The Art Of Scented Candles: Using Fragrance Oils

The use of fragrance oils in candles is a popular topic, with many people wanting to know if it is safe to add scent to their candles. Fragrance oils are synthetic oils developed for their scent and are safe for use in candles and body products. However, it is important to note that not all fragrance oils are suitable for candles, as some are formulated for use in shampoo, soap, and body wash. When adding fragrance oils to candles, it is crucial to ensure that the wax is at the proper temperature, usually between 180-205°F, to help the oil bind to the wax and create a stronger scent. The amount of fragrance oil added is also important, as too much can cause the oil to separate from the wax and create a fire hazard.

Using Fragrance Oil in Candles

The difference between fragrance oils and essential oils

Yes, you can use fragrance oils in candles. In fact, it is generally recommended to use fragrance oils instead of essential oils for candle-making. This is because essential oils are highly flammable and can add a serious fire hazard to your candle formulations. Moreover, essential oils are not formulated for mixing into candle wax, which means they won't evenly mix with the melted wax and may leave a greasy residue on the candles.

Now, here is the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils:

Fragrance oils are synthetically manufactured in a laboratory to imitate a naturally occurring scent. They are created from artificial chemical components that are not found in nature. They are often used in crafts or at-home scents, such as scented soaps, creams, and laundry detergents. They are also commonly used in commercial products as they hold their fragrance for much longer than naturally occurring fragrances.

On the other hand, essential oils are made from natural plant materials, such as the leaf, stem, blossom, fruit, bark, wood, or resin. They are extracted through steam distillation or solvent extraction and are highly concentrated liquid plant extracts. Essential oils are well-known for their aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits, such as relieving pain, fatigue, or inflammation. They are commonly used in aromatherapy and meditation, including in diffusers, massages, and therapeutic baths.

While fragrance oils offer a longer-lasting scent, essential oils offer natural extracts with therapeutic benefits. Fragrance oils are ideal for creating consistent and long-lasting perfumes, while essential oils are prized for their purity and therapeutic properties.

In summary, the key difference lies in the source of the oils and their intended use. Fragrance oils are synthetically created to mimic natural scents, while essential oils are natural extracts from plants, offering therapeutic benefits. The decision to use either oil depends on the desired outcome of the product.

The pros and cons of using fragrance oils

While fragrance oils are safe to use in candles, not all fragrance oils are created equal. Some are formulated for use in soaps and body washes, while others are made for candles and wax melts. When buying fragrance oils, it is important to check the product description and only purchase those formulated for candle-making.

The Pros of Using Fragrance Oils

• Fragrance oils are more affordable than essential oils.
• They are scientifically tested and approved for use in candles and bath and body products.
• They are governed by two scientific bodies – the RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) – which ensure their safety.
• They are more sustainable than essential oils.
• They are more user-friendly for DIY candle makers.
• They create a nice, long-lasting "scent throw".

The Cons of Using Fragrance Oils

• Fragrance oils are not natural.
• They contain artificial chemicals, such as Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), which acts as a solvent.
• They may not be suitable for those seeking natural, non-toxic products.
• They may be more expensive than cheap, mass-produced fragrance oils from craft stores.

The pros and cons of using essential oils

The pros

• Natural fragrance: Essential oils are derived from plants, unlike synthetic fragrances, and offer a pure and authentic aroma.
• Therapeutic benefits: Many essential oils have therapeutic properties that can enhance your well-being. For example, lavender essential oil has calming effects, while peppermint can boost concentration.
• Customisation: Essential oils provide a wide range of fragrance options, allowing you to customise your candles to suit your preferences or the mood you want to create.
• Minimal environmental impact: Using essential oils is an eco-friendly practice as they are natural and sustainable resources.

The cons

• Intensity variation: The strength of the scent may depend on factors such as the quality of the oil, the type of plant, and its extraction method.
• Evaporation and volatility: Essential oils are volatile compounds that can evaporate quickly when exposed to heat, meaning the scent of your candles may diminish over time, especially if they are stored for long periods.
• Cost: High-quality essential oils can be expensive, and this can significantly impact the overall cost of your candles.
• Limited blending options: While essential oils offer a wide range of single scents, blending them to create complex fragrances can be challenging, with some oils not blending well together.

