Creating Unique Scents: Candle Companies' Fragrance Secrets

Fragrance is the most important factor influencing candle sales. According to the National Candle Association, consumers buy and use candles because they are seeking a pleasant scent to affect their moods and enhance their home decor. As a result, candle manufacturers often partner with fragrance manufacturers to create scents that are appealing to consumers and safe for use.

Fragrance houses are companies that design and manufacture fragrances. They employ expert perfumers, perfumer assistants, and evaluators who are key in creating the scents. Teams of marketing, quality assurance, and manufacturing specialists then usher the fragrances to completion.

The process of creating a fragrance oil involves five steps: conceptualization, formulation and evaluation, testing and approval, manufacturing, and distribution. During the conceptualization phase, fragrance ideas are generated by identifying gaps in the overall fragrance collection or through customer requests. The fragrance house team then formulates the fragrance, taking into account safety guidelines, planned application, and budget. Once the character of the fragrance is deemed satisfactory, the fragrance house conducts tests to analyze its performance and stability. After a fragrance oil meets all standards and is approved, it moves on to the manufacturing and distribution phases.

Ultimately, the right fragrance has the power to evoke customers' memories and emotions, creating a lasting connection with the product.

How to create a candle fragrance

Creating a candle fragrance is a complex process that involves blending art and science. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a candle fragrance:

Understanding the Basics:

Start by understanding the different types of wax available, such as soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, and blended waxes. Each type of wax has unique properties and will affect the fragrance's performance. Soy wax, for example, is natural and renewable, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly candles. Paraffin wax is petroleum-based and known for its excellent scent throw.

Selecting the Right Wax:

Choose the type of wax that aligns with your target market and brand. If you're creating natural and eco-friendly candles, soy wax might be the best option. Paraffin wax is suitable for mass-producing highly fragrant candles. You can also opt for a paraffin-soy blend to combine the benefits of both wax types.

Choosing the Fragrance:

Fragrance selection is crucial, as it will evoke your customers' memories and emotions. Select fragrances that appeal to your target market. For mass-market appeal, consider traditional scents like vanilla, pine, or strawberry. For mid-market, combine two notes to create distinctive aromas, such as Green Tea and Lemongrass. For high-end or "prestige" markets, explore luxurious and complex scents like Amber Noir or Black Sea.

Understanding Scent Throw:

'Scent throw' refers to the strength of the fragrance when the wax is solid (cold throw) and after it has been lit (hot throw). It's important to use the recommended percentage of fragrance oil for the selected wax type to maximize the scent throw. Generally, strongly scented candles use about 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax (6.25%).

Adding Fragrance Oil:

Add the fragrance oil at around 185°F (85°C), gently stirring it into the melted wax until they are thoroughly combined. The amount of fragrance oil added will depend on the desired potency and the type of essential oils used. For essential oils like lavender, grapefruit, or eucalyptus, you'll need around 80-120 drops.

Curing the Candles:

Allow the candles to cure for at least 24 hours, or even up to one to two weeks, before testing them. This curing process ensures that the fragrance oil and wax fully combine, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting scent.

Testing and Adjusting:

Test the candles by lighting them and assessing the hot throw. If the fragrance is not strong enough, you may need to adjust the percentage of fragrance oil or choose a fragrance with a stronger scent throw. Additionally, consider factors such as room size and ventilation, as they can impact how the fragrance is perceived.

Creative Naming and Descriptions:

Create unique and memorable names for your fragrances. Explore the notes profile and general description of each scent, ensuring you avoid copyrighted names. Also, use creative and vivid descriptions to bring your products to life, appealing to your customers' imaginations.

Remember, creating a candle fragrance is a creative process that requires experimentation and refinement. Don't be afraid to adjust and improve your formulas to achieve the desired results.

The importance of fragrance in purchasing decisions

Fragrance is an incredibly important factor in the purchasing decisions of consumers. Research by Mintel found that fragrance is a top-five purchasing factor for all products across personal care and household categories globally.

For some products, such as deodorant, fantasy smells are the most popular and best-selling. However, for fabric and air care products, floral scents are the most popular, and citrus scents are the most popular for cleaning products.

