Wax Melts: Alcohol Content In Fragrance Oils

When creating scented candles, it's important to know that fragrance oils and wax don't chemically bond; they form a solution. This means that fragrance oils can be added to wax, but the two substances will not bind together. The flash point of a fragrance oil is the temperature at which it evaporates, and this varies depending on the oil. When adding fragrance oils to wax, it's important to ensure that the wax is heated to the right temperature—usually 75°C or above. If the wax is too hot, the fragrance oil will evaporate, and if it's too cold, the two won't mix properly. It's also important to stir the mixture thoroughly but gently to avoid creating air bubbles.

What is fragrance oil?

Fragrance oils, also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils, and flavour oils, are either blended synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils. They are often diluted with a carrier like propylene glycol, vegetable oil, or mineral oil.

Fragrance oils are synthetically manufactured in a lab and are designed to mimic the scent of a natural product. They are used to create consistent and long-lasting perfumes, cosmetics, and flavourings. They are also used to enhance the smell of candles and soap.

The main difference between fragrance oils and essential oils is that essential oils are made from natural plant materials. They are highly concentrated liquid plant extracts, whereas fragrance oils are artificially created. Essential oils are widely used in society and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, synthetic fragrance oils are often more desirable than plant-derived essential oils as components of perfume due to the potential health risks of VOCs.

Fragrance oils are also able to hold their scent for longer and be much stronger than essential oils. They are commonly used in perfumery, candles, cosmetics, and food flavouring.

When creating scented candles, fragrance oils are combined with hot wax, such as paraffin, to form a homogenous solution. The fragrance oils are then released as the wax is heated, evaporating and dispersing the scent.

Can fragrance oils be used in perfumes?

Yes, fragrance oils can be used in perfumes, but it is important to distinguish between fragrance oils and perfume oils.

Perfume oils are perfumes composed in oil format using a carrier oil base, such as fractionated coconut oil. They are often sold in dab or roll-on bottles.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are mass-produced stock oils, typically used in candles, home fragrances, bath and body products, and "dupe" type knock-off scents. They are usually not ideal for perfumery, as they are not designed for application to the skin.

Fragrance oils can be converted into sprayable perfumes by mixing them with perfumers' alcohol. A standard blend would be 20% fragrance oil and 80% ethanol (90+ proof). However, to avoid skin irritation, it is recommended to use a maximum of 25% fragrance oil and add 5% unscented carrier oil or vegetable glycerin, with the remainder being alcohol.

It is important to note that fragrance oils should not be ingested or applied undiluted to the skin, as they may cause irritation.

What is the maximum percentage of fragrance oil to use?

The maximum percentage of fragrance oil to use depends on the type of product you are making and the type of wax or oil you are using as a base.

If you are making candles, the standard amount of fragrance oil used is 0.5 ounces (21.3 grams) of fragrance oil per pound (450 grams) of paraffin wax. This equates to approximately 10% by volume, as paraffin wax can only take up to 10% oil before the candle becomes covered in "snowflakes" or "mottling". If you are aiming for this effect, mineral oil is a more cost-effective option than fragrance oils. It is important to note that using too much oil will result in a "sweating" or "bleeding" candle, so it is recommended to not exceed the 10% maximum.

For perfume oils, a standard blend would be 20-25% oils and 75-80% ethanol (90+ proof). Increasing the percentage of oil to more than 25% may cause issues with spraying as the blend will become too thick and viscous.

How to make wax melts?

Making wax melts is a fun and simple process, and they can be a great alternative to candles. You can get creative with different shapes, colours, and aromas, and even add botanicals, micas, and glitter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wax melts:

Ingredients and Materials:

• Wax (soy wax, beeswax pastilles, or paraffin wax)
• Oil (coconut oil, essential oils, or fragrance oils)
• Candle dye (optional)
• Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
• Double boiler or hot plate
• Digital scale
• Pouring pitcher
• Thermometer
• Silicone mould
• Wax warmer

Step 1: Weigh and Melt the Wax

Place the pouring pitcher on your digital scale and weigh the desired amount of wax. The amount of wax you need will depend on the size of your mould. Begin to melt the wax using a double boiler or a hot plate. If you are using a double boiler, place the boiler over medium heat.

