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learn the basics

Fragrance Oils vs Essential Oils

In simple terms, essential oils (EOs) are entirely natural extracts derived from the seeds, flowers, leaves, roots, stems, or bark of plants. They are obtained through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing, capturing the pure essence of botanicals.  Quality essential oils do not contain any synthetic components.  Fragrance oils (FOs), on the other hand, are a combination of essential oils and synthetic aroma chemicals created in a lab environment.


One notable advantage of fragrance oils is their scent longevity. Due to their synthetic composition, they tend to retain their scent for an extended period compared to essential oils.  Did you know that rose absolute, the purest form of essential oil, requires approximately 600 roses to make just 1 ml of oil?  Despite their purity and potency, essential oils have a tendency to evaporate more rapidly than fragrance oils.


Both fragrance oils and essential oils should be properly stored. Fragrance oils should be stored in climate controlled spaces and kept away from exposure to light, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Best practice is to use them within a year of their purchase.   Essential oils should be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated separate from food and out of reach from children and pets. As naturally derived products, they are more sensitive to their environment than fragrance oils. This storage method helps to slow oxidation and provides the longest shelf life possible. With proper storage conditions, oxidation is a slow process and is typically a non-issue for essential oils, as long as they are used within 6-12 months. 

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Human and Pet Safety

A great general rule for humans and pets alike is to steer clear of paraffin/petroleum by-product home goods.  Stick to dye-free soy candles, beeswax candles, or vegetable wax-based candles - Lumenuit's 100% natural wax candles are the perfect choice!


When it comes to scent, pets have an acute sense of smell—up to 10,000 times more sensitive than humans. What might seem like a mild aroma to us can be overpowering to them. Even inhaling diffused oils is harmful to dogs, cats and birds. Prolonged exposure to diffused oils, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces, can result in respiratory distress or even aspiration pneumonia. Direct contact with these oils on their skin (from licking airborne particles that land on fur) can cause irritation or chemical burns.  


Phthalates are something to steer clear of - this toxic chemical can be found in artificial fragrances and is perilously unhealthy to dogs, cats and humans as well. This fragrance bonding agent has been labeled as a carcinogen by the International Agency For Research On Cancer and can  greatly damage a dog’s central nervous system.


Cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs but reactions depend upon the scent, the delivery method, and the character of the cat.  This is because the oils are metabolized in the liver and cats lack the necessary enzyme to break down and eliminate them.  Cats are also negatively affected by chemical compounds like phenols, which can be found in some essential oils. The higher the concentration of the oil, the greater the risk to the cat.


For the above mentioned reasons, Lumenuit does not recommend adding scent to our candles if you have pets at home.

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Scented Enhancement

If you do not have pets and would like to add scent to our candles, safety is paramount when using either type of oil.  


Add a few drops of quality grade essential oil or phthalate free fragrance oil near the wick before lighting your candle. NEVER after lighting - oils are highly flammable!  Oils will create a subtle scent throw and enhance your candle experience.  


If you prefer a stronger scent, try adding your wax pearls to a zip close bag and add drops of essential oil or phthalate free fragrance oil to the bag and give it good shake to disperse.  We like to let our wax pearls absorb overnight to minimize clumps.  Add your scented wax pearls to your container and wick as directed.  The strength of the scent will depend on the oil used.


If you have any questions on how to wick or scent your candles at home, please contact us.  We are more than happy to help.