Antonio Mcgowan
There are many ways to add fragrance to candles, from natural fragrance oils to essential oils, spices, and fruits. When selecting a fragrance, consider the desired strength of the scent, the environment it will be used in, and compatibility with your materials. For example, warm scents like cinnamon or cedarwood are perfect for winter, while citrus or floral scents are ideal for spring and summer. The type of wax you use will also determine the type of fragrance you can add. Soy wax, for instance, can hold up to 10% fragrance, whereas beeswax is already naturally scented and may not yield expected results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Fragrance oils, essential oils, natural fragrance oils, extracts |
| Oil Compatibility | Paraffin, soy, coconut, beeswax, natural candle wax |
| Scent | Cinnamon, cedarwood, citrus, floral, vanilla, coconut, tobacco, sandalwood, amber, mahogany, lilac, leather, etc. |
| Other Uses | Soap, bath bombs, body butter, lotions, creams, diffusers |
| Health | Phthalate-free, skin-safe |
| Flashpoint | The temperature at which the oil becomes combustible |
| Percentage of Fragrance | 6-10% of the candle mixture |
| Temperature | Add fragrance when the wax is between 175ºF to 185ºF |
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Fragrance oils
When selecting a fragrance oil for candles, consider the desired strength of the scent, the environment where the product will be used, and compatibility with your materials. For example, strong, warm scents like cinnamon or cedarwood are perfect for winter candles, while citrus or floral scents are ideal for spring and summer. Fragrance oils can also be mixed to create custom scents. However, there are a number of considerations outlined by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) when combining scents.
The flashpoint is the temperature at which the fragrance oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. The lower the flashpoint, the faster it can catch on fire. In general, the flashpoint is most important for those who make gel candles as a lower flashpoint would restrict shipping in certain ways due to being a fire hazard. It is recommended to use fragrances with a flashpoint above 175ºF.
To optimize scent throw and not compromise candle stability, it is recommended to use between 6 to 10 percent of fragrance in your candle mixture. For example, if you are using a soy wax that can hold up to 10 percent fragrance and are making a 10-ounce candle, you would need to use 1 ounce of fragrance. Add the fragrance when the wax is between 175ºF to 185ºF to ensure even distribution. Allow candles to cure for 24–48 hours to enhance the scent throw.
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Essential oils
There are a variety of essential oils to choose from, each with its own unique scent and benefits. For example, lavender essential oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, while citrus oils like orange or lemon can be energizing and uplifting. If you're looking for something more sensual or relaxing, ylang-ylang, jasmine, or sandalwood essential oils might be a better option.
When working with essential oils, it's important to consider the desired strength of the scent and the compatibility with your materials. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It is recommended to use between 6 to 10 percent of fragrance in your candle mixture. The amount of fragrance oil to use also depends on the type of wax you are using. For example, soy wax can hold up to 10 percent fragrance, so for a 10-ounce candle, you would need to use 1 ounce of fragrance.
It is also crucial to consider the flashpoint of the essential oil, which is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. The lower the flashpoint, the more flammable the oil. In general, it is recommended to use fragrances with a flashpoint above 175ºF (80ºC) to avoid any fire hazards.
Additionally, always do your own burn test to ensure the safety and performance of your candles. This will help you understand how the essential oil fragrance performs when burned and if any adjustments are needed.
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Natural fragrances
Another company, Slow North, creates all-natural, vegan candles made from soy wax and 100% essential oils. They do not use artificial dyes or ingredients in their products. Similarly, Juniper Ridge handcrafts essential oils in their Oakland, CA workshop using steam-distillation techniques and sustainably sourced plants native to America's Western landscapes.
When making candles with essential oils, it is important to consider the desired strength of the scent, the environment in which the candle will be used, and the compatibility of the oil with the wax. The scent throw, or the strength of the fragrance, can be maximized by heating the wax to the correct temperature before adding the essential oils and allowing the candles to cure for 24-48 hours. It is recommended to use between 6 to 10 percent of fragrance in the candle mixture. For example, if you are using a soy wax that can hold up to 10% fragrance and are making a 10-ounce candle, you would need 1 ounce of fragrance.
It is also important to note the flashpoint of the essential oil, which is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. The flashpoint should be above 175ºF to prevent the candle from easily catching fire.
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Compatibility with wax
When choosing a fragrance for your candle, it's important to consider its compatibility with the wax you're using. The wrong combination can result in a candle that doesn't smell as intended or one that doesn't burn properly.
