Candy Cane Essential Oil

This DIY candy cane essential oil blend recipe only takes 2 ingredients and about 5 minutes to make! The refreshing aroma of peppermint combines with the sweet scent of vanilla to create a truly festive blend. The easy holiday essential oil recipe is perfect for skincare and home fragrance applications.

DIY candy cane essential oil blend

I’m always drawn in by those festive red and white candy canes and starlight mints that show up in stores this time of year. Although candy canes are a little too sweet for my taste, I absolutely adore the refreshing-sweet smell.

If you love the scent of Christmas candy, too, you are going to love making your own candy cane essential oil blend. It’s so easy and quick, and you only need 2 oils (with a 3rd optional one).

Want more essential oils that smell like Christmas? Then try some of my other holiday blends like gingerbread essential oil, Christmas tree oil, sugar cookie essential oil, and my cozy pumpkin spice blend.

What does candy cane smell like?

The candy cane scent is a delicious combination of peppermint, vanilla, and sugar. Peppermint provides a refreshing note, and vanilla adds a cozy sweetness.

What essential oils make candy cane?

You probably already guessed that we need peppermint and vanilla to mix our own homemade candy cane fragrance oil.

Peppermint essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the peppermint plant. It has an intensely aromatic scent that is revitalizing and refreshing. The energizing aroma is said to promote alertness and focus.

Botanical vanilla extract is created via hydro-distillation from vanilla beans. Vanilla is a rich and sweet aroma that is incredibly relaxing and comforting. You can also use vanilla oleoresin, vanilla absolute, or vanilla CO2.

Tonka bean absolute is another essential oil that smells like candy. The absolute has a sweet, toffee-like scent that is reminiscent of hard candy. Tonka bean is the perfect addition to any candy essential oil. Sadly, the oil isn’t readily available, which is why it’s optional.

Ingredients

Candy cane oil is a simple blend with just 2 ingredients. To make 1/3 oz / 10 ml candy cane scented oil, you’ll need:

• 100 drops peppermint essential oil
• 100 drops botanical vanilla extract or vanilla oleoresin

Feel free to adjust the ratios to your personal preference. If you prefer a fresher scent, increase peppermint. And in case you like a sweeter aroma, use more vanilla.

And here is what a blend with tonka bean looks like:

• 80 drops peppermint essential oil
• 80 drops botanical vanilla extract or vanilla oleoresin
• 40 drops tonka bean absolute

Candy Cane Diffuser Blend

To prepare a small amount for your diffuser, try this recipe:

• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops botanical vanilla extract or vanilla oleoresin
• 1 drop tonka bean absolute (optional)

How to make candy cane essential oil

Time to get blending! Here are the super simple steps to make homemade candy cane essential oil:

1. Open bottle. Remove the dropper cap from a 10 ml amber glass essential oil bottle. This recipe makes approximately 10 ml, but you can reduce or double the ingredients to adjust the amount.
2. Add oils. Place a small funnel in the bottle’s opening and add the peppermint, vanilla, and tonka bean oil (if using). You can do this step without a funnel, but this method helps to avoid spills.
3. Close bottle. Attach the dropper cap and screw the lid on tightly.
4. Blend. Gently shake the bottle to combine everything and optionally apply the printable label.
5. Rest. Let the blend develop for 1 to 2 days before use. The aromas need time to mingle together and can change a little during this period.

How to use candy cane scented oil

Candy cane is a wonderful scent for holiday-themed home fragrance and skincare products. The delicious smell is strong and long-lasting.

Use the oil to fragrance all sorts of air fresheners like homemade candles, wax melts, or room spray. The aromatic oil is also great to diffuse around the house and will instantly evoke holiday vibes.

If you’re interested in using the blend for skin care, try one of the many candy cane-themed beauty recipes I’ve shared over the years:

• Soap
• Bath bombs
• Bubble scoops
• Sugar scrub
• Body butter
• Lip balm
• Lip scrub
• Bath salts
• holiday spa set

FAQ

Is candy cane essential oil safe for skin care?

Yes, my cand cane essential oil recipe is safe for bath and body products because vanilla and peppermint are both suitable for skincare.

Use up to 3% of this blend in your beauty products. All essential oils must be diluted before applying them topically – otherwise, you risk a skin reaction.

Essential oils are volatile and evaporate if exposed to heat. If making a recipe where you need to warm or melt ingredients, wait until they feel cool to the touch before adding the oil.

If you have sensitive skin, swap out peppermint EO for the milder spearmint essential oil.

Is this blend safe for children?

You can use this blend in skincare products for children, but you need to swap out peppermint for spearmint. Menthol, one of the main constituents of peppermint, can cause an adverse reaction in kids.

Is the essential oil safe for pets?

The candy cane blend is safe to use aromatically around pets but avoid using the oil topically on your pet’s skin.

Can I use it when pregnant or nursing?

Yes, this candy essential oil is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, talk to your doctor or health care provider first to see if you can safely use essential oils.

Can you use essential oils in candy?

All this talk about sweets might have you wondering if it’s possible to use essential oils as a flavoring in candy and other edibles. However, essential oils aren’t safe for consumption. They are highly concentrated and can have a negative effect on your body if consumed.

Some companies, like LorAnn, offer a small selection of food-grade essential oils that can be used for cooking and baking. But this is the exception, not the rule.

Shelf life and storage

To prevent oxidation and degradation, store your candy cane essential oil blend recipe in a cool place away from sunlight and heat. Although room temperature is fine, the best place to keep oils is in the fridge.

This holiday essential oil recipe should be good for 2 years. Peppermint EO is stable for 24 months before it degrades, and vanilla extract has a life span of 3 to 4 years.