Step 2: Add Candle Dye (Optional)

If you want to add colour to your wax melts, now is the time to add candle dye. When the wax reaches close to 185ºF (85°C), add a few drops of candle dye and stir until the dye is completely mixed in. Continue to heat the wax.

Step 3: Weigh and Add Fragrance Oil

While your wax is heating, weigh your fragrance oil. The amount of fragrance oil you use will depend on the desired scent strength and the type of wax you are using. Check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page and start with low percentages. When the wax reaches 185ºF (85°C), remove it from the heat and add the fragrance oil.

Step 4: Stir and Pour into Mould

Stir the wax and fragrance oil mixture gently but thoroughly for about 2 minutes to ensure the fragrance binds fully with the wax. Then, pour the mixture into your silicone mould. For best results, pour slowly to avoid overfilling the mould cavities.

Step 5: Allow to Cool and Remove from Mould

Allow your wax melts to cool completely for several hours. Then, gently bend the silicone mould to loosen the melts and flip it over to release them. For the best fragrance throw, let your wax melts cure for 1-2 weeks before use.

Tips:

• Harder waxes tend to work better for wax melts.
• Pay attention to the melting point of your mould.
• Make sure to mix the wax and fragrance oil well to ensure the oils bond with the wax.
• Too much oil can cause sweating or bleeding, and too little oil will result in a weak scent throw.
• Wax melts can hold more fragrance than most candles, so they are a great option if you want a strong fragrance.
• Always follow the manufacturer's directions for the wax melt melter that you choose to use.

What is the best wax to use for candles?

There are many different types of waxes available for candle-making, including beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, gel, palm wax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax, and blended wax. The best wax for candles depends on what type of candle you want to make, as well as other factors such as burn time, scent throw, appearance, ease of use, melting point, performance, and cost.

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 candles have the longest burn time and produce a warm-toned flame that doesn't give off any smoke. They are also well-suited for pillar and taper candles as they don't drip very much. However, beeswax is harder to come by and more expensive than other waxes.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a mid-range, 100% natural wax made from soybeans, a natural and renewable source. It is considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax, although there are growing concerns over the soybean industry's impact on deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides. Soy wax has a slow burn and is easy to work with, making it a great value option. It usually comes in the form of flakes and is best suited for container candles such as jars, tins, or teacup candles. However, it can be temperamental with temperature and difficult to work with, and it doesn't hold fragrance as well as other waxes.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is the most widely used and inexpensive wax for candle-making. It holds colour and fragrance well, making it a good choice for highly saturated coloured candles and scented candles. It comes in various melting points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles, from containers to pillars. However, it is not considered eco-friendly as it is made from a byproduct of the oil industry and releases soot when burned.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a newer type of wax harvested from coconuts, making it a high-yield and sustainable crop. It is popular because it holds fragrance and colour well, has a clean burn that produces very little soot, and is eco-friendly, vegan, and sustainable. However, it tends to be the most expensive candle wax. Coconut wax is often combined with soy or beeswax and is best suited for making container candles, tealights, and wax melts.

Rapeseed Wax

Rapeseed wax is a natural, vegan, biodegradable, and sustainable option derived from the oil extracted from the flower. It is sourced from parts of Europe with strict regulations, so it is not linked to the overuse of pesticides or deforestation. Rapeseed wax has a slow burn, produces virtually no soot, and has a good scent throw. It works well in container blends and holds dye very well if you choose to colour your candle.

Palm Wax

Palm wax has become a popular choice for candle-making in recent years because it burns cleanly and is eco-friendly and sustainable. It is a strong, firm, and durable wax that carries scent well, making it especially good for free-standing candles. However, it is quite expensive compared to other waxes.

Gel Wax

Gel wax is technically not a wax but a mix of resin and mineral oil that creates a see-through look. It is ideal for making decorative, brightly coloured, transparent candles and wax melts, as it holds colour and fragrance well. Gel candles have a very slow burn and give off a very bright light. However, they are not a natural material and release toxins when burned.

In conclusion, the best wax for candles depends on your specific needs and requirements. Consider the type of candle you want to make, your budget, the strength of fragrance you prefer, and how eco-conscious you are.

Frequently asked questions