Are Bramble Berry Fragrance Oils Safe For Candles?

Bramble Berry's fragrance oils are safe to burn in candles and can be used for DIY bath and body products. The company offers a wide range of fragrances, from floral and fruity to warm and woody, that can be used to create long-lasting and potent scents for candles. However, it is recommended to test each fragrance oil before use to ensure that you like the scent and strength when warmed. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is between 165-185° F, and the candles should be allowed to sit for at least two days before use. Bramble Berry also provides candle-making kits, which include pre-tested fragrances, to make the process easier for beginners and experienced makers.

Bramble Berry fragrance oils are safe for candles

When creating your own candles, it is important to test any new fragrances or variables before starting large batches. This includes testing the fragrance oil with the wax blend and wick size you plan to use. Bramble Berry recommends adding fragrance oils to soy wax at a temperature of 175-185° F and beeswax at 160-165° F. This ensures the wax molecules are fully expanded so they hold onto the scent and distribute it evenly as the candle burns.

Bramble Berry offers a wide range of fragrance oils, from floral and fruity to warm and woody, so you can create the perfect scent for your candles. The company also provides candle-making kits that include pre-tested fragrances, taking the guesswork out of the process.

To find out how much scent to add to your candles, you can use the Bramble Berry Fragrance Calculator. As a general guideline, start with 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax and adjust from there according to your preference. It is recommended to test your candles in multiple rooms to see how far the scent carries.

With Bramble Berry's high-quality fragrance oils, you can create candles that captivate the senses and fill your space with delightful aromas.

Testing fragrance oils in candles

Before you start selling your candles or making large batches, it is a good idea to test all your materials together. This can save you time and effort in the long run. It is important to test any new fragrance or variable you introduce to your product, such as a new container or candle dye. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing fragrance oils in candles:

Baseline Test

First, choose a consistent container for your candles. Then, select your wax blend. Next, you need to determine the wick size. Consult the wick charts provided by the manufacturer or supplier and test 2-3 wick sizes from the same brand. For this initial test, do not use fragrance oil. Fill the container halfway with wax to observe how the candle burns as the container insulates it. Allow the wax to cure for 1-2 days before lighting. Set a timer for burn time (approximately 1 hour for each 1" in diameter).

Burn Test with Fragrance

When testing multiple fragrances, spread them out in different spaces. Light your test candle away from drafts, ensuring it is on a level, heat-resistant surface. Set a timer (1 hour per 1" in diameter). If the candle reaches a full melt pool, proceed to the next steps.

Evaluating the Results

• Hot throw: Did the candle smell true to the fragrance while burning, and did the scent extend into the space? If the fragrance is not strong enough, consider retesting with a higher usage rate or a different wick size.
• Wick condition: Observe the wick after burning. If there is a lot of carbon buildup, this indicates an oversized wick that may lead to safety issues.
• Discoloration: Evaluate the colour of the candle after it has cooled. Ensure there is no severe discoloration where the melt pool was, as this could indicate that the wick is too large.

Testing Fragrance Compatibility

Once you have determined the wick size that works consistently with your wax blend and container, test every fragrance you plan to use. Fragrance oil can change the viscosity of your candle, so one wick size may not work for all fragrances. Test at the lower end of the usage rate to conserve fragrance. Generally, a good hot throw should be achievable at 6-8%.

Some fragrances may not perform well in candles, especially those with a high melting point. Essential oils, citrus oils, and herbal oils can produce an unpleasant smell when burned, while some menthol and camphor oils can be toxic. Always research the oils you are using, as they may not be suitable for candle making.

How to add fragrance oil to candles

Adding fragrance to your candles can be a fun way to get creative and make something truly unique. However, it's important to do it safely. Fragrance oils are highly concentrated synthetic or natural compounds that have been mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils, on the other hand, are concentrated liquids derived from organic plant matter. While essential oils are often associated with aromatherapy and wellness, they are not designed for use in something flammable or combustible, and can add a serious fire hazard to your candle formulations. Therefore, it is recommended to use fragrance oils that are specifically formulated for candle use.

• Prepare your jars: If you are repurposing old jars, make sure they are clean and dry. Centre and glue wicks to the inside bottom of the jars using wick stickers or a glue gun. Place wick holders or chopsticks across the tops of the jars to keep the wicks upright and centred.
• Measure out your wax: Weigh the wax with a digital kitchen scale. The amount of wax you need will depend on the size of your jar. For example, to make a 120ml jar candle, you will need about 100g of soy wax.
• Melt the wax: Place the wax in a pouring pot or double boiler on the stove. Never heat the wax directly on the stovetop. Instead, fill another pot with about an inch or two of water and place the pouring pot inside. Melt the wax on high heat until it is completely liquified. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature. For best results, heat the wax to 82ºC and then remove it from the heat.
• Allow the wax to cool: Let the wax cool to about 50-55ºC before adding the fragrance oil. This is important because if you add the oil when the wax is too hot, you will burn off the scent.
• Add the fragrance oil: For every 100ml of wax, add about 35 drops of fragrance oil. If you are using multiple fragrance oils, optimise the scents by mixing them together. Make sure to mix the oils well to allow the molecules to bond.
• Pour the wax into the jars: Slowly pour the wax into your prepared jars. Leave the candles untouched overnight. The next day, trim the wicks to the desired length. You can also add custom labels to your jars if you want to get fancy.

