Candle making is a popular hobby that allows you to create personalized and aromatic candles for your home or as gifts.
One key element in candle making is the fragrance, which gives the candle its signature scent and ambiance.
There are several options for adding fragrance to your candles, including essential oils and fragrance oils.
In this post, we will focus on using fragrance oils in candle making and answer some common questions about this method.
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Why fragrance oils are perfect for candle making
Fragrance oils are synthetic oils that are specifically formulated to provide a strong and long-lasting scent.
They are created by combining natural and synthetic ingredients, such as essential oils, aroma compounds, and solvents.
Fragrance oils are popular in candle making because they are easy to work with and offer a wide range of scents to choose from.
Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils do not evaporate easily and tend to have a longer shelf life.
This makes them perfect for use in candles, as the scent will last throughout the life of the candle.
In addition, fragrance oils are more cost-effective compared to essential oils, making them a budget-friendly option for candle makers.
Related – Can you use essential oils when making candles? Explained.
How do you mix fragrance oil for candles?
When using fragrance oils in candle making, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for use.
The amount of fragrance oil to use will depend on the specific oil you are using and the size of your candle.
In general, you should aim for a fragrance load of about 10-15% for soy wax and about 6-12% for paraffin wax.
To mix the fragrance oil with the wax, first, melt the wax according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the wax is fully melted, add the fragrance oil and stir well to ensure it is fully incorporated into the wax.
It is important to mix the fragrance oil thoroughly, as this will help ensure an even scent distribution throughout the candle.
What are the best fragrance oils for candles?
There are many fragrance oils to choose from, and the best one for your candle will depend on your personal preferences and the intended use of the candle. Some popular fragrance oils for candles include:
- Floral scents such as lavender, rose, and jasmine
- Citrus scents such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit
- Fruity scents such as apple, cherry, and peach
- Spicy scents such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg
- Earthy scents such as patchouli, sandalwood, and cedarwood
It is important to note that some fragrance oils may cause the wax to discolor or affect the burn time of the candle.
To avoid these issues, it is best to use high-quality fragrance oils that are specifically formulated for candle making.
How much fragrance oil do you put in a 5 oz candle?
As mentioned earlier, the amount of fragrance oil to use will depend on the specific oil you are using and the type of wax you are using.
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a fragrance load of about 10-15% for soy wax and about 6-12% for paraffin wax.
For a 5 oz candle, this means you would use 0.5-0.75 oz of fragrance oil for soy wax and 0.3-0.6 oz of fragrance oil for paraffin wax.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and conduct a small test batch before making a larger batch of candles to ensure the desired scent strength.
Are fragrance oils toxic?
There is some debate about the safety of fragrance oils, as they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Some studies have suggested that certain fragrance oils may contain potentially toxic ingredients, such as phthalates, which are used to help the fragrance last longer.
However, it is important to note that the vast majority of fragrance oils are safe to use in candle making and other products, as long as they are used as directed.
To ensure the safety of your candles, it is important to use high-quality fragrance oils that are specifically formulated for candle making and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Related – Here is a look at the pros and cons of both essential and fragrance oils for candle making.
In Summary
Fragrance oils are a popular and effective option for adding scent to candles. They are easy to work with and offer a wide range of scents to choose from.
When using fragrance oils in candle making, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use high-quality oils that are specifically formulated for candle making.
With the right precautions and care, fragrance oils can help you create beautiful and aromatic candles for your home or as gifts.
Image credits – Photo by Dan Smedley on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.