Soy Wax And Fragrance Oils: A Perfect Match?

Soy wax is a popular choice for candle-making due to its affordability, sustainability, and clean-burning properties. It is well-suited for fragrance oils, with a high fragrance load capability, good glass adhesion, and a strong cold and hot throw. However, not all fragrance oils are compatible with soy wax, and it is important to understand the basics of fragrance oil and soy wax blending to create a successful candle with a pleasant aroma.

The maximum fragrance load for soy wax

The amount of fragrance oil added to soy wax is important as it can affect the quality of the candle. If too much fragrance oil is added, the candle may not burn properly, and the excess fragrance may seep from the candle, causing an oily residue known as "sweating". This can also be a fire hazard, as the oil can catch alight. On the other hand, if too little fragrance oil is added, the candle may not have a strong enough scent.

It is also important to note that the type of fragrance oil used can affect the maximum fragrance load. For example, citrus and herbal oils have a lighter density and may burn off too quickly, so they should be added at a lower temperature and/or blended with a higher-density oil. Fragrances with vanilla, sandalwood, oudh, or caramel are heavier and may require less fragrance oil.

When determining the amount of fragrance oil to add, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific wax being used. For example, if the wax has a maximum fragrance concentration of 10%, and you are making a 16 oz. candle, you can add up to 1.6 oz. of fragrance oil (16 oz. x 10% = 1.6 oz.).

Additionally, the temperature at which the fragrance oil is added to the wax is important. The wax should be brought to a higher temperature than just the melt point to ensure the wax molecules have fully expanded and can fully encapsulate the fragrance molecules. Most fragrances should be added between 175-185° F, and the wax should be removed from the heat source before adding the fragrance oil.

How to avoid fragrance oil seepage

To avoid fragrance oil seepage in soy wax candles, it is important to find the right balance in the amount of fragrance oil used. Over-saturation of fragrance oil can disrupt the structural integrity of the candle wax, causing it to not solidify correctly and leading to issues such as seepage, sweating, or poor burn quality.

• Use the correct amount of fragrance oil: The recommended amount of fragrance oil for soy wax candles typically ranges from 6% to 10% of the wax weight. This means if you have 16 ounces (about 453 grams) of soy wax, you should use about 0.96 to 1.6 ounces (about 27 to 45 grams) of fragrance oil. However, always check the manufacturer's instructions for both your wax and fragrance oil, as the exact amount may vary depending on the specific products you are using.
• Experiment with small batches: By making small batches of candles with different fragrance oil concentrations, you can find the perfect balance for your specific materials without wasting too much product.
• Avoid adding too much fragrance oil: Excess fragrance oil can lead to issues such as seepage, sweating, impaired burn quality, frosting, and an overpowering scent. It can also pose safety risks, including increased flammability, flare-ups, and potential health issues for sensitive individuals.
• Add fragrance oil at the correct temperature: Fragrance oil should be added when the soy wax has fully melted and is at the correct temperature. This is typically around 170 °F (77 °C) or 50 to 60 °F above the melting point of the wax. Adding the fragrance oil at the correct temperature ensures proper binding between the oil and wax, preventing seepage.
• Allow for curing: After pouring your candles, let them cure for several days (typically 3-4 days to 2 weeks) before burning them for the first time. This allows the soy wax and fragrance molecules to fully bind together, resulting in a better scent throw.

The ideal fragrance load for a pleasant-smelling, well-burning candle

The ideal fragrance load for a candle is typically between 6% and 8% to ensure a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the viscous fragrance oil. However, this can vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance oil used, so testing is key to achieving optimal results.

When adding fragrance to candles, it is important to consider the preference and density of the oil. Oils with stronger scents, such as vanilla, can be added at a lower percentage, while lighter scents like citrus and herbal oils may need to be added at a higher percentage to achieve the desired fragrance level.

