The Perfect Fragrance Oil Ratio For A 212-Gram Batch

When making candles, it's important to get the right amount of fragrance oil. The amount of fragrance oil you need depends on the weight of your wax blend and the strength of fragrance you want. You can calculate the amount of fragrance oil you need by multiplying the weight of your wax blend by the percentage of fragrance you want to add. For example, if you want to add 8% fragrance oil to 212 grams of wax, you would multiply 212 by 0.08 to get the weight of the fragrance oil in grams.

Fragrance oil calculations

To calculate how much fragrance oil to add to a wax blend, you need to know the weight of the wax and the fragrance load.

For example, if you have 212 grams of wax and want to add 6% fragrance oil, you would multiply 212 x 6% (or 0.06). This gives you 12.72, which you can round up to 13 grams of fragrance oil.

The math is the same whether you are measuring weight in ounces or grams.

You can also use an online fragrance calculator. First, enter the fragrance you are using, then select what you are making, the weight, and the unit of measurement. The calculator will give you recommendations for a light, medium, or strong scent in ounces and grams.

How to weigh fragrance oil

To weigh fragrance oil, you will need to know the weight of the wax blend you are making, and the percentage of fragrance oil you want to add.

For example, if you want to add 8% fragrance oil to 212 grams of wax, you would multiply 212 x 8% (0.08) = 16.96 grams, or about 17 grams of fragrance oil.

You can also use a fragrance calculator, which will give you the recommendations for a light, medium, or strong scent in ounces and grams.

When working with fragrance oil, it's important to note that it can react to some containers. So, don't let the fragrance sit in a paper cup for more than a few seconds, and be sure not to use any plastic containers.

Fragrance oil reactions to containers

Fragrance oil can react to some containers, so it is important to consider the type of container used for storage. Plastic containers are not recommended for long-term storage as fragrance oils can slowly dissolve the plastic material, causing it to mix with the oil and potentially affecting its scent and quality. This can be minimised by ensuring the lids of plastic containers are tightly fastened to reduce exposure to oxygen.

To prevent any chemical reactions, it is best to store fragrance oil in a non-reactive container, such as a glass container with a tight lid. This will ensure that the oil maintains its original scent, nutritional value, and overall quality.

If you are using fragrance oil for candle-making, it is important to note that the oil should not sit in a paper cup for more than a few seconds, and plastic containers should be avoided altogether.

The temperature at which to add fragrance oil

The temperature at which you add fragrance oil to your candle depends on the type of wax you are using. For paraffin wax, it is recommended to add fragrance oil at around 180°F to 185°F. This temperature helps the fragrance bind properly with the wax, which is crucial for achieving a strong scent throw and preventing the fragrance from separating or evaporating too quickly. For soy wax, it is generally recommended to add fragrance oil at a temperature of around 180°F to 185°F. This temperature range allows the fragrance to mix thoroughly with the wax, ensuring a consistent scent throughout your candle. However, it is important to monitor the temperature closely, as heating soy wax above 190°F for an extended period can compromise its integrity, leading to a less effective candle.

The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil to wax is between 185°F and 200°F (85°C – 93°C). This range ensures that the fragrance oil blends safely with the wax and creates consistent candles. Fragrance oil does not degrade unless it reaches its boiling point, which is far above 200°F, and should not be a concern for candle makers.

When making candles, it is important to know when to add the fragrance oil. This is not necessarily based on the appearance and state of the wax, but rather the temperature at which your wax is fully melted. Depending on the wax you are using, most times the wax will have fully melted at around 175°F to 185°F. You want to add your fragrance oil at around 155°F to 165°F once your wax begins to cool, at which point you can incorporate the oil thoroughly with the wax and pour once both have combined.

Using a fragrance calculator

To use a fragrance calculator, you will need to know the weight of the wax blend and the fragrance load. You can then use the following formula to find the weight of the fragrance oil:

F/100 x W = F

Where f is the fragrance load, W is the weight of the wax blend, and F is the weight of the fragrance oil.

For example, if you are making 8 eight-ounce candles (64 ounces of wax) and want to add 6% fragrance oil, you would multiply 64 x 6% (0.06) = 3.84. You could round this up to 4 ounces of fragrance oil.

Another example is if you are making 16 ounces of cold process soap and want to add 6% fragrance oil. You would multiply 16 x 6% (0.06) = 0.96, which you can round up to 1 ounce of fragrance oil.

You can also use a fragrance calculator to find the recommendations for a light, medium, or strong scent in ounces and grams.

Frequently asked questions