Are Candle Fragrance Oils Flammable?

Candles are a popular home fragrance product used by millions of consumers worldwide. The candle industry brings in billions of dollars in sales every year, fueled by the growing demand for scented products that create ambiance and relax the senses (Candles.org). With such prevalence, many people wonder: are candle fragrance oils flammable?

This article will provide a complete overview of fragrance oil flammability, analyzing why fragrances can be a fire hazard, how to use them safely, and myths surrounding their combustibility. We’ll also look at signs of unsafe fragrances, alternatives to traditional oils, and when to be concerned about flammability.

What Are Candle Fragrance Oils?

Candle fragrance oils, also known as aroma oils, are blended synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils that are used to scent candles. They are added to candle wax to provide a specific fragrance when the candle is burned (Source: https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/what-are-fragrance-oils-definition-concerns.php).

Fragrance oils contain concentrated aromatic compounds that evaporate when heated by the candle flame. As the evaporated fragrance fills the surrounding air, it creates the scented aroma we associate with scented candles. Popular candle scents from fragrance oils include floral, fruity, spicy, woodsy and seasonal fragrances.

Candle makers often use specially formulated fragrances designed for candle making. These are blended not just for scent but also for characteristics like scent throw (projection of aroma) and burn properties. Using the right candle fragrance oil helps maximize scent and performance in the finished candle.

Are Fragrance Oils Flammable?

The short answer is yes, fragrance oils used for candle making are flammable. This is due to their chemical composition and relatively low flash point.

The flash point of a fragrance oil refers to the lowest temperature at which the oil’s vapors can ignite when exposed to an ignition source. Fragrance oils used for candles typically have flash points ranging from 100°F to 180°F. For comparison, paraffin wax used in candles has a flash point of about 400°F.

Some common fragrance oils and their flash points include:
– Lavender fragrance oil – 145°F (https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/fragrance-oil-flash-point/)

– Vanilla fragrance oil – 185°F (https://northwoodcandlesupply.com/blogs/news/flash-points-101)
– Pine fragrance oil – 115°F (https://armatagecandlecompany.com/blog/should-you-care-about-flash-point/)

So in summary, fragrance oils by nature have relatively low flash points compared to candle wax, making them flammable substances that require proper handling and usage.

Why Fragrance Oils Are Flammable

The chemical composition of fragrance oils contributes to their flammability. Fragrance oils contain a high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature^[1]. When VOCs evaporate, they release vapors, which can ignite in the presence of an open flame. Many common fragrance oil ingredients like limonene, linalool, and eugenol are classified as VOCs.

The more VOCs present in a fragrance oil, the lower its flashpoint will be. Flashpoint refers to the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors to ignite. Fragrance oils with a higher percentage of VOCs have flashpoints under 141°F, making them highly flammable^[2]. When used in candles, these volatile compounds evaporate into the air surrounding the flame, creating a combustible vapor that can easily ignite if the flashpoint temperature is reached.

Using Fragrance Oils Safely

When using fragrance oils in candle making, proper storage and safe usage is crucial. Here are some tips for safely using fragrance oils:

Store fragrance oils in a cool, dry place away from heat and light sources. Exposure to heat and light can cause the oils to evaporate or lose potency over time. Keep lids tightly sealed and containers upright to prevent leaks.

Use proper protective equipment like gloves and eye protection when handling fragrance oils. Avoid contact with skin as much as possible. Fragrance oils can be irritants for sensitive skin. Do not ingest fragrance oils.

Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in fragrance oil vapors directly. Be aware that some individuals may be sensitive to certain fragrances and have allergic reactions. Test any new fragrance on a small patch of skin first before widespread use.

Measure carefully and follow recommended usage rates. Using too much fragrance oil can make candles unsafe by altering the wax properties. Generally, 6-8% is considered a safe usage rate for most candle waxes.

Thoroughly mix and incorporate oils to avoid concentrated pockets of fragrance that can heat unevenly. Always double check flash points and do not exceed a fragrance’s recommended maximum usage rate.

Adhering to proper storage methods, equipment, workspaces, and usage limits will help promote safe handling of fragrance oils in candle making.

Alternatives to Fragrance Oils

There are some safer alternatives to using synthetic fragrance oils in candles:

Essential Oils – Essential oils like lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood can provide nice scents for candles. However, essential oils still contain volatile compounds so they can be flammable. Essential oils tend to have lower flash points than fragrance oils, so care should still be taken (https://www.vedaoils.com/blogs/candlemaking/how-to-make-scented-candles-without-essential-oils).

