Creating Custom-Scented Candles: Fragrancing With Your Cologne

Making a candle that smells like your cologne is a thoughtful gift idea, but it's not as simple as pouring cologne into wax. Colognes and perfumes are flammable and can release toxic gases when burned, so it's not safe to use them as candle scents. Instead, you'll need to find an imitation fragrance oil that closely resembles the scent of your cologne. You can find many mimic fragrance oils that replicate popular perfumes and colognes, or you can experiment by mixing different oils to create a unique scent.

Once you have your fragrance oil, the process of making a scented candle is straightforward. You'll need to choose a type of wax—such as paraffin, soy, or beeswax—and melt it slowly over low to medium heat in a double boiler. After removing from the heat, add your fragrance oil—about 6-10% of the weight of the wax you used. Then, pour the scented wax into a jar or mould and allow it to cool and harden for 24 hours.

There are a few important things to keep in mind during the process. First, always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your wax. This will ensure that you add the fragrance oil at the right temperature, which is crucial for a strong scent. Second, preheat your containers to slow down the cooling process and prevent the wax from shrinking and pulling away from the container. Finally, don't add too much fragrance oil, as this can affect the integrity of your candle and may even pose a fire hazard.

Choose the right wax

When making scented candles, it's important to choose the right type of wax to ensure your candle burns effectively and safely. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right wax for your cologne-scented candle:

Type of Candle

The type of candle you want to make will dictate the best wax to use. For example, if you're making pillar candles (which stand on their own), the recommended waxes are paraffin, beeswax, and palm wax. On the other hand, if you're making container candles (which sit inside a jar or tin), you can use a wider range of waxes such as soy wax, paraffin, palm wax, or beeswax.

Natural vs. Synthetic Wax

You'll also need to decide whether you want to use a natural or synthetic wax. Natural waxes like beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, and coconut wax are eco-friendly and renewable, but they can be more expensive. Synthetic waxes like paraffin wax are less costly and widely available, but they are derived from petroleum and may release toxins when burned.

Scent Retention

If you're making a cologne-scented candle, you'll want to choose a wax that retains fragrance well. Paraffin wax is known for its excellent scent retention, but it may not be the best option if you're concerned about toxins. Soy wax is also a good option for scented candles, but it can be harder to find in large quantities.

Ease of Use

Consider how easy the wax is to work with. Soy wax, for example, comes in the form of flakes and is easy to melt and work with, making it a good choice for beginners. Beeswax, on the other hand, can be more difficult to source and work with but produces high-quality candles.

Cost

The cost of the wax is also an important consideration, especially if you're making a large batch of candles. Soy wax and paraffin wax are generally the most budget-friendly options, while beeswax and palm wax can be more expensive.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Finally, consider the health and environmental implications of the wax you choose. Paraffin wax, for instance, has been questioned for its effects on the environment due to its petroleum by-product nature. Beeswax, on the other hand, is a natural, eco-friendly option that produces a clean burn.

Find an imitation fragrance oil

It is not safe to use cologne to make scented candles, as cologne is flammable and releases toxic gases when burned. Instead, you can use fragrance oils, which are much safer to burn.

You can find imitation fragrance oils that mimic the scent of your favourite cologne, or you can experiment by mixing different oils to create a unique scent. These oils will burn slower and smell better, only producing carbon dioxide and water when burned.

When choosing a fragrance oil, consider the notes of the cologne you are trying to imitate. Fragrances have a top note, which is what you smell first, middle notes that help balance the scent, and bottom notes, which are deeper and heavier and last the longest.

You can start by adding a drop of each oil you want to use onto a blotting paper and adjusting the ratios until you find the right combination. Once you have created the desired scent, you can then adjust it to make a larger batch.

It is recommended that you use around 6-10% of the overall weight of your wax in fragrance oil. If you find the fragrance too strong, you can reduce it to 7%. Do not add more than 10%, as this will affect the integrity of your candle.

You can also add other ingredients, such as herbs, to boost the scent of your candle.

Add oil at the right temperature

Adding your fragrance oil at the right temperature is crucial to making a candle that smells like your cologne. The ideal temperature range depends on the type of wax you are using. For soy and paraffin wax, the recommended temperature is between 180-185°F (85°C). If you are using palm wax, the ideal temperature is slightly higher, between 200-205°F.

Wax has a better binding ability at these temperatures, and adding the fragrance oil within this range will help it bind effectively to the wax. This binding ensures a stronger scent throw, meaning your candle will smell stronger and more closely resemble your cologne.