How to add fragrance oil to candles

Adding fragrance oil to candles is a great way to customise your candle-making experience and create unique, pleasant-smelling candles. However, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process is safe and effective. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add fragrance oil to candles:

Choose the Right Fragrance Oil:

Firstly, select a fragrance oil that is specifically designed for candle-making. Fragrance oils formulated for other purposes, such as those used in shampoo or body wash, may not be suitable for candles. Check the product description carefully and ensure it is compatible with candle wax.

Prepare Your Materials:

Gather all the necessary materials, including your chosen fragrance oil, wax, wicks, wick stickers, a wick holder, a pouring pot, a thermometer, and glass jars. Ensure your workspace is clean and organised before beginning.

Melt the Wax:

Use a double boiler or a pouring pot placed in a pot of water to melt your wax. Never heat the wax directly on the stovetop, as this can lead to uneven melting and scorching. Heat the wax until it reaches a temperature of 180-185°F (82°C) for soy and paraffin wax or 200-205°F for palm wax.

Add the Fragrance Oil:

Allow the melted wax to cool slightly before adding the fragrance oil. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is around 50-55°C (122-131°F). Adding the oil at the right temperature will help it bind to the wax and create a stronger scent. Stir the mixture gently to ensure even distribution.

Pour the Wax into Prepared Jars:

Slowly pour the scented wax into your prepared glass jars. Centre and secure the wicks 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.

Allow the Candles to Set:

Leave the candles untouched overnight or until the wax has completely hardened. Trim the wicks to the desired length, and your candles are ready for use or gifting!

Additional Tips:

• Always preheat your containers before pouring the wax to prevent wet spots and shrinkage.
• Avoid using too much fragrance oil, as it can separate from the wax, creating an uneven appearance and a potential fire hazard.
• Test your candles before mass production to ensure they burn properly and meet your desired results.
• Store your fragrance oils in a cool, dark place to prolong their shelf life.

How much fragrance oil to add to candles

Yes, you can use fragrance oils in candles. However, it is important to note that not all fragrance oils are suitable for candles. Fragrance oils are synthetic oils developed for their scent and are safe to use in candles and body products. When purchasing fragrance oils, ensure that they are specifically formulated for candle use.

Now, how much fragrance oil should you add to your candles?

The amount of fragrance oil to add to candles depends on several factors, including the type of wax, the fragrance oil being used, and your desired scent throw. The fragrance load for a soy wax candle typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the weight of the wax used. However, some blended waxes like coconut soy wax can accommodate up to 12% fragrance load, resulting in a very strong scent throw.

For example, if you want to make an 180-gram (6.35 oz) candle with a 10% fragrance load, you would need to calculate the amount of wax and fragrance oil required:

• Wax amount = Container capacity / (1 + Fragrance oil %) = 180 / (1 + 10%) = 166.67 grams or 5.87 oz
• Fragrance amount = Container capacity - Wax amount = 180 grams - 166.67 grams = 13.33 grams or 0.48 oz

It is important to work with weight measurements (grams or ounces) rather than volume measurements (fluid ounces) when determining the amount of wax and fragrance oil needed.

Additionally, the type of wax plays a crucial role in determining the fragrance load. Paraffin votive and pillar waxes usually hold a maximum of 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax, while single-pour paraffin container waxes can hold up to 1.5 ounces. For soy candles, the fragrance load can vary between 1 to 2 ounces per pound of wax.

It is worth noting that adding fragrance oil at the appropriate temperature, typically 180-185°F for soy and paraffin wax and 200-205°F for palm wax, helps it bind better to the wax, resulting in a stronger scent throw.

Remember, using too much fragrance oil can overload the wax, leading to issues like candle sweating, curdling, or wick clogging. On the other hand, using too little fragrance oil may result in a weak scent throw. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance through testing and experimentation.

Frequently asked questions