Preservatives in Oil-Based Massage Candles

Generally, if your massage candle is made purely from natural oils and does not contain any water, you do not need to add a preservative.

• Why? Preservatives are used to prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and yeast. These microorganisms require water to survive and multiply. Pure oils are anhydrous (water-free), so they do not provide an environment for these microbes to grow.
• When might you need one? You would only need a preservative if your formulation includes a water-based ingredient or if there is a significant risk of water being introduced into the product during its use or storage (though this is less common with solid massage candles).

Therefore, for a standard massage candle made only from natural oils and waxes, a preservative is typically unnecessary. However, it is always good practice to ensure your ingredients are stored properly and your manufacturing process is clean to avoid contamination.