Are Scented Oil Sticks Safe?

What Are Scented Oil Sticks?

Scented oil sticks, also known as aromatherapy inhalers or essential oil inhalers, are small portable devices that allow you to inhale essential oils for therapeutic benefits. They consist of a small tube filled with felt or cotton that is saturated with diluted essential oils. There is a cap on one end that you remove to inhale the oils.

To use a scented oil stick, you simply hold the open end under your nose and take a few deep breaths. The oils slowly evaporate from the felt pad, releasing aromas that can promote relaxation, increase alertness, relieve nasal congestion, and more depending on the oils used. The scented vapors are drawn into your nasal passages and lungs during inhalation.

Scented oil sticks provide a convenient way to experience aromatherapy benefits on-the-go. They are portable, tidy, and allow you to target the essential oil vapors directly where they are absorbed. The sticks slowly release aroma over time, providing many uses before needing to be re-saturated.

Common Ingredients

Scented oil sticks are made up of three primary ingredients – essential oils, carrier oils, and water.

Essential oils provide the fragrance and aroma. Popular choices include lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, and tea tree oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated and extracted from plants through distillation or cold pressing (Mistralni, 2014).

Carrier oils help dilute and disperse the essential oils. Common carrier oils used are fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil. They allow the essential oils to cover more surface area and prevent evaporation (Mistralni, 2014).

Water helps absorb and spread the oils through the reeds or sticks via capillary action. Distilled or filtered water is best to avoid mineral deposits. The water content is around 25-30% of the total solution (Quora, n.d.).

Potential Benefits

Scented oil sticks can provide some potential health and wellness benefits when used properly. The aroma from essential oils may help promote relaxation, reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve sleep quality.

Diffusing scented oil sticks can create a calming environment that helps relieve stress and anxiety. Studies show that inhaling essential oil vapors affects brain pathways involved in mood, stress response, and emotions. The aromatherapy effects can create a feeling of relaxation and tranquility. Some popular oils for stress relief include lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang.

Scented oils may also enhance mood and create positive feelings. The aroma can have an uplifting effect and make you feel more energized and optimistic. Citrus oils like grapefruit, lemon, and orange are commonly used to improve mood.

Inhaling essential oils before bedtime can help prepare the body for restful sleep. The calming properties of oils like lavender and chamomile may promote sleepiness, longer sleep duration, and better sleep quality. Diffusing at bedtime is a natural way to set the stage for a good night’s sleep.

While scented oil sticks should not replace medical treatments, aromatherapy may provide complementary mental and physical benefits when used properly. However, it’s important to be aware of safe usage practices.

Potential Risks

Scented oil sticks can pose some potential health and safety risks that are important to be aware of. The main risks include respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and toxicity from certain chemicals.

The fragrances and essential oils in scented sticks can irritate the lungs and airways, especially for those with asthma or allergies. Breathing in the fumes regularly over time may cause respiratory problems or worsen existing conditions [1]. Even in healthy individuals, the constant exposure can lead to coughing, sore throat, headaches, and dizziness.

Many people experience allergic reactions from inhaling the fragrances from scented sticks. Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin irritation can occur. The reaction may be mild for some but dangerous for those with severe allergies. Certain essential oils like eucalyptus are common irritants.

Some scented sticks contain chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene that can be toxic with prolonged exposure [2]. These substances are released into the air as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which have been linked to serious health issues. It’s important to research the ingredients and look for phthalate-free, non-toxic options.

Usage and Safety Tips

When using scented oil sticks, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips:

Don’t ingest the oils – Scented oil sticks are meant for aromatic purposes only and should never be ingested, as they can be toxic if swallowed. Keep the oil sticks out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion (Harlem Candle Co.).

Spot test your skin – Before using a new scented oil, do a patch test on a small area of your inner arm to check for any skin irritation or allergic reactions. Discontinue use if irritation occurs (Shah Patil Exports).

Use in a well-ventilated area – Diffuse scented oils in an area with good airflow and ventilation. Avoid small, enclosed spaces as the scent can be overwhelming.

Keep away from flames – As scented oils are flammable, keep them away from open flames like candles or stoves.

Follow usage guidelines – Check the product label for any special usage instructions and don’t exceed the recommended amount of reeds or diffuser sticks.

