Many of our customers frequently ask whether our candles expire. In this note, I’d like to share some insights regarding the shelf life of aromatherapy candles.
📍 Wax itself, as a material, does not have an expiration date. So when we talk about candles “expiring,” we are actually referring to the essential oils within them.
📍 Aromatherapy candles contain ingredients like aromatic essential oils, and over time, these oils and scents can dissipate. Because of this characteristic, aromatherapy candles do have a shelf life. So, how long can aromatherapy candles be stored?
☑️ If the candle has not been opened and is stored correctly, it can last for about three years, similar to regular perfumes.
☑️ If the candle has been opened and used for some time without a lid, the essential oil components inside can evaporate with time, temperature, and humidity in the air. In this case, it’s advisable to use it within six months, and at most, not more than a year. (As an additional tip, it’s recommended to purchase candles with lids that can keep the wax in a sealed environment. This can help extend their shelf life and keep the candle surface clean.)
【⁉️ Can you still use expired candles? 】
Aromatherapy candles work by heating and diffusing the aromatic molecules of the essential oils into the air, enhancing the fragrance. When a candle has expired, most of the essential oils have likely dissipated, and while you can still light the candle, it won’t effectively diffuse fragrance. At this point, it functions as a regular candle, at best. For lower-quality aromatherapy candles, using them after expiration might release unpleasant odors or potentially harmful substances due to incomplete combustion, which can affect air quality and breathing. Therefore, it is not advisable to continue using expired aromatherapy candles.
