Mastering The Art Of Fragrance Load Calculation

Calculating the fragrance load is an important step in making candles. It ensures that your product smells great without being too overpowering or causing performance issues. The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil compared to the total weight of the candle, including both the wax and the fragrance oil. Using too much fragrance can lead to problems like poor burn quality and safety concerns, while using too little can result in a weak scent. To calculate the fragrance load, you need to decide on the desired fragrance load percentage and determine the total weight of the candle. Then, multiply the total weight by the fragrance load percentage (converted to a decimal) to find the amount of fragrance oil needed. Finally, subtract the fragrance oil weight from the total weight to get the amount of wax required.

Understanding fragrance load

Fragrance load is a crucial aspect of creating high-quality candles and wax melts. It refers to the percentage of fragrance oil in your final product, ensuring that the scent is pleasant without being overwhelming. Striking the right balance is essential, as too little fragrance may result in a weak scent, while too much can lead to issues such as poor burn quality and safety concerns.

The fragrance load is typically expressed as a percentage, with the standard load falling between 5-6%. However, this can vary depending on the type of candle wax used. For example, soy wax may require a higher fragrance load to achieve a strong scent throw, while paraffin may need less. Therefore, it is important to refer to the guidelines for your specific wax type.

Calculating the fragrance load manually involves a simple formula:

Fragrance Oil Amount = Total Weight of Candle x (Fragrance Load Percentage ÷ 100)

To use this formula, you first need to decide on your desired fragrance load percentage. Let's use an 8% fragrance load as an example. Suppose you are making a candle with a total weight of 16 oz, including both wax and fragrance oil. To calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed, multiply the total weight of your candle by the fragrance load percentage converted into a decimal:

16 oz x (8 ÷ 100) = 1.28 oz fragrance oil

Next, to find the amount of wax required, subtract the fragrance oil weight from the total candle weight:

16 oz - 1.28 oz = 14.72 oz wax

So, for a 16 oz candle with an 8% fragrance load, you would need 1.28 oz of fragrance oil and 14.72 oz of wax.

It is important to note that fragrance load calculations can be tricky, and it's easy to overload your wax with fragrance oil. A helpful tip is to remember that the fragrance load percentage refers to the percentage of fragrance oil compared to the wax weight, not the total weight of the candle.

Additionally, the type of fragrance oil can impact the calculation. For example, essential oils typically cannot be used at a higher percentage than 6%. It is always recommended to consult with a supplier to determine the appropriate percentage for specific oils.

To simplify the process, many candle makers use online fragrance load calculators. These tools allow you to input your desired candle weight and the percentage of fragrance oil you want, and they will calculate the required amounts of wax and fragrance oil.

Calculating the right weights

Calculating the right fragrance load is crucial for creating a well-balanced candle that smells amazing without being too overwhelming or causing performance issues. The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil compared to the total weight of your candle, including both the wax and fragrance oil.

To calculate the fragrance load manually, you can use the following formula:

Fragrance Oil Amount = Total Weight of Candle x (Fragrance Load Percentage / 100)

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:

• Decide on your desired fragrance load percentage. For example, you may choose an 8% fragrance load.
• Determine the total weight of your candle, including the wax and fragrance oil. Let's say you're making a 16 oz candle.
• Calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed. Multiply the total weight of your candle by the fragrance load percentage (converted to a decimal). In our example, it would be 16 oz x (8 / 100) = 1.28 oz of fragrance oil.
• Calculate the amount of wax required. Subtract the fragrance oil weight from the total candle weight. Continuing with our example, you would calculate 16 oz - 1.28 oz = 14.72 oz of wax.
• Now you know that for a 16 oz candle with an 8% fragrance load, you'll need 1.28 oz of fragrance oil and 14.72 oz of wax.

It's important to note that different types of wax can absorb fragrance differently. For instance, soy wax may require a higher fragrance load for a stronger scent, while paraffin may need less. Always refer to the guidelines for your specific wax type to ensure you don't exceed the maximum fragrance load, as this can lead to issues such as poor burn performance or oil seeping from your candle.

To make the calculation process easier, you can use a fragrance load calculator. Simply enter your desired candle weight and the percentage of fragrance oil you want, and the calculator will do the rest! This is a convenient option if you don't want to perform the calculations manually each time you create a new batch of candles.

Common issues with overloaded wax

When wax is overloaded with fragrance oil, it can lead to a range of issues that affect the performance and aesthetics of the candle. Here are some common problems that can occur:

Wick Issues

The wick may struggle to burn and only achieve a small flame, or the flame may die out completely. This can result in candle tunnelling, where the candle burns down the centre, leaving hard wax around the edges. An overloaded wick can also prevent the candle from achieving a full melt pool.

