compact bottles make them easy to carry in a bag or pocket.

Suitability:

The choice between fragrance oil and perfume oil ultimately depends on personal preference. Those who appreciate a longer-lasting and more subtle scent may prefer perfume oils, while those who favour a stronger and more noticeable fragrance may opt for traditional perfumes.

Skin-safe ingredients

When it comes to skin-safe ingredients, it's important to note that not all fragrance oils are created equal. While some fragrance oils are safe to use on the skin, others are specifically formulated for candle-making and may not be suitable for direct skin contact. Here are some important considerations and guidelines to ensure your lotion creation process is safe and effective:

Understanding Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are synthetic creations that mimic the scent of natural plants, flowers, and herbs. They are designed to be more potent and long-lasting than essential oils. When choosing a fragrance oil, it's crucial to select one that is specifically labelled as "skin-safe" or "safe for skin contact." These oils have been tested and deemed safe for use in products that come into direct contact with the skin, such as lotions, soaps, and other body care items.

Recommended Usage Rates

It's important to follow the recommended usage rates specified by the manufacturer. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) provides maximum safe usage levels by percentage for different applications. For bath, body, and soap applications, the recommended maximum fragrance oil concentration is typically around 5%. However, it's important to refer to the specific guidelines provided by your fragrance oil supplier.

Product Compatibility

Even if a fragrance oil is labelled as skin-safe, it's important to test its compatibility with your specific product formulation. Some fragrances may react with other ingredients, causing changes in colour or consistency. Always perform a small patch test before incorporating a new fragrance oil into your lotion recipe to ensure it meets your expectations and does not cause any skin irritation.

Fragrance Oil vs. Flavour Oil

It's important to distinguish between fragrance oils and flavour oils. Fragrance oils are intended for body products, excluding lip products. On the other hand, flavour oils are designed for lip products. Do not use fragrance oils on or around the lips, as they are not meant for ingestion.

Examples of Skin-Safe Fragrance Oils

When creating your own lotion, you can find skin-safe fragrance oils from various suppliers. Some examples include:

• Bramble Berry Watermelon Sugar Fragrance Oil
• Aroma Depot A Thousand Wishes Fragrance Oil
• Holamay Premium Essential Oils Set (Coconut, Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple)
• P&J Trading Summer Set of 6 Fragrance Oils (Peach, Strawberry, Plumeria, Coconut, Ocean Breeze, Pina Colada)

Remember, when working with fragrance oils, always prioritize safety and follow the recommended usage guidelines. Creating your own scented lotion can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to ensure the ingredients you use are safe and suitable for your intended purpose.

IFRA certificate

The IFRA (International Fragrance Association) certificate is a document established by companies creating fragrance mixtures. It is based on the business relationship between the fragrance supplier and its customer. The certificate is only applicable to fragrance mixtures intended to be directly included in a finished consumer product.

The IFRA Standards are a set of rules and regulations for the use of fragrance materials, and a baseline for the industry. Their website is an excellent resource for learning more about fragrance, fragrance regulations worldwide, and the organization itself. The IFRA Standards ban, limit or set criteria for the use of certain ingredients, based on scientific evidence and consumer insights.

Each and every fragrance has its own certificate confirming compliance with IFRA's standards. Because the composition of every fragrance is different, every fragrance has different usage levels for different applications. The "meat" of each IFRA certificate is the table of categories and usage levels for each category. The maximum usage level is the most fragrance it is possible to use for each application and remain IFRA-compliant.

The IFRA has 12 categories (and multiple subcategories) of uses and applications for fragrance and lists the maximum usage percentage of a specific fragrance for each category. You can find more details about each specific category on the IFRA website.

It is important to note that the Certificate of Conformity declares compliance with the requirements expressed in the IFRA Standards but does not replace a safety assessment.

Usage rates

When adding fragrance oils to lotions, it's important to follow the recommended usage rates to ensure safety and the desired scent intensity. The usage rate refers to the amount of fragrance oil added as a percentage of the total weight of the lotion.

The general usage rate for fragrance oils in lotions is typically between 0.1% and 3%. However, it's crucial to refer to the specific fragrance oil's documentation, as different oils have different maximum allowable values. The maximum usage rate indicated on the product page or the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) certificate is the upper limit for safe usage and should not be exceeded. For example, a fragrance oil may have a maximum usage rate of 5% for soap but only 3% for lotion, as indicated by its IFRA certificate.

Additionally, it's important to consider the desired scent intensity when determining the usage rate. A lower usage rate will result in a lighter-smelling product, while a higher rate will produce a stronger fragrance. Most suppliers will provide IFRA rates, which are essential to follow to ensure skin safety. For instance, a fragrance oil with a low lotion use rate may not be suitable for lotion products, as it could result in a negligible scent.

When calculating the exact amount of fragrance oil to add, you can use a fragrance calculator or manually compute it by multiplying the weight of your lotion by the desired usage rate. For instance, if you're making 8 ounces of lotion and want a 1% fragrance rate, you'd calculate 8 x 0.01 = 0.08 ounces of fragrance oil.

It's always recommended to start with a lower amount of fragrance oil and gradually increase it if needed. This precaution helps prevent skin irritation and ensures the stability and desired texture of the final product. A patch test on a small area of skin is also advisable before using the fragranced lotion extensively.

Supplier recommendations

While it is possible to use candle fragrance oils in lotions, it is important to ensure that the fragrance oil is skin-safe and meant for use in body products. Fragrance oils meant for candles may not be suitable for use on the skin.

• Bramble Berry: Their Watermelon Sugar Fragrance Oil is vegan, phthalate, and paraben-free. It can be used for making DIY soap, candles, lotion, bath bombs, skin and body care products.
• Aroma Depot: Their fragrance oils can be used for various DIY projects such as candles, bath bombs, body butters, creams, and lotions.
• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of fragrance oils from different brands that are safe for use in lotions. Some of these include the Honey Vanilla Fragrance Oil, Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Oil, and Coco Mango Fragrance Oil.
• Makesy: They offer a range of fine fragrance oils, essential oils, and natural flavor oils that can be used for body oils, lip balms, soaps, and candle-making.
• Cierra Candles: Cierra offers skin-safe fragrance oils for soap-making and bath and body products. Their fragrances are vegan, paraben, and phthalate-free.
• NorthWood Distributing: They offer skin-safe fragrance oils that can be used for soap-making, bath bombs, shampoo, conditioner, and other cosmetic products.
• CandleScience: CandleScience provides fragrance oils that are safe for use in soaps and lotions. They provide recommended usage rates and IFRA Certificates for safe usage guidelines.

Frequently asked questions