Fragrance can be used to distinguish products in a crowded market. A unique or appealing scent can be a significant selling point for a product, especially if it is not found in similar products on the market.

The right fragrance can create a lasting impression, with consumers reporting that fragrance is the number one factor affecting their candle purchases. Fragrance has the power to inspire feelings, bring back memories, and create a whole sensory experience that may or may not impact a customer's choice to purchase the product. For example, lavender is associated with relaxation, while peppermint is associated with invigoration.

Additionally, fragrance can help to hide the aroma of unpleasant-smelling components, such as medical ingredients in skincare products.

It is important to note that fragrance can also be a deal-breaker for some customers. Some people are allergic to certain fragrances, while others prefer products with no added fragrance. Companies must keep this in mind when developing products and offer fragrance-free alternatives.

How are candle scents developed for optimal performance?

Developing candle scents for optimal performance is a complex process that involves many variables, from the type of wax to the quality of fragrance oils and the curing process. Here are some key factors to consider when creating candle scents for optimal performance:

Choosing the Right Wax

The choice of wax significantly impacts the fragrance performance of a candle. Different types of wax have unique properties that affect scent throw and strength. Common types of wax used in candle-making include:

• Soy Wax: Soy wax is popular due to its renewability and eco-friendliness. It has a silky smooth finish and burns cleanly, but its lower melting point can result in a weaker scent throw.
• Paraffin Wax: Paraffin wax is a traditional, petroleum-based option with a high melting point and strong scent throw. However, it is not eco-friendly and produces soot and pollutants when burned.
• Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax with a subtle honey-like scent and a long burn time, but it doesn't offer the strongest scent throw.
• Coconut Wax: Coconut wax is a newer option with a lower melting point than soy wax, producing a clean burn and a strong scent throw. It is also planet-friendly and sustainable.
• Rapeseed Wax: Rapeseed wax is a renewable, eco-friendly vegetable-based wax with a lower melting point than soy wax. It produces a clean burn and a potent scent throw, and it adheres well to glass.

Selecting High-Quality Fragrance Oils

Using high-quality fragrance oils is crucial for achieving optimal scent performance. Consider the following when selecting fragrance oils:

• Supplier Reputation: Choose a reputable supplier specialising in candle-making fragrance oils with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
• Scent Profile: Select fragrances that align with your brand and target audience, considering the scent notes and their cohesion.
• Testing: Always test a small amount of fragrance oil in your chosen wax before purchasing in bulk to ensure compatibility and desired scent.
• Ingredient Quality: Opt for fragrance oils made from high-quality, phthalate-free ingredients, preferably natural fragrance oils derived from essential oils or plant extracts.

Measuring and Mixing

Properly measuring and mixing the wax and fragrance oils is essential for optimal fragrance performance:

• Use a Digital Scale: Measure by weight rather than volume for more accurate and consistent results.
• Follow Fragrance Load Guidelines: Adhere to the recommended maximum fragrance load for each wax type to avoid issues like poor scent performance and wick clogging.
• Heat Wax to Correct Temperature: Heat the wax to the recommended temperature range before adding the fragrance oil to ensure proper dispersion and binding.
• Stir Gently and Thoroughly: Ensure the fragrance oil is evenly distributed throughout the wax without over-stirring to prevent air bubbles.
• Use a Thermometer: Monitor the temperature to prevent overheating, which can damage the fragrance oil and affect scent performance.

Curing and Testing

Allow sufficient curing time for your candles before testing their scent performance:

• Minimum Curing Time: Let the candles cure for at least 24 hours before testing, but longer curing times of up to two weeks can also be beneficial.
• Testing Methods: Perform cold-throw and hot-throw testing to evaluate the fragrance's strength when the candle is unlit and lit, respectively.

Troubleshooting and Optimisation

If you encounter issues like weak scent throw, uneven melting, or sooty candles, consider the following adjustments:

• Increase Fragrance Oil Percentage: If the scent is too weak, try increasing the amount of fragrance oil used or choosing a stronger fragrance oil.
• Wick Size and Type: Experiment with different wick sizes and types (e.g., cotton, hemp, or wooden wicks) to find the optimal combination for your candle and fragrance.
• Adjust Pouring Temperature: Ensure you are pouring the wax at the right temperature to avoid issues like fragrance oil separation.
• Cure Time: Allow the candles to cure for a longer period before burning to enhance the scent throw.