Soy Wax – Opting for a soy wax rather than paraffin can provide a slower, cooler burn for candles. Soy wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin, reducing the risk of the candle getting too hot. This allows you to use less fragrance oil while still getting sufficient scent throw. Soy wax also holds fragrances better than paraffin.

Dried Botanicals – Herbs like lavender, rose petals, and chamomile can be dried and added directly to candles for subtle, natural fragrance. This avoids the risks of flammable volatile oils. Carefully research herb amounts, as excessive plant matter can clog wicks (https://www.ronxs.com/how-to-make-a-decent-scented-candle-without-any-essential-oils/).

Myths About Fragrance Oil Flammability

There are some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to the flammability of candle fragrance oils. Here are some myths and the facts behind them:

Myth: All fragrance oils are non-flammable.

Fact: This is not true. While some fragrance oils may have flash points above 200°F making them non-flammable, many have flash points below 200°F which means they can catch fire under certain conditions. According to Rocky Mountain Oils, fragrance oil flammability depends on the specific composition. [1]

Myth: Fragrance oils are safe to use in any candle or wax melter.

Fact: Fragrance oils should only be used with waxes that have a flash point higher than the flash point of the fragrance oil. Using a fragrance oil with a lower flash point than the wax can be unsafe and create a fire hazard. It’s important to always check flash points before adding fragrance oils. [2]

Myth: As long as you add fragrance oil below the wax flash point, it’s completely safe.

Fact: Even when added below the wax flash point, fragrance oils can still ignite if the candle reaches a temperature above the flash point through improper burning or wax pooling. It’s safest to have a wax flash point much higher than the fragrance flash point as a buffer. Don’t rely solely on adding fragrance below the wax flash point for safety.

Signs Your Candle Fragrance is Unsafe

There are a few key signs that your candle fragrance oil may not be burning safely or properly. These include:

Sooting

Excessive black smoke or soot accumulating on the walls of the candle jar is a red flag. Sooting occurs when the fragrance oil does not burn cleanly and produces more carbon residue. According to research from Today.com, soot contains harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein that can irritate lungs if inhaled.

Tunneling

This refers to a candle burning unevenly, creating tunnels or holes in the wax. Tunneling happens when the fragrance oil evaporates more quickly than the wax melts. The wick then burns faster through these wax tunnels rather than at an even rate. According to VeryWell Health, tunneling makes it harder to control the candle’s burn rate and can lead to blowouts or the jar cracking from overheating on one side.

Mushrooming

Mushrooming is when black carbon balls form on the tip of the wick during burning. This prevents the wick from burning evenly and can create thick smoke. Mushrooming may mean the fragrance oil concentration is too high for the wax being used.

What to Do

If your candle exhibits any of the above issues, stop burning it. Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch length and make sure the candle is burning in a draft-free area away from airflow. Wipe any soot off the jar to prevent buildup. If problems persist, discontinue use of the fragrance oil, as it likely needs to be reformulated for safer burning.

When to Be Concerned

There are certain situations and warning signs that indicate an increased risk of fire when using candle fragrance oils. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/candles, you should be especially cautious if you plan to burn candles continuously or leave them unattended. The NFPA advises to always blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep, as nearly half of home candle fires start when candles are abandoned or unattended.

The U.S. Fire Administration https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/candle/ warns to never burn a candle near anything flammable, keep them away from drapes, furniture, bedding, books, paper, and carpets. Be extra vigilant if burning candles around children or pets who could accidentally knock them over. Also be alert to warning signs like flickering flames, excessive smoking or sooting, or cracked or warped containers which indicate dangerous conditions.

Simply leaving a candle unattended in another room is a major red flag not to ignore. According to the National Candle Association https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/, you should never burn a candle longer than the recommended burn time and extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Conclusion

In summary, candle fragrance oils are flammable due to their composition of volatile organic compounds. When these compounds are heated, they produce vapors that can easily ignite. While fragrance oils enhance candles and can be used safely with proper precautions, it’s important to be vigilant about fire risks. Don’t leave burning candles unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and ensure adequate ventilation when burning. Consider safer candle options like 100% beeswax or soy candles if concerned. With awareness and care, candle lovers can continue enjoying their favorite scents without putting their homes and families in danger.

As a parting thought, never sacrifice safety in your enjoyment of candles. Be mindful, take precautions, and consider safer alternative products if fragrance oil flammability concerns you. With smart practices, you can keep your home secure while still using candles to create cozy, comforting environments.