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

Department of Chemistry, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta 55584, Indonesia

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Abstract

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.