Poor Scent Throw

Overloading the wax with fragrance oil can ironically lead to a poor hot throw, as there is not enough heat generated to allow the fragrance to be released effectively from the wax. This can result in a weak scent that doesn't fill the room.

Safety Concerns

Excess fragrance oil can lead to "sweating", where the excess oil seeps out of the wax. This not only looks unappealing but can also be a safety hazard, as the oil may come into contact with the flame.

Poor Burn Quality

Candles with overloaded wax may not burn well, affecting the overall performance and longevity of the candle. This can include issues such as an uneven burn, smoking, or a flame that flickers and struggles to stay lit.

Non-Compliance with Regulations

In the EU, fragrance oil ratios are important for CLP (classification, labelling, and packaging) regulations. Overloading the wax with fragrance oil can lead to non-compliance with these regulations, preventing the legal sale of the candles.

Using a fragrance load calculator

Step 1: Determine Your Total Candle Weight

First, you need to know the combined weight of the wax and fragrance oil you plan to use for your candle. This is the total weight of your candle, which includes both the wax and the fragrance oil. For instance, if you're making a 16-ounce candle, your total weight is 16 ounces.

Step 2: Choose Your Unit of Measurement

Most fragrance load calculators offer options for different units of measurement. You can select whether you prefer to work in ounces, grams, or even pounds. Choose the unit that you're most comfortable with or that aligns with your wax and oil measurements.

Step 3: Input Your Desired Fragrance Percentage

Fragrance load percentages typically range between 5% and 10%, depending on the type of wax and oil you're using. For example, if you're using essential oils, it's recommended to stay within a maximum range of 6-7%. If you're unsure, starting with a 6-8% fragrance load is generally a safe option.

Step 4: Enter the Number of Batches or Candles

If you're making multiple candles or batches, you can input that information into the calculator. This feature is especially useful if you're producing candles in bulk or need to scale up your recipe. The calculator will adjust the measurements accordingly, making it easy to plan for larger quantities.

Step 5: Calculate and Review Results

Once you've entered all the required information, simply click the "Calculate" button. The calculator will then provide you with the exact amounts of wax and fragrance oil needed for your candle(s). For example, if you're making a single 16-ounce candle with an 8% fragrance load, the calculator might suggest using 1.28 ounces of fragrance oil and 14.72 ounces of wax.

Tips for Success:

• Always make small test batches before committing to a larger production. This allows you to fine-tune your fragrance load, wick size, and other variables.
• Consider the type of wax you're using. Different types of wax, such as soy wax or paraffin, absorb fragrance differently, so adjust your fragrance load accordingly.
• Be mindful of the maximum fragrance load for your wax. Exceeding this limit can lead to issues like poor burn performance or oil seeping from your candle.

Fragrance load and CLP regulations

The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil in a candle or wax melt product relative to its total weight. It is important to get the fragrance load right to ensure that the product smells good without being overwhelming or causing performance issues.

In the UK and the EU, candle labelling is covered by the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP). This regulation came into force in 2009 and applies to all new products containing hazardous substances, which must be labelled according to the guidelines. Candles, wax melts, and reed diffusers typically use essential oils or fragrance oils, which are classified as hazardous substances due to their potential to cause skin and eye irritation and their environmental impact. Therefore, these products must be labelled with a CLP label.

CLP labels must include the following information:

• Product identifiers: the name of the product, any specific variant or blend, and a batch or lot number.
• Allergen information: clear labels of any known allergens to ensure consumers can make informed decisions.
• Single-word markers: words such as "warning" or "caution" to indicate potential hazards.
• Warning statements: specific information about the hazards of the product, including skin irritation, eye irritation, flammability, etc.
• Precautionary statements: guidance on how to safely handle, store, and use the product to minimise risks.
• Warning/hazard pictograms: graphical symbols to convey specific information about the hazards, such as flammable substances, corrosive materials, irritants, and environmental hazards.
• Supplier information: the supplier's name, address, and contact details for traceability and accountability.

It is important to note that the fragrance load percentage used in CLP calculations is based on the amount of fragrance in the total weight of the product, including the wax. For example, a 10% scent load of 300g would be 30g of fragrance oil added to 300g of wax, making the final product weight 330g. The CLP percentage of fragrance oil in this case would be 30g out of 330g, or 9.09%.

Candle and wax melt makers should be aware of the maximum recommended fragrance load for their products, which is typically 10%. It is important to get the fragrance load calculation right to ensure candle performance and comply with CLP regulations.

Frequently asked questions