Scented Oil Sticks vs Diffusers

When it comes to scenting a room, the two main options are scented oil sticks and electric or ultrasonic diffusers. There are some key differences between these two methods in terms of coverage area, intensity, and portability.

Scented oil sticks, also known as reed diffusers, tend to provide a lighter, more subtle fragrance. The scent from a reed diffuser usually covers up to 100 square feet. Diffusers powered by electricity or batteries create a finer mist that disperses essential oils into the air more rapidly, resulting in a stronger aroma. Ultrasonic diffusers in particular can scent spaces up to 540 square feet.

Because diffusers actively spray the oil into the air, they also allow you to control the fragrance intensity. Many models have settings for intermittent or continuous diffusion. With a passive reed diffuser, the scent is constant at a lower intensity. Diffusers also provide more portability. Smaller models can be moved from room to room or even taken in the car. Reed diffusers require stabilizing the sticks in a base container.

Some people prefer the subtler, unobtrusive nature of reed diffusers. Others like the ability to vary scent intensity and take aromatherapy on the go with a diffuser. Evaluating coverage needs, desired fragrance strength, and portability preferences can help determine which method is right for you.

Top Essential Oil Choices

Some of the most popular and effective essential oils to use in scented oil sticks include:

Lavender: Lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties. It’s commonly used to reduce stress and promote sleep. Lavender has a light, floral aroma that many find pleasant. It blends well with other oils like eucalyptus and lemon (Source: https://www.candlescience.com/essential-oil/all-reed-diffuser-essential-oils/)

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil has an invigorating, minty scent and is often used to open airways. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Eucalyptus combines nicely with lavender and lemon. (Source: https://www.sunleafnaturals.com/products/essential-oil-reed-diffuser-amyris-bergamot)

Lemon: Lemon oil has an energizing citrus aroma that can boost mood. It has cleansing properties and blends well with lavender and eucalyptus. Lemon oil also combines nicely with peppermint.

Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil has a sharp, menthol scent that provides an invigorating sensory experience. It’s commonly used for its cooling and revitalizing properties. Peppermint blends well with citrus oils like lemon.

Making Your Own

Making your own scented oil sticks at home is easy and affordable. The basic recipe calls for just a few ingredients:

• Essential oils
• Carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil
• Jar or other container
• Wood or rattan sticks

A good starter recipe is mixing 3-5 drops of your chosen essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Some popular essential oil options are lavender, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and bergamot. Mix the oils together in your jar, then place the sticks inside to absorb the scent.

Coconut oil works well as an affordable carrier option, while jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils. Olive oil provides a smooth viscosity. Experiment with different oil combinations and essential oil amounts until you find your perfect homemade reed diffuser recipe.

Storing and Maintaining

Properly storing scented oil sticks is important for preserving the oils and extending the life of your sticks. The oils can evaporate or lose their scent if not stored properly. According to cplights.com, you should store any spare sticks or refills in a cool, dry place to prevent evaporation and preserve the scent (source). Keep the sticks in their original packaging or a sealed container. Avoid exposing them to sunlight or heat. Scentaustraliahome.com.au also recommends keeping sticks tightly closed with the original cap when storing to retain the scent (source).

The sticks will need occasional cleaning to remove any oil residue buildup. Gently wipe down sticks with a soft, damp cloth as needed. Rotate the sticks every few weeks so they absorb oil evenly. Replace sticks about every 2-3 months for optimal performance. Letting the sticks completely dry out between uses will help extend their life. Proper storage and occasional cleaning will help maintain scented oil sticks so you can enjoy their aroma for months.

The Bottom Line

Overall, scented oil sticks are considered safe for most consumers when used as directed (https://aroma-luxe.co.uk/blogs/journal/are-reed-diffusers-safe-everything-you-need-to-know). The ingredients are generally non-toxic, though individuals with scent sensitivities or asthma may experience irritation from the fragrance oil. The biggest risks come from ingestion or misuse, which can be avoided by keeping sticks out of reach of children and pets. There is no conclusive evidence that scented oil sticks cause long-term health issues when used properly in a well-ventilated area. In moderation, most people can enjoy the benefits of gentle, continuous fragrance from scented oil sticks without significant safety concerns.

In conclusion, scented oil sticks present a relatively safe way to scent your home when used appropriately. Those with sensitivities may prefer natural options with lighter fragrances. With general precautions, the majority of consumers should feel comfortable using scented oil sticks to add pleasant aromas to their living spaces.