Gel Candles: Adding Fragrance Oil For A Perfect Aroma

When making gel candles, it's important to know how much fragrance oil to add. You'll need to take into account the flash point of the synthetic oils and the concept of polarity. The general rule for adding essential oils to candle wax is a 1% to 3% fragrance load, or 5 to 15 ml of essential oil per pound of wax. For soy candles, the recommendation is a fragrance load of 6% to 10%.

The flash point of synthetic oils

When making gel candles, the general guideline for adding essential oils to candle wax is a 1% to 3% fragrance load. This means adding about 5 to 15 ml of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of wax. For soy candles, the typical recommendation is to add a fragrance load of 6% to 10%. This translates to approximately 1 to 1.6 ounces (or about 30 to 48 ml) of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of soy wax.

The flash point of an oil is the temperature at which the oil will ignite. When working with candle gel, it is important to use an oil with a high flash point to prevent the gel from igniting. The flash point of an oil can be affected by a number of factors, including the type of oil, the temperature, and the pressure. It is important to know the flash point of the oil you are using to ensure the safety of your candle-making process.

Polarity

The flash point of the synthetic oil is another critical factor to consider. The golden rule is to never use a fragrance oil with a flash point lower than 169°F in combination with gel candles. Knowing the flash point of each synthetic fragrance oil you plan to use is crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of your gel candles.

When adding fragrance oils to gel candles, it's important to follow the recommended ratios. The general guideline is to use a 1% to 3% fragrance load, which translates to about 5 to 15 ml of essential oil per pound of wax. However, for soy wax, a higher fragrance load of 6% to 10% is typically recommended, resulting in approximately 1 to 1.6 ounces (or 30 to 48 ml) of essential oil per pound of soy wax.

It's worth noting that adding fragrance oils to candles is considered an art. While these guidelines provide a good starting point, you may need to adjust the amounts based on your specific gel candle recipe and the desired scent strength. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the particular gel candle wax you're using, and conduct test burns to ensure optimal scent and safety.

The correct ratio of fragrance oil to wax

When adding fragrance oil to gel candles, it is important to consider the flash point of the synthetic oils and the concept of polarity. The flash point is a critical piece of data to consider when adding synthetic fragrance oils to paraffin wax, and it is even more important when working with candle gel. The golden rule is to never use a fragrance oil with a flash point lower than 169°F in combination with candle gel.

The general guideline for adding essential oils to candle wax is a 1% to 3% fragrance load. This means adding about 5 to 15 ml of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of wax. However, for soy candles, the typical recommendation is to add a fragrance load of 6% to 10%. This translates to approximately 1 to 1.6 ounces (or about 30 to 48 ml) of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of soy wax.

It is crucial to always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific soy wax you are using and to conduct a test burn to ensure the desired scent strength and performance. The best temperature to add fragrance oils to candle wax varies, so use a thermometer to check the wax temperature. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Slowly pour the oil into the melted wax, stirring gently but constantly, for about 30 seconds to a minute to ensure the oil is evenly mixed. Remember, adding fragrance oils to candles is an art.

How to mix the oil and wax

To mix fragrance oil and wax, you must first consider the flash point of the synthetic oils and the concept of polarity. The flash point is a critical piece of data to consider when adding synthetic fragrance oils to paraffin wax, and it is even more important when working with candle gel. The golden rule is to never use a fragrance oil with a flash point lower than 169°F in combination with candle gel.

Before mixing the oil and wax, you should test the fragrance oil to check if it is polar. To do this, mix one part synthetic fragrance oil with three parts mineral oil. If the two separate and form two layers, the fragrance oil is polar and should not be used in candle gel. If the liquid is clear, the test is successful, and you can reuse the oil in the test tube by adding eight parts mineral oil to it.

The general guideline for adding essential oils to candle wax is a 1% to 3% fragrance load. This means adding about 5 to 15 ml of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of wax. For soy wax, the typical recommendation is a fragrance load of 6% to 10%. This translates to approximately 1 to 1.6 ounces (or about 30 to 48 ml) of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of soy wax. However, it is crucial to always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific wax you are using and conduct a test burn to ensure the desired scent strength and performance.

To mix the oil and wax, first use a thermometer to check the wax temperature. The best temperature to add fragrance oils to candle wax varies, so you should refer to specific wax guidelines. When your wax reaches the right temperature, slowly pour the oil into the melted wax, stirring gently but constantly. Keep stirring for about 30 seconds to a minute to ensure the oil is evenly mixed.

How to test if the fragrance oil is polar

To make gel candles, it's important to understand the concept of polarity and the flash point of the synthetic oils you're using. The flash point is a critical piece of data to consider when adding synthetic fragrance oils to paraffin wax. It is even more important when you work with candle gel. As a rule of thumb, never use a fragrance oil with a flash point lower than 169°F in combination with candle gel.

The general guideline for adding essential oils to candle wax is a 1% to 3% fragrance load. This means adding about 5 to 15 ml of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of wax. For soy candles, the typical recommendation is to add a fragrance load of 6% to 10%. This translates to approximately 1 to 1.6 ounces (or about 30 to 48 ml) of essential oil per pound (approximately 450 grams) of soy wax.

To test if the fragrance oil is polar, you can follow this simple two-phase test. For both phases, use a clean glass recipient, preferably a small test tube (or a thoroughly cleaned medication bottle).

Phase one:

• Add 3 parts of the synthetic fragrance oil to be tested and 1 part mineral oil. To avoid using too much fragrance oil, use the smallest part of a measuring spoon (usually the equivalent of 1/8 of a teaspoon).
• Close the test tube and shake it vigorously.
• If the liquid turns cloudy then clears up again, this is a good sign.
• Let it rest for a while, but no more than 5 minutes.
• If the liquid in the test tube has turned cloudy, even a little, this means the fragrance oil tested is polar and should not be used in candle gel.
• If the synthetic fragrance oil and the mineral oil separate and form two separate layers in the test tube, that fragrance oil is polar and should not be used in candle gel.
• If the liquid is clear, the first phase of the test is successful.

Phase two:

• Invert the proportions: 1 part synthetic fragrance oil for 3 parts mineral oil.
• Don't waste your fragrance oil: you can reuse what's already in the test tube by adding 8 parts mineral oil to it.
• Then close the tube and repeat the shake and let rest operation.

If the liquid is clear after phase two, this synthetic fragrance oil can be safely used in your gel candles.

Frequently asked questions