It is important to monitor the temperature of the wax throughout the candle-making process. Using a thermometer is the best way to do this. By keeping an eye on the temperature, you can ensure you add the fragrance oil at the right time.

Once your wax has reached the ideal temperature range, remove it from the heat source. The wax will begin to cool, and you can then add your fragrance oil. The amount of fragrance oil you use will depend on the desired strength of the scent and the type of oil you are using. A good rule of thumb is to add around 10% of the weight of the wax you are using. For essential oils, this is roughly one ounce of oil per pound of wax, or 6-7% of the overall weight.

If you are using a commercial fragrance oil, add about two teaspoons of oil for every four ounces of wax. These oils have a stronger scent, so a smaller amount is needed. It is important not to add too much fragrance oil, as this can affect the integrity of your candle and may even pose a fire hazard.

After adding the fragrance oil, stir the mixture gently. Then, carefully pour the scented wax into your chosen container and allow it to cool and harden.

Avoid using cologne

It is not safe to use cologne to make scented candles. Cologne and perfume are flammable and can release toxic gases when burned. The alcohol base in cologne can burn off quickly, resulting in a weak scent. The alcohol content also makes cologne highly flammable, posing a fire hazard. Additionally, cologne and perfume often contain formaldehyde, which is dangerous to the airways when burnt.

Instead of using cologne, opt for fragrance oils, which are much safer to burn. You can find imitation fragrance oils that mimic the scent of your favourite cologne, or you can experiment by mixing different oils to create a unique fragrance. These oils will burn slower and produce only carbon dioxide and water.

When making scented candles, it is also important to choose the right type of wax. Paraffin wax, for example, can release toxins into the air when burned, while beeswax is harder to scent due to its natural sweet fragrance. Soy wax is a good option, but be aware that it is often blended with other oils, including paraffin.

To make a scented candle, start by melting the wax in a double boiler over low to medium heat. Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Attach a wick stabiliser and holder to the glass jar, then add your fragrance oil. The amount of fragrance oil you use will depend on how strong you want the scent to be, but a good rule of thumb is to add around 10% of the weight of the wax.

After adding the fragrance, pour the wax into your jar and keep it supported with a bamboo stick to prevent it from falling. Allow the candle to partially set, then pierce the top and add more melted wax to prevent tunnelling. Let your candle set for 24 hours before burning.

Test your candle

Testing your candle is a crucial step in the candle-making process. It ensures that your candle burns at a normal rate, doesn't produce an abnormal amount of soot, and is safe for the user. Here are some detailed instructions on how to test your candle:

Prepare Your Testing Area:

• Clear your schedule and find a comfortable, draft-free area to set up.
• Place your candle on a clean, flat, heat-resistant surface.
• If testing multiple candles, place them three to six inches apart.

Label and Record:

• Clearly label your candle with all relevant information, including the type of wax, fragrance oil, fragrance load, dyes used and amount, wick choice, and container choice and its diameter.
• Record the time you start the test.

Prepare the Candle:

• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch with sharp scissors.
• Always trim wicks before lighting!

Conduct the Burn Test:

• Light your candle and watch it burn.
• Check back each hour to record your observations.
• Set timers for hourly intervals, and always extinguish the candle after four hours.
• Repeat the burning and recording process until only 1/4 inch of wax remains.

Evaluate the Results:

Melt Pool:

• Evaluate the diameter of the melted wax.
• After three to four hours, the melt pool should be no more than 1/4 inch from the edge of the container.
• A little wax remaining around the edges is acceptable and should melt by the third or fourth burn cycle.
• The depth of the melt pool should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, but slight variations are okay.

Soot:

• Remember that burning produces soot, which is normal.
• Soy wax typically produces white soot, while paraffin wax produces darker soot that is more visible.
• If you see large plumes of soot or soot building up heavily, it may indicate that you need to wick down or reduce the fragrance load.

Flame Size and Movement:

• Most flames will be about an inch tall, but flames up to two inches can be considered normal.
• The flame should be relatively still, with slight movement.
• If the flame moves excessively, it could indicate a draft in the room.

Re-test as Needed:

• Wait until at least the fourth burn cycle to draw conclusions about your wick choice.
• If one wick isn't working, do not switch it out mid-test, as this will not accurately represent the candle's performance.
• If your candle isn't performing as expected, refer to wick guides for recommendations specific to your wax and container.

Frequently asked questions