To ensure a strong cold throw and hot throw, it is recommended to choose high-quality candles with a high percentage of fragrance oil. The bigger the candle, the greater the wax pool, and the better the scent throw. Additionally, the size of the room should be considered, as a small room will be easier to fill with fragrance than a large one.

When burning a candle for the first time, it is important to light all the wicks and allow the wax pool to reach the edge of the container to avoid tunnelling and to maximise the scent diffusion. Keeping the candle away from open windows or air vents will also help to optimise the fragrance delivery.

For soy wax candles, it is recommended to add the fragrance oil when the wax temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. The wax temperature will then need to cool to about 50-55 degrees Celsius before pouring.

To calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed, you can multiply the volume of the candle jar by the desired fragrance load percentage. For example, for a 390ml jar with a 7% fragrance load, you would need 27.3ml of fragrance oil.

By following these guidelines, you can create a pleasant-smelling, well-burning candle with an ideal fragrance load.

How to avoid air bubbles when mixing fragrance oil and soy wax

To avoid air bubbles when mixing fragrance oil and soy wax, there are several steps you can take:

• Avoid over-stirring the mixture. This can produce air bubbles in the melted soy wax, which can lead to imperfections in the finished candles. If you notice air bubbles, gently tap the container to help them escape.
• Adjust your pouring temperature. Finding the perfect pouring temperature for your workspace may require some testing. Adjust your pour temperature in small increments and pour slowly to minimise the chances of adding air to the wax.
• Cover imperfections with a layer of wax. Keep some of your wax to remelt and cover any surface imperfections in your cooled candles.
• Re-melt the surface with a heat gun. Minor imperfections can be fixed with a standard heat gun. Hold it close to the imperfection and allow the wax to melt slightly, often fixing any issues on the surface.
• Gently stir the wax to help release trapped air. Continue stirring slowly until you can no longer see any bubbles and the popping noise stops.
• Avoid stirring the wax too briskly, as this will create air bubbles.
• Warm your fragrance oil slightly and add it to the cooler wax, then stir for longer. This will enhance your top notes as they burn off first in molten wax.
• Ensure you are using high-quality fragrance oils specifically made for candles.
• Do not exceed the maximum fragrance load recommended by the manufacturer.
• Allow your candles to cure for several days before burning to allow the wax and fragrance molecules to fully bind together.

How to avoid fragrance oil sinking to the bottom of the candle

To avoid fragrance oil sinking to the bottom of your candle, you must ensure that the fragrance oil binds completely with the wax. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Use the correct amount of fragrance oil. The general recommendation is to use 6-8% fragrance oil by weight, but this may vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance oil you are using. For example, some sources suggest using 7% fragrance oil by weight when working with soy wax. It is important to note that more fragrance oil does not necessarily result in a stronger scent and can sometimes have the opposite effect.
• Mix the fragrance oil at the right temperature. Fragrance oil should be added when the wax is in a liquid state. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil is between 130-150°F (50-85°C). At lower temperatures, the fragrance oil may not mix properly with the wax, while at higher temperatures, you may lose some of the scent.
• Stir the mixture gently and continuously for about 2 minutes to ensure the fragrance oil is fully incorporated into the wax. Give the mixture a quick, gentle stir before pouring it into your containers.
• Allow your candles to cure for several days before burning. This will give the fragrance molecules time to fully bind with the wax molecules.
• Experiment with different pour temperatures. The ideal pour temperature depends on your workspace temperature and the type of wax you are using. A higher pour temperature may help reduce the formation of crystals on the surface of the wax, which can affect the appearance of the candle.
• Avoid over-stirring the wax, as this can produce air bubbles that lead to imperfections in the finished candle.
• Clean and preheat your containers before pouring the wax. Wash them with mild soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Preheating your containers can help slow down the cooling process of the wax, reducing the formation of crystals.
• Pour the wax slowly into your containers to minimise the addition of air and tap the sides gently to release any air bubbles.

Frequently asked questions