Mixing Fragrance Oils In Soy Candles: What You Need To Know

Creating your own scented candles is a fun and creative activity that can add a unique twist to your space. Whether you're crafting candles for yourself or as gifts, the process of mixing fragrance oils allows you to experiment with different scents and develop your own signature blends. In this introduction to fragrance oil mixing for soy candles, we'll explore the basics of fragrance notes, essential oils, blending techniques, and best practices to help you get started on your scent-sational journey.

The pros and cons of fragrance oils vs essential oils

Soy candles are a fun, creative activity that can add a special twist to any ambiance. Fragrance oils and essential oils are two types of oils that can be used to make scented candles. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are synthetic scents created in a laboratory setting. They are made up of artificial chemicals that mimic the molecular structure of plant oil. They are typically more affordable than essential oils and can be mass-produced with less expense and capital. Fragrance oils also have a longer-lasting fragrance and higher versatility. However, they may contain potentially harmful chemicals such as phthalates and parabens.

Pros of Fragrance Oils

• Long-lasting fragrance
• High versatility
• Affordable
• User-friendly

Cons of Fragrance Oils

• May contain potentially harmful chemicals
• Not suitable for aromatherapy or natural benefits

Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural oils extracted directly from plants and other natural sources. They are more expensive than fragrance oils due to the meticulous extraction process and the large quantity of plant material required. Essential oils offer aromatherapeutic and healing benefits and are often used in medicine, aromatherapy, cooking, and the fragrance industry. However, they have a shorter lifespan due to their volatile compounds that can evaporate quickly when exposed to heat.

Pros of Essential Oils

• Natural and pure
• Offer aromatherapeutic and medicinal benefits
• Safer and healthier alternative to fragrance oils

Cons of Essential Oils

• Shorter lifespan
• More expensive
• More challenging to use in candle-making

How to measure the right amount of fragrance oil

Measuring fragrance oils is a crucial step in candle-making, as using too much can lead to candles with dry or lumpy wax, or even those that fail to hold a flame. The amount of fragrance oil to use depends on the weight of the wax, the type of wax, and the desired fragrance load or intensity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure the right amount of fragrance oil for your soy candles:

Step 1: Weigh the Wax

First, weigh the amount of soy wax you will be using for your candles. You can do this by placing a container on a digital scale, taring it to zero, and then adding the wax until you reach your desired weight. This step will provide the base value for calculating the fragrance load.

Step 2: Determine the Fragrance Load Percentage

The fragrance load refers to the percentage of fragrance oil added to the wax and is typically between 5% to 10% for soy candles. A higher percentage will result in a stronger scent, but it's important not to exceed the recommended range as it can affect the candle's burning properties and performance. For a pleasant fragrance that doesn't overpower the room, aim for a fragrance load of around 6% to 8%.

Step 3: Calculate the Fragrance Oil Amount

To determine how much fragrance oil to use, multiply the weight of your wax by the desired fragrance load percentage. For example, if you have 400 grams of wax and want a 7% fragrance load, you would calculate 400 grams x 7% = 28 grams of fragrance oil. This calculation ensures you add the appropriate amount of fragrance oil relative to the wax weight.

Step 4: Prepare Your Work Area

Before adding the fragrance oil, ensure your work area is ready. This includes having your melted wax at the appropriate temperature (below the flashpoint of the fragrance oil, generally between 50-55 degrees Celsius) and any tools needed for mixing and pouring. It is crucial to work quickly and efficiently once the fragrance oil is added, as the wax will start to cool and harden.

Step 5: Add the Fragrance Oil

Once your wax is at the correct temperature, carefully add the calculated amount of fragrance oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the fragrance throughout the wax. It is important to work quickly and pour the candles soon after adding the fragrance oil to prevent the wax from hardening prematurely.

Step 6: Pour and Enjoy

After mixing, carefully pour your scented wax into your prepared candle containers. Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before moving them. Congratulations! You've now created soy candles with the perfect amount of fragrance oil. Enjoy your delightful, custom-scented creations.

The best essential oils for candle-making

Creating candles with essential oils is a safe, healthy, and natural alternative to store-bought candles. Soy wax is a popular choice for candle-makers as it is a natural wax that burns clean and is safe and healthy. It is also possible to add fragrance to soy wax, resulting in a similar product to those found in stores.

When making candles, it is important to use essential oils with care to create rich and long-lasting fragrances. The recommended fragrance load for soy wax candles is between six and ten percent, or about one ounce of essential oil per pound of wax. This ensures the scent is appropriately strong without being too overpowering.

