The Longevity Of Fragrance Oils For Gel Candles

If you're a candle maker, you've probably got a few fragrance oils lying around. But how long do they last? Well, it depends. Fragrance oil components vary from formula to formula and oxidise at different rates, so it's tricky to give an exact answer. However, most fragrance oils last about six months to a year. Over time, fragrance oils can turn cloudy and separate from the gel, which could be a fire hazard. So, if you're not planning on using them within six months to a year, it might be time to let them go.

How long fragrance oils last

The longevity of fragrance oils depends on the formula and the rate of oxidation. Most fragrance oils last about six months to a year, but some can last longer. Over time, fragrance oils added to gel candles will turn cloudy and separate from the gel. This can occur within days, weeks, or months, depending on the ingredients, their concentrations, and environmental conditions.

To avoid this, it is recommended to purchase only enough fragrance oil to use within six months to a year. However, it is important to note that using more fragrance oil does not guarantee a stronger scent throw. Each wax has a recommended fragrance oil load, and exceeding this limit can create fire hazards and "gooey" spots.

Scent degradation is when an unlit candle gradually loses its original fragrance due to the constant evaporation of fragrance oil molecules from the wax into the air. This process is gradual and almost unnoticeable for the first six months to a year, depending on the type of wax and the quality of the fragrance oil.

How to store fragrance oils

Fragrance oils for gel candles can be kept for up to a year, but they may turn cloudy and separate from the gel within days, weeks or months. This depends on the fragrance ingredients, their concentrations and environmental conditions.

To store fragrance oils, it is recommended to buy only enough to use within six months to a year. This is because fragrance oil components vary from formula to formula and oxidise at different rates, so it is tricky to give an exact recommendation for their longevity.

To prevent scent degradation, store your fragrance oils in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer, and keep them away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can degrade the quality of the oil. You can also store them in the fridge, but only for a short time, as this can affect the oil's consistency.

It is also important to keep fragrance oils away from heat sources, such as stoves or radiators, as heat can cause the oil to evaporate more quickly. Additionally, try to use fragrance oils within their recommended time frame, as they can lose their potency over time.

How to tell if fragrance oils are past their prime

It's tricky to give an exact answer to how long fragrance oils can be kept for gel candles, as their longevity depends on the formula and the environmental conditions. However, most fragrance oils last about one year, and it's recommended to purchase only enough to use within six months to a year.

• Scent degradation: An unlit candle will gradually lose its original fragrance over time, even when it isn't burning. This is because the molecules of fragrance oil are slowly evaporating from the wax into the air. You can notice this by putting an unlit candle close to your nose and taking a sniff.
• Cloudy appearance: Fragrance oils can turn cloudy and separate from the gel over time. This can happen within days, weeks, or months, depending on the ingredients, their concentrations, and environmental factors.
• Fire hazard: Using too much fragrance oil can cause it to separate from the wax, creating an ugly "gooey" appearance and potentially increasing the risk of fire.

How to avoid fragrance oil separation

Fragrance oil separation is a common problem when making gel candles. The oil and gel can separate within days, weeks or months, depending on the fragrance ingredients, their concentrations and environmental conditions. To avoid this, it's important to follow these steps:

Firstly, it's crucial to use the right amount of fragrance oil. Using too much oil can cause it to separate from the gel, creating an ugly, gooey mess and even a potential fire hazard. Each type of gel has a recommended fragrance oil load, so be sure to follow the instructions and not exceed this limit.

Secondly, try to let your candle cool down as slowly as possible. Putting your candle in the fridge can be helpful if you need to get it out of a mould, but this should be avoided otherwise as it can affect the gel and oil mixture.

Thirdly, fragrance oils have a limited lifespan, typically around six months to a year, so it's best to use them within this time frame to avoid separation issues. Even unopened oils can degrade over time, so don't stock up on too many fragrances at once.

Finally, scent degradation is a natural process where an unlit candle gradually loses its fragrance. This happens because fragrance oil molecules evaporate from the gel into the air, even when the candle isn't burning. While this process is gradual and often unnoticeable for the first six months to a year, it can eventually lead to separation as the oil concentration decreases. To minimise scent degradation, store your candles in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or sunlight.

How to avoid scent degradation

Scent degradation is when an unlit candle gradually loses its original fragrance. This happens because molecules of fragrance oil are slowly but constantly evaporating from the wax into the air, even when the candle isn’t burning.

To avoid scent degradation, it's important to store your fragrance oils properly. Fragrance oils last about one year, but this can vary depending on the formula and the oxidation rate. Some oils may last only six months, while others can last for years. It's best to purchase only enough fragrance oil to use within six months to a year.

Additionally, it's important to use the correct amount of fragrance oil in your gel candles. Using too much fragrance oil can cause it to separate from the gel, creating an ugly "gooey" spot and potentially increasing the risk of fire. The time it takes for the mixture to turn cloudy cannot be predicted, but it can occur within days, weeks, or months, depending on the fragrance ingredients, their concentrations, and environmental conditions.

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