Types of Wax
The type of wax you use will determine the compatibility of your fragrance. The most common types of wax used in candle-making include:
- Paraffin Wax: A type of wax derived from petroleum, commonly used in candle-making. It is versatile and can be used with various fragrances.
- Soy Wax: Soy wax is a natural, plant-based alternative to paraffin wax. It has a neutral scent, allowing fragrances to stand out. Soy wax typically holds up to 10% fragrance.
- Beeswax: Beeswax has a naturally sweet aroma, making it a popular choice for candle-makers. However, when adding fragrances to beeswax, the results may vary.
- Coconut Wax: Coconut wax is often blended with soy wax to create a natural, eco-friendly candle with a creamy texture.
Types of Fragrance
Fragrances can be natural or synthetic, each with its own compatibility considerations:
- Natural Fragrances: These include essential oils, dried fruits, herbs, and spices. Natural fragrances are less common in the US and may require lower temperatures during the candle-making process.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances, also known as fragrance oils, are designed for enhanced scent performance and versatility. They are typically synthetic or blended oils. Fragrance oils are compatible with paraffin and soy waxes.
Adding Fragrance to Wax
When adding fragrance to wax, it's crucial to follow these steps:
- Heat the wax to the correct temperature, typically between 175ºF to 185ºF (80ºC to 85ºC).
- Remove the wax from the heat source before adding the fragrance.
- Stir the fragrance into the melted wax for at least two minutes to ensure even distribution.
- Allow the scented wax to cure for 24–48 hours or 72 hours to enhance the scent throw.
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Burn tests
- Prepare your testing area: Choose a comfortable and controlled environment that is free from drafts. Place your candle on a clean, flat, heat-resistant surface. If testing multiple candles, maintain a distance of 3 to 6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) between them.
- Label your candles: Clearly label each candle with relevant information, including the type of wax, fragrance oil used, fragrance load, dyes used and their amounts, wick choice, and container choice and its diameter.
- Trim the wick: Using sharp scissors, trim the wick to a length of 1/4 inch (6 mm). This ensures consistent burning and helps prevent excessive soot buildup.
- Monitor the flame: During the burn, observe the behaviour of the flame. Most flames will be around 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall, with normal flames reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in height. The flame should be relatively still, with slight movement. Excessive movement may indicate a draft in the room.
- Evaluate the melt pool: The melt pool around each wick should expand at a rate of approximately 1 inch per hour in diameter. After a maximum of 4 hours, the melt pool should cover the entire surface of the candle. If your wicks create a tunnel and the melt pool doesn't reach the edge, it indicates under-wicking, and you may need a larger wick.
- Check for discoloration: Once the candle has cooled, examine the area of the melt pool for any severe discoloration. While some fragrances with high amounts of vanillin may cause minor discoloration, significant darkening could be a sign of an oversized wick and overheating.
- Assess fragrance throw: Pay attention to the strength of the fragrance during burning. Does the candle smell true to its intended fragrance? Does the scent extend into the surrounding space? If the fragrance is too subtle, consider adjusting the usage rate or wick size.
- Wick condition: Inspect the wick after burning. Notice any carbon buildup, which often appears as rounded mushroom-like shapes. This indicates an oversized wick that may lead to safety issues and accelerated burning.
- Record and repeat: Document the results of each burn test, including any observations or issues noticed. Repeat the burn tests with different variables, such as fragrance load, wick size, or container choice, to optimise the performance of your candles.
It is important to conduct burn tests for each unique candle recipe you create, as even slight changes in ingredients or additives can significantly impact the burning behaviour. Additionally, periodic burn testing of existing candle lines is recommended, especially when using natural waxes like soy, due to the natural variance in supplies.
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Frequently asked questions
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can be used to add a fresh, clean scent to your candles. Slice the fruit and place it in the bottom of your container before pouring in the melted wax. You can also use dried orange peel to create a natural, rustic scent.
You can use either fragrance oils or essential oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic or blended oils designed for enhanced scent performance and are more versatile. Essential oils are plant-derived and offer natural scents but may not always perform well in candle-making due to their volatility.
As a rule of thumb, use between 6 to 10 percent of fragrance in your candle mixture to optimize scent throw and not compromise candle stability. For example, if you are using a soy wax that can hold up to 10 percent fragrance and are making a 10-ounce candle, you would need to use 1 ounce of fragrance.
