Analysis Characteristics and Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Candles Soy Wax Based with Formulation Oil Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) as a Relaxation Medium

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of stress and sleep disorders in modern society has driven growing demand for safe and effective aromatherapy products. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate aromatherapy candles based on soy wax incorporating lavender essential oil as a sustainable and health-safe alternative to conventional paraffin-based candles. An experimental hand-made production method was employed, using soy wax as the primary material, with 15 ml of pure lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, employing indirect heating at a controlled temperature of 60°C. Product quality was assessed through physical characterization, burn time testing, hedonic preference testing involving consumer panels, and visual emission observation. The results demonstrated that the formulated candles exhibited a dense, smooth texture with a clean white coloration, confirming optimal crystalline structure formation. Burn time testing recorded a stable combustion duration of 15 hours, indicating superior efficiency compared to standard paraffin candles. Hedonic evaluation revealed that consumers perceived the aroma of the formulated candles as distinctly softer and more harmoniously blended than that of the raw essential oil, attributable to successful aroma binding by the soy wax matrix. Furthermore, no visible soot emission was detected during combustion testing, confirming the clean burning characteristics of the product and its suitability for indoor use in enclosed environments. In conclusion, the soy wax-based lavender aromatherapy candles meet functional standards as a safe, environmentally friendly, and therapeutically effective relaxation medium suitable for managing stress and insomnia in modern society.