Heidi Norton
Incense has been used for thousands of years, initially by ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations, and continues to be used today in many cultures and religions. The practice of incense burning has become increasingly popular, with many people choosing to make their own incense sticks and cones at home. Essential oils are a popular ingredient in incense due to their scent, but not all essential oils are suitable for incense as they evaporate quickly. When choosing an essential oil for incense, it is recommended to opt for denser, syrupy oils such as sandalwood, frankincense and benzoin. These oils can be purchased from wholesale suppliers, such as Nikura and The Essential Oil Company, which offer discounts and customer support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Websites | The Essential Oil Company, Sea Witch Botanicals, Nikura, Kayla Fioravanti |
| Incense type | Natural, synthetic |
| Incense form | Sticks, cones |
| Incense ingredients | Essential oils, carrier oil, alcohol, herbs, spices, dipropylene glycol, fractional distillations of essential oils, fermented ingredients |
| Incense-making methods | Vertical, horizontal |
| Incense packaging | Special plastic bags, kraft tubes, boxes |
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What You'll Learn
Buy essential oils in bulk
If you are looking to buy essential oils in bulk, there are several suppliers that can meet your needs. Bulk Apothecary, for instance, offers a wide range of quality essential oils in various quantities, from half an ounce to 400-pound containers. They are one of the largest stock suppliers of certified organic and conventional oils, sourcing their products from ethical producers worldwide. Bulk Apothecary's oils are perfect for soap making, candle making, diffusers, and skin and hair care products.
Another option is Wholesale Botanics, which provides bulk discounts on wholesale essential oils, carrier oils, and more. They offer a wide selection of responsibly-sourced and tested oils, including unique options like Blue Lotus Oil, Myrrh, and Jasmine.
Additionally, Plant Therapy offers bulk essential oils at great prices, with batch-tested products to ensure quality and safety. Their oils are perfect for formulators and businesses requiring large quantities.
With these suppliers, you can explore a diverse range of essential oils, take advantage of bulk discounts, and find the perfect oils for your incense-making endeavours.
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Choose natural essential oils
When choosing natural essential oils for incense making, it is important to select high-quality oils that are suitable for burning. Not all essential oils are created equal, and some may be diluted with synthetic fragrances or other additives. To ensure the purity and quality of the essential oils, look for reputable suppliers that offer certified organic or therapeutic-grade essential oils.
It is also crucial to consider the scent profile and volatility of the essential oils. Most essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly and may not last long when burned in incense form. To counteract this, choose denser, more syrupy essential oils such as sandalwood, frankincense, and benzoin. These oils have deeper base notes that will not evaporate as readily and can act as fixatives for lighter oils, helping the scent last longer.
When blending essential oils for incense, it is important to select oils that complement each other aromatically. Some popular choices for natural incense include patchouli, vetiver, and orange essential oils. It is also important to consider the effect you wish to achieve with the incense. For example, certain essential oils may be more suitable for meditation or relaxation purposes, while others may be more uplifting or energizing.
Additionally, pay attention to the other ingredients used in your incense making. Incense typically contains a combustible powder coating, such as charcoal or wood, which can be toxic when burned. Opt for natural alternatives like makko powder, and ensure that any added herbs or botanicals are safe for burning and non-toxic.
Finally, when purchasing essential oils, be mindful of the packaging and sustainability practices of the supplier. Look for companies that use eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing methods. Some suppliers, like Sea Witch Botanicals, offer vegan and non-GMO essential oils, ensuring that their products are not only natural but also environmentally conscious.
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Avoid synthetic fragrance oils
When making incense, it is important to avoid synthetic fragrance oils. Incense has long been used for spiritual attunement by many cultures and religions, such as Japanese Shinto, Tibetan Buddhism, and Chinese religions. However, as synthetic fragrances became more prevalent and cheaper to use, poor-quality incense became the norm.
Synthetic incense is typically more vibrant and crisp, but it can lead to headaches. It is also important to note that only certain types of essential oils are suitable for burning, so it is advisable to be cautious of incense manufacturers that offer a wide range of scent profiles. To ensure the quality of your incense, always look for an ingredients list and avoid products that contain "parfum" or "fragrance", as these are typically petroleum-derived synthetic fragrances.
When choosing essential oils for incense making, opt for natural ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrance oils. Natural incense should have a deep, woodsy, soft lingering scent. To achieve this, consider using essential oils like sandalwood, frankincense, or benzoin, which have denser base notes that will not evaporate as quickly and can act as fixatives for lighter oils. Additionally, look for high-quality, IFRA-compliant fragrance oils designed for burning and avoid body-safe or diffuser-only oils that may burn poorly or produce smoke.
It is also important to be mindful of the concentration of synthetic fragrances, as they may have a much higher concentration than their all-natural equivalents, potentially causing a reaction. When in doubt, opt for electric heaters and explore pure resins and woods for a more natural experience. Some brands, like Shoyeido, are known for using fractional distillations of essential oils, medicinal-grade herbs, and fermented ingredients instead of synthetic fragrance oils.
By avoiding synthetic fragrance oils and choosing natural alternatives, you can create incense that is not only pleasing to the senses but also aligns with the spiritual and meditative purposes for which incense has been traditionally used.
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Use dipropylene glycol
You can buy essential oils for incense making from online stores such as Sea Witch Botanicals, Nature's Garden, and Amazon. Sea Witch Botanicals offers incense sticks made with essential oils, while Nature's Garden and Amazon provide essential oils and other materials for making incense.
Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is a liquid solvent used in preparing fragrances for incense making. It is a cutting agent that dilutes fragrances and essential oils, allowing them to bind to the incense sticks or cones and burn slowly. DPG is also used to slow down the evaporation rate of scents, ensuring a long-lasting fragrance.
To prepare fragrances for incense, mix one part fragrance with one or two parts DPG. This mixture can then be used to soak blank incense sticks or cones. DPG is also used as a natural thickener and stabilizer in incense-making, as well as in soap-making, reed diffusers, perfumes, and body oils.
While DPG is a common ingredient in incense-making, some people express concerns about its safety. It is recommended to use blank sticks and fragrance oils without DPG if you are concerned about its potential health risks.
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Retail options for selling homemade incense
If you're looking to sell your homemade incense, there are a few retail options available to you. You could set up your own online store, or opt for a third-party platform like Etsy, where you can find buyers looking for unique, handmade products. Etsy sellers offer a range of homemade incense sticks, with various scents and shipping deals.
Another option is to sell your incense at local markets or craft fairs. Many farmers' markets allow vendors to sell handmade local incense, and you can set up a booth to sell directly to customers. You could also consider selling wholesale to retailers, either online or at physical stores. This would involve selling your incense in bulk to shops, which would then sell it on to customers.
If you're looking to sell directly to the public, you could also consider buying or leasing a storefront or mall kiosk. This option may be more costly, but it gives you a permanent base to sell your incense and interact with customers.
To get the word out, you can try handing out samples of your incense—a few sticks or cones can be a great way to introduce people to your product, especially if you're launching your own line. You can also start a blog or join social networks to reach new customers and build a community around your incense brand.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy essential oils for incense making from wholesale companies, such as Nikura, which offers all-year-round discounts and customer support with no MOQ.
Essential oils such as sandalwood, frankincense, and benzoin are good for incense making as they are denser and act as fixatives for lighter oils.
You can make incense with essential oils by using the vertical method: bind sticks at the top before soaking them in a mixture of essential oils and dipropylene glycol for 24 hours. Then, hang or stand the bundles for another 24 hours to dry.
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