By carefully considering these factors and optimising your processes, you can develop candle scents that perform exceptionally well and create a delightful olfactory experience for your customers.

The different types of wax used for candle-making

The type of wax used for candle-making depends on the candle-maker's priorities and preferences. Here are the different types of wax used for candle-making:

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax, also known as mineral wax, is the most widely used type of candle wax across candle brands. It is versatile, with various melting points, making it suitable for creating many different types of candles, from containers to pillars. It can hold a high amount of fragrance and colour, and it is also fairly inexpensive. However, it is not considered the most eco-friendly option, as it is derived from the oil industry, and it may create soot if not properly cared for.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a mid-range option made from soybeans. It is more eco-friendly than paraffin wax, with a slower burn rate, making it a great value option. However, it is challenging to work with due to its temperature sensitivity, and it may contribute to deforestation and pesticide use. Soy wax is ideal for candles that come in vessels such as tealights and votives, as it is a softer material.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is considered more eco-friendly since it is derived from bees during the honey-making process. It has a subtle, naturally sweet aroma and is often used in blends for container candles or unscented pillars. Beeswax is a harder, more solid wax, making it suitable for pillar and container candles. However, it doesn't hold or throw fragrance as long as other types of wax.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a newer type of wax that is harvested from coconuts, a high-yield and sustainable crop. It is popular because it holds fragrance and colour well, has a clean burn with minimal soot, and provides a smooth, creamy texture for moulded candles. However, it tends to be the most expensive candle wax option.

Palm Wax

Palm wax is another natural wax option that gives candles a unique texture and look with its crystallised, marble-like pattern. It has a higher melting point, offering a longer burn time, and it can be burned inside or outside of a vessel. However, there are concerns about its contribution to the deforestation of palm trees.

Blended Waxes

Many candle brands combine different types of wax to create more eco-friendly options that still burn strongly. For example, a paraffin-soy blend offers the look of a soy candle with the fragrance throw of paraffin wax. Blended waxes can save candle makers time as they already contain additives, and they are consistent from batch to batch, making them easier to work with. However, they may curb creativity in terms of the finished candle's appearance.

How to select the right type of wax for your candle

When it comes to selecting the right type of wax for your candle, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the form of the candle you want to make is important. There are two main categories of wax based on the application: container wax and pillar wax. Container wax, such as paraffin or soy wax, is designed for candles that sit inside a jar, tin, or other containers and tends to be softer. Pillar wax, on the other hand, is used for candles that stand on their own and is typically harder.

Another factor to consider is the type of wax you prefer to use. Some candle makers opt for natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax, while others prioritize the strength of the fragrance throw with paraffin wax or blends. Paraffin wax, being petroleum-based, often exhibits exceptional scent throw and has a long shelf life. Soy wax, on the other hand, is a popular choice for those seeking natural and eco-friendly materials, and it also provides a longer burn time. Blended waxes, such as soy and paraffin blends, offer the benefits of both types of wax, combining the slow-burning quality of soy with the strong fragrance throw of paraffin.

The desired colour and texture of your candle is also an important consideration when choosing the right wax. Paraffin wax, for example, is typically translucent, making it easier to achieve rich, vibrant colours with smaller amounts of dye. Soy wax, on the other hand, often has a semi-matte, creamy white appearance and may exhibit frosting—a whitish coating caused by crystal formations on the surface.

Lastly, the burn quality and fragrance throw are key factors in selecting the right wax. Soy wax, with its lower melting point, offers a slower burn, while paraffin wax is known for its superior hot throw. When it comes to fragrance, paraffin wax generally provides a stronger scent throw, but soy wax can also provide an impressive cold throw, giving off a light scent even when unlit.

For beginners, Coconut Apricot Wax is recommended due to its high performance, aesthetic quality, and ease of use. However, it's important to test different types of wax to find the one that best suits your unique needs and candle-making goals.

Frequently asked questions