Formulation and hedonic evaluation of fennel leaf (foeniculum vulgare) essential oil aromatherapy candles using soy and paraffin wax

This study explores the formulation of aromatherapy candles using fennel leaf (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oil with soy and paraffin wax bases. The essential oil, extracted by steam-water distillation and analyzed by GC-MS, was found to contain α-phellandrene (62.27%) as the main stress-relieving compound. Candles were made using three different wax-to-citric acid ratios and tested for aroma preference and stress-relief effectiveness. Physical properties of the oil were also evaluated based on Food Chemical Codex standards. A 1:1 ratio (15 g wax : 15 g citric acid) showed the best results, with soy wax candles receiving the highest approval for scent and long-lasting calming effects. Although paraffin candles had a stronger initial aroma, their effect faded faster. Overall, soy wax proved to be a cleaner-burning and more effective base for stress-relief aromatherapy candles. Further research should optimize the formulation and assess commercial potential for sustainable products.