How Fragrances Affect Candle Color: The Science Explained

The colour of a candle can be impacted by the fragrance used, with some fragrances causing discolouration over time. Natural ingredients such as vanillin, citrus oils, and cinnamon can cause candles to discolour, with the shade changing from a subtle shift to a more noticeable alteration. The colour of a candle can also be affected by the dye used, the temperature at which it is burned, and exposure to UV rays. Some candles are designed to change colour, with the jar evolving in hue as the wax melts.

Fragrance oils can contain ingredients like vanillin, citrus oils, and cinnamon, which can cause candles to discolour over time

Fragrance oils are a common cause of candle discolouration. This is because they often contain natural ingredients like vanillin, citrus oils, and cinnamon, which can cause candles to change colour over time.

Vanillin, a compound found in vanilla, can cause candle wax to yellow or brown over time. Citrus fragrances can also cause candle wax to become cloudy or yellow, as they can break down the wax. Similarly, essential oils like sweet orange oil can change the colour of a candle over time.

The effect of fragrance on candle colour can be seen when adding a yellow fragrance to a white candle, resulting in a light yellow shade that can darken further. Combining a yellow fragrance with blue dye may create a slight green shade. For darker-coloured candles, heavier use of dye can offset the colour change caused by fragrance. However, for lighter-coloured candles, a different fragrance may be necessary to maintain the desired colour.

To minimise discolouration, candle makers can add a drop or two of Ivory Liquid Dye to soy wax to match the natural colour of the wax. Reducing the amount of fragrance oil in the candle can also help.

Essential oils like sweet orange oil can also change the colour of the candle over time

Essential oils like sweet orange oil can indeed change the colour of a candle over time. This is due to the oil's chemical composition, which can react with the wax and dye in a candle to alter its hue. The effect may be subtle or more noticeable, depending on the specific essential oil and candle combination.

Sweet orange oil, in particular, has a high concentration of certain compounds that can affect the colour of a candle. For example, in cold-process soap making, sweet orange oil can cause the soap to discolour to a pale yellow. This is due to the oil's low flashpoint and its reaction with the soap's ingredients. Similarly, sweet orange oil can cause candles to discolour, especially if they contain certain dyes or are exposed to UV light.

The extent of the colour change will depend on various factors, such as the type of wax used, the amount of essential oil added, and the presence of other ingredients or dyes in the candle. In some cases, the colour change may be minimal and only noticeable over time. In other cases, the colour change may be more immediate and significant.

It's worth noting that while sweet orange oil can affect the colour of a candle, it may not be suitable for candle-making due to its unpleasant burnt scent. However, it can be used effectively in wax melts, room sprays, and other fragrance products. Other essential oils, such as lavender, black pepper, and cinnamon leaf, are better suited for candle-making and are known to blend well with sweet orange oil.

To minimise colour changes in candles, it is recommended to use high-quality dyes specifically designed for candle-making and to store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can also contribute to discolouration.

The colour of the candle can be altered by the fragrance used, exposure to UV rays, or overheating during the candle-making process

The colour of a candle can be influenced by several factors, and it's important to understand these to ensure your candles are both visually appealing and functional. One of the key factors is the fragrance used. Fragrance oils often contain natural ingredients such as vanillin, citrus oils, or cinnamon, which can cause the candle wax to change colour over time. This is a normal occurrence due to the varying nature of these natural ingredients, and it doesn't indicate any problem with the fragrance oil itself. For example, vanillin, a compound found in vanilla, can cause candle wax to turn yellow or brown. Similarly, citrus fragrances can cause the wax to become cloudy or yellow.

To minimise this effect, you can opt for fragrances made with essential oils, which are less likely to cause discolouration. Additionally, reducing the amount of fragrance oil in your candles may also help. It's worth noting that even essential oils like sweet orange oil can alter the colour of your candle, so testing different fragrances and observing their impact is recommended.

Another factor that can affect the colour of your candle is exposure to UV rays or sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can accelerate the oxidation process, causing the candle wax to fade or turn yellow, especially if the candles are stored in a sunny location or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. To prevent this, store your candles in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Lastly, overheating during the candle-making process can also lead to discolouration. If the wax is heated too quickly or to too high a temperature, it may turn yellow or brown and cause issues such as cracking, poor fragrance throw, and rough tops. To avoid this, follow the recommended temperature guidelines for melting and pouring the wax.

While discolouration of candle wax may not always affect the candle's performance or safety, it can be unappealing to consumers. By understanding and addressing these factors, you can create candles that not only look attractive but also perform well, ensuring a pleasant experience for your customers.

To prevent discolouration, fragrances made with essential oils can be used

Candle wax discolouration can occur due to a variety of factors, including the fragrance used, exposure to UV rays, and overheating during the candle-making process. To prevent discolouration, fragrances made with essential oils can be used. Essential oils are derived from plants through a process of distillation and are 100% natural and highly concentrated extracts.

When choosing a fragrance, it is important to consider that some essential oils have a low flash point (the temperature at which they become flammable) and can evaporate when added to hot candle wax, minimising the scent throw. Essential oils with higher flash points (above 150°F) and strong aromas are recommended for candle making. Examples include lavender magnolia blend and tobacco patchouli blend.

It is also important to note that essential oils can be more expensive than fragrance oils due to the amount of natural material required to produce them. However, essential oils offer a more natural alternative and can positively influence your mood and well-being.

To maximise the aroma of essential oils in candles, it is recommended to use a smaller wick due to their lower flash point. Additionally, a narrow candle container is suggested to prevent candle tunnelling, which occurs when wax adheres to the sides of the container while the centre melts down.

When adding essential oils to your candle wax, stir them in for 1-2 minutes when the wax reaches 160°F. Avoid stirring too fast to prevent air bubbles from forming in the melted wax.

By following these steps and choosing essential oils with higher flash points, you can prevent discolouration and create natural, fragrant candles with a strong scent throw.

Discolouration can be prevented by storing candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources

Discolouration of candles can occur due to a variety of factors, including the fragrance used, exposure to UV rays, and overheating during the candle-making process. To prevent discolouration, it is recommended to store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

UV rays and heat can cause candle wax to discolour over time. By storing candles away from these elements, you can maintain the original colour of the candle. Direct sunlight and heat sources can accelerate the oxidation process, leading to changes in both colour and scent. Therefore, it is advisable to keep candles in a well-shaded area, avoiding temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, the choice of fragrance can impact discolouration. Fragrances containing vanillin, citrus, or cinnamon are more likely to cause candle wax to discolour. To prevent this, opt for fragrances made with essential oils, as they are less likely to cause discolouration. Alternatively, you can decrease the amount of fragrance used in your candles.

Another factor to consider is the dye used for coloured candles. Low-quality dyes may cause the colour of the candle to fade over time. Investing in high-quality dyes specifically formulated for candle-making will ensure that the colour remains vibrant and does not fade.

By following these storage recommendations and making thoughtful choices about fragrances and dyes, you can effectively prevent candle discolouration and maintain the aesthetic appeal and performance of your candles.

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