Customizing Wax Melts: Adding Fragrance Oils For Unique Scents

Adding fragrance to your home can be a fun and simple way to introduce a new staple to your day-to-day life. Wax melts are an effective alternative to candles and can be customised to your heart's content. You can add fragrance oil to your wax melts, but it's important to note that the oil needs to soak in to the wax. Different waxes have different melting points, and temperatures at which fragrance needs to be added for the best throw.

How to make wax melts with fragrance oil

Yes, you can add fragrance oil to wax melts. In fact, making wax melts with fragrance oil is a simple process that requires very little pre-planning or complicated science. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wax melts with fragrance oil:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First, you will need to gather all the necessary materials. These include:

• A metal jug or heatproof glass jug
• A lollipop stick or spoon for stirring
• A digital thermometer
• Wax (specifically for wax melts)
• Fragrance oil of your choice
• Moulds (preferably silicone moulds)
• Mica powder, liquid, or chips for colouring (optional)
• Cello bags for packaging (optional)

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Fill your kettle and boil it. Add the boiling water to a saucepan. Place your metal jug inside the saucepan to create a double boiler. You can also use a slow cooker or soup maker for this step.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Measure out the desired amount of wax and add it to your metal jug. Stir the wax with a lollipop stick as it melts. Remove the jug from the heat when the temperature reaches around 80 degrees Celsius.

Step 4: Add Colouring (Optional)

If you want to add colour to your wax melts, now is the time to do so. Add a small amount of colouring to the melted wax, stirring well to combine. Be careful not to add too much, as this can cause holes in your final product.

Step 5: Add Fragrance Oil

Allow the temperature of the wax to cool down slightly to around 70 degrees Celsius. Then, add your chosen fragrance oil at a ratio of 100g of wax to 10ml of fragrance oil. Stir well for about two minutes.

Step 6: Pour into Moulds and Set

When the temperature of the wax reaches around 65-60 degrees Celsius, it's time to pour it into your moulds. Leave the moulds in a cool place, preferably overnight, to allow the wax to fully harden. Avoid placing the moulds in the fridge, as this can cause the wax to crack.

Step 7: Remove from Moulds and Store

Once the wax has hardened, remove the wax melts from the moulds. You can store them in an airtight container or package them in cello bags. Don't forget to label your creations with the scent and any necessary CLP information, especially if you plan to sell them.

Tips:

• The amount of fragrance oil you use can be adjusted to your preference. You can use up to 40g of oil for a stronger scent or reduce the amount for a more subtle fragrance.
• When adding fragrance oil, the wax should be slightly cooled but still liquid. This ensures that the oil \"soaks in\" properly and sets together with the wax.
• Different types of wax have different melting points. Make sure to check the ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil to your chosen type of wax.

Best fragrance oils for wax melts

Yes, you can add fragrance oil to wax melts, but it is not as simple as stirring the oil into melted wax. The oil needs to "soak into" the wax, and the temperature at which the fragrance is added is critical for the best results.

Now, for the best fragrance oils for wax melts. If you're looking for a wide variety of fragrance oils for your wax melts, The Flaming Candle offers over 50 different options, including:

• Mahogany Teakwood
• Coffee House
• Apple Cider Donut
• Lavender
• Cinnamon Buns
• Tobacco Caramel
• Vanilla Buttercream Crunch
• Coconut Mango

If you're looking for a more premium option, Candle Shack offers a range of luxury fragrance oils developed in France and the UK. Some of their unique fragrances include:

• Arabian Princess
• Black Cherry
• Black Raspberry & Peppercorn
• Blueberry & Vanilla
• Christmas Tree
• Cherry Blossom & Plum
• Apple Strudel

Lone Star Candle Supply also offers a range of fragrance oils, with over 350 options to choose from. Some of their unique fragrances include:

• Apple Chai
• Apple Pumpkin Butter
• Arugula
• Bourbon Butterscotch
• Fire Roasted Marshmallows
• Jamaica Me Crazy
• Kentucky Bourbon

Essential oils vs fragrance oils for wax melts

When it comes to making wax melts, you can use either essential oils or fragrance oils. However, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Understanding Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are a blend of plant-based and synthetic ingredients crafted to mimic a wide array of scents. They are carefully formulated in lab settings to ensure a long-lasting fragrance that remains stable over time, making them ideal for wax melts. One of their key advantages is their ability to retain their scent when exposed to heat, ensuring a consistent aroma throughout the melting process. This stability is crucial for wax melts, as it allows you to enjoy the chosen scent for an extended period. Additionally, fragrance oils offer an extensive range of options, allowing you to explore a variety of scents to suit your preferences. They are also generally cheaper than essential oils, making them a cost-effective choice.