Some essential oils that work well in candles include:

• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Citrus
• Peppermint
• Vanilla
• Bergamot
• Vetiver
• Lemon
• Orange
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Cedarwood
• Spruce
• Fir needle
• Sage
• Grapefruit
• Spearmint
• Jade lemon
• Cardamom

These oils are versatile and can be combined in various ratios to create unique fragrances. For example, you can blend floral oils like lavender with citrus oils like lemon for a balanced and refreshing scent, or combine sweet and spicy notes by pairing vanilla with cinnamon.

When blending essential oils, it is important to consider the different fragrance notes. Top notes are the initial scents that are usually lighter and tend to be citrusy or soft florals. Middle notes provide balance and are typically bright florals, gourmands, fruits, or lighter woods. Base notes are the anchor of the fragrance and add depth, often featuring scents like vanilla, spices, musks, woods, or amber.

To create a well-rounded fragrance, you can experiment with combinations of top, middle, and base notes. For instance, you can mix a top note like grapefruit with a middle note of lavender and a base note of patchouli.

Additionally, it is important to use high-quality essential oils and blend them in appropriate quantities to create enticing scents. By balancing the different notes and adjusting the ratios, you can create rich and pleasant aromas.

Making your own candles with essential oils allows you to add creativity to your space and offers a great opportunity to gift something special to your loved ones.

How to blend fragrance oils

Blending fragrance oils is an art that can be learned by anyone with a bit of know-how and creativity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to blend fragrance oils for soy candles:

Understanding Fragrance Notes:

The language of scent involves describing fragrances in terms of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. These notes combine to give each scent its unique profile. Top notes are the initial aromas that draw you in and tend to be lighter, citrusy, or soft florals. Middle notes, or the "heart" of the fragrance, provide balance and are usually bright florals, gourmands, fruits, or lighter woods. Base notes anchor the fragrance, lending depth and longevity, and often include vanilla, spices, musks, woods, or amber.

Choosing Your Fragrances:

When blending fragrances, there is no right or wrong combination. However, it is recommended to start with familiar fragrances to better understand their performance in terms of cold and hot throws. Opt for more basic scents when learning the process, and if you want to work with a complex fragrance, keep the others simple. Some fragrances that are great for blending include lavender, tomato leaf, vanilla, blood orange, sandalwood, rosemary sage, and cedarwood.

Determining Fragrance Load:

The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil added to your wax. For soy candles, the recommended fragrance load is between 6% and 10% of the weight of the wax. This ensures a pleasant scent without affecting the candle's burn. If using a jar, measure how much liquid it can hold, then calculate the desired fragrance load as a percentage. For example, for a 390ml jar, a 7% fragrance load would be 27.3ml of fragrance oil.

Blending the Fragrances:

When blending, it is important to use high-quality essential oils and combine them in the right proportions. A typical ratio for an appealing scent throw is 50% middle note, 30% top note, and 20% base note. However, you can adjust this ratio as needed. Work with small samples to find the best ratios without wasting materials. Additionally, always blend oils when they are below their flashpoint, which is the temperature at which the oil may catch fire. For soy wax, this is generally between 50-55 degrees Celsius.

Testing and Refining:

Creating fragrance blends is a fun and experimental process. It is recommended to keep a journal of your blends, ratios, and testing results. Note the combinations you've tried, the ratios used, and whether you tested them in a candle. This will help you recreate successful blends and refine those that need improvement.

How to prevent candle sweating

Candle sweating is a common issue with soy candles, but there are several ways to prevent it. Firstly, understand the reasons why candle sweating occurs. One of the main causes is temperature fluctuations. Since candles are sensitive to temperature changes, shifting from hot to cold or vice versa can cause the wax to expand and contract, leading to the oils rising to the candle's surface. Therefore, it is recommended to store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Avoid placing them near drafts, direct sunlight, or rooms with varying temperatures.

Another factor is humidity. High humidity levels in the room can increase the likelihood of candle sweating as the moisture in the air interacts with the wax, causing condensation on the surface. Using a dehumidifier in humid conditions can help control moisture levels and reduce sweating.

Additionally, the quality of the wax and wick plays a role. Lower-quality wax or wicks may not burn evenly, resulting in excess wax pooling on the candle's surface. To prevent this, invest in high-quality candles made from premium wax and wicks.

When creating your own candles, it is important to add fragrance oils correctly. Ensure that you are using fragrance oils suitable for soy wax and follow the recommended fragrance load, typically between 6% and 10% of the weight of the wax. If you add the oil at too low a temperature, don't stir it sufficiently, or exceed the recommended amount, the oil may not bind fully to the wax, leading to sweating.

To summarise, here are some key tips to prevent candle sweating:

• Store candles properly in a controlled environment away from temperature fluctuations and high humidity.
• Choose high-quality candles made with premium wax and wicks for a more even burn.
• When creating your own candles, use suitable fragrance oils and follow the recommended fragrance load.
• Ensure proper mixing of the fragrance oil and wax by adding the oil at the right temperature and stirring sufficiently.

Frequently asked questions