Before you buy fragrance oils, check the product description to ensure they are specifically made for use in candles. It is also a good idea to test your candles before selling or gifting them to ensure they burn properly and have a good scent throw. This can be done by conducting a wick sizing test and a burn test with fragrance, as described in the Bramble Berry guide.

How much scent to add to candles

Bramble Berry's fragrance oils are safe to burn in candles. The company offers a wide range of fragrance oils for candle-making, with options for different scent strengths, including light, medium, and strong. When adding scent to candles, it is important to consider the type of wax, the size of the candle, and the desired fragrance strength.

The amount of fragrance oil added to a candle can vary depending on the size of the candle and the desired scent strength. As a general rule, it is recommended to add 6% fragrance oil for a strong scent throw. However, it is important to note that more is not always better, and using too much fragrance oil can clog the wick. Therefore, it is always recommended to test the candles with different percentages of fragrance oil to find the perfect balance.

For an 8-ounce candle, a 6% fragrance oil concentration should be sufficient to fill an 8-10 square feet area with the scent. On the other hand, a smaller 2-4-ounce candle with the same fragrance oil concentration will typically scent an area within a 2-3 feet radius.

When creating custom-scented candles, it is essential to consider the compatibility of different fragrance oils with the chosen wax. Some fragrance oils may not perform well with certain types of wax, especially those with high melting points. Additionally, certain essential oils, such as citrus and herbal oils, may produce an unpleasant smell when burned and can even be toxic to small animals and individuals with asthma. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and testing before finalizing the scent combination for candles.

To enhance the scent and create a unique experience, dried flowers, herbs, or botanicals can be added to the candles. This not only boosts the fragrance but also adds a decorative touch. For instance, rose petals, lavender buds, or rosemary sprigs can be infused to create an earthy and luxurious aroma.

How to choose the right fragrance oil

When choosing the right fragrance oil for your candles, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions to help you select the perfect scent:

Understand Fragrance Notes:

The language of scent is described in terms of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Understanding these notes will help you identify good scent combinations. Top notes are the initial aromas you smell, usually lighter and citrusy or soft florals. Middle notes, or the "heart," balance the fragrance and are typically bright florals, gourmands, fruits, or lighter woods. Base notes are the anchor of the fragrance, adding depth and longevity, often with scents like vanilla, spices, or woods.

Sample and Test Fragrances:

Before settling on a fragrance oil, it's important to sample and test different options. Bramble Berry, for example, offers trial sizes so you can preview the scent and its effect before committing to a large quantity. You can also use blotter strips to test different fragrance combinations, allowing you to train your nose to identify the notes and their combinations.

Consider Scent Strength:

Fragrance oils come in various scent strengths, ranging from light to medium to strong. Choose the strength that aligns with your desired outcome. A stronger scent might be suitable for larger spaces or candles intended for gifting, while a lighter scent could be more subtle and intimate.

Choose High-Quality Oils:

Opt for high-quality fragrance oils specifically designed for candle-making. These oils are formulated to withstand high temperatures and effectively bond with wax. Good-quality fragrance oils will have a strong, pleasant aroma even before adding them to the wax, and they often have a slightly thicker consistency than water, which helps them blend well.

Experiment with Blending:

Don't be afraid to experiment with blending different fragrance oils to create unique, signature scents. You can combine fragrances with complementary or kindred notes on the fragrance wheel. For example, blend sweet vanilla with spicy cinnamon or mix citrus with herbal notes for a refreshing aroma. You can also play with opposites, like pairing sweet and spicy fragrances.

Match Scents to Your Purpose:

Consider the purpose of your candles when choosing a fragrance. If you're creating candles for a particular season or occasion, select scents that align with the theme. For example, warm spices like clove and nutmeg are perfect for fall, while fresh florals like jasmine or gardenia suit spring.

Cure Your Candles:

Allow your candles to cure for a few days to a week before testing their fragrance. Curing helps the fragrance oil spread evenly into the wax, providing the best scent throw. A well-cured candle will ensure that the fragrance is distributed optimally and performs as expected.

Remember, the most important rule when choosing a fragrance oil is to select a scent that captures the essence of your idea. With these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating captivating and delightful scented candles.

Frequently asked questions