However, fragrance oils do not offer the same therapeutic benefits as essential oils. While they can help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, they do not provide the same level of aromatherapy benefits as their essential oil counterparts.

Exploring Essential Oils

Essential oils, on the other hand, are natural extracts derived from plants, flowers, and fruits through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing. They offer a myriad of therapeutic benefits, from calming the mind to invigorating the senses. However, one of the primary drawbacks of using essential oils in wax melts is their volatility. Due to their organic nature, essential oils can evaporate quickly when exposed to heat, resulting in a diminished scent throw and shorter-lasting fragrance. This makes it challenging to achieve a robust and enduring aroma, particularly in high-temperature environments. Furthermore, essential oils can vary in quality and potency, depending on factors such as extraction methods and storage conditions, which can impact the consistency and intensity of the scent.

Making a Choice

Both essential oils and fragrance oils have their pros and cons when it comes to wax melts. Fragrance oils offer superior scent retention, longevity, and versatility, making them a popular choice for creating consistent and reliable wax melts. On the other hand, essential oils provide a pure and authentic fragrance experience, along with therapeutic benefits, but may not be as long-lasting in high-temperature environments. Ultimately, the choice between essential oils and fragrance oils depends on your specific needs and preferences for your wax melts.

How to make wax melts with essential oils

Making your own wax melts is a fun and easy way to create unique, natural fragrances for your home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wax melts using essential oils:

Ingredients and Supplies:

• Soy wax flakes, beeswax, or paraffin wax
• Essential oils of your choice (e.g. lavender, rosemary, peppermint, cinnamon, etc.)
• Carrier oil (such as coconut oil)
• Dried herbs or flowers (optional)
• Silicone moulds
• Microwave-safe glass measuring cup
• Wooden craft stick for stirring

Instructions:

• Measure out approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups of your chosen wax type into the glass measuring cup. Soy wax flakes are a popular choice, but you can also use beeswax or paraffin wax.
• Melt the wax in the microwave on high for one minute. Use an oven mitt or hot pad when handling the cup, as it will get very hot.
• Stir the wax with the wooden craft stick and continue to microwave in 30-second increments until all the wax is melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on medium heat.
• Once the wax is melted, stir in your chosen essential oils. The ideal temperature for adding essential oils to soy wax is 185°F. Use stronger oils like peppermint, cinnamon, or tree-based oils for a better fragrance throw.
• Pour the wax mixture into your silicone moulds. You can also add dried herbs or flowers on top for a decorative touch.
• Allow the wax melts to cool and harden completely. Then, pop them out of the moulds.
• For the strongest scent, cure the wax melts by placing them in a Ziploc bag for 7-10 days before using.
• To use, place 2-3 wax melts in a wax warmer and enjoy the fragrance!

Tips:

• You can customise your wax melts by experimenting with different essential oils and dried additives.
• If you prefer a stronger scent, you can add more essential oil drops or re-melt the wax and add more oil.
• Store your wax melts in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
• You can reuse leftover wax by melting it down, adding more essential oils, and creating new melts.

Best essential oils for wax melts

There are many essential oils that can be used for wax melts, and the best ones for you will depend on the scent you want to create and the benefits you want to experience.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil is known for its sedative properties and its ability to help reduce nervous tension and anxiety. It is often used to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

Cedarwood essential oil

Cedarwood essential oil is recognized for its purifying properties and may also help with anxiety. It is a popular choice for creating a soothing and grounding environment.

Vetiver essential oil

Vetiver essential oil is known for its grounding, calming, and stabilizing properties. It is often used to help balance emotions and create a sense of peace.

Other essential oils

Other essential oils that can be used for wax melts include:

• Fir needle
• Patchouli
• Haitian vetiver
• Siberian fir needle
• Bulgarian lavender
• Citrus peel
• Peppermint
• Ginger chai
• Spiced latte
• Pure vanilla

Tips for making essential oil wax melts:

• Use a silicone mold, mini cupcake liners, or ice cube trays to shape your wax melts.
• Combine natural soy wax with essential oils for a non-toxic, all-natural product.
• Store your homemade wax melts in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to preserve their potency.
• If your wax melts lose their scent, simply add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax to "recharge" them.

Benefits of essential oils over fragrance oils:

Essential oils are a natural, non-toxic alternative to fragrance oils, which often contain synthetic chemicals. With essential oils, you can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere without exposing yourself to potentially harmful ingredients. Additionally, if your wax melts lose their scent, you can easily add more essential oil to enhance the aroma.

Frequently asked questions