Candles are more than just decoration. They are great for improving the atmosphere, making rooms cozy, boosting your workplace or making your dining room romantic. For many people, the warm glow of a candle isn’t complete without a nice lingering scent. This is where fragrance oils for candles really make a difference.
For anyone who wants to make their own candles, fragrance oils open up a world of possibilities. They allow you to create scents that are stronger, more stable and longer-lasting than essential oils alone. But making candles with fragrance oils also requires knowledge and precision. From choosing the right oil and calculating the right amounts to curing and testing, every detail affects how well your candle performs.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to achieve professional results when making candles.
Why fragrance oils are changing the way candles are made
Candle making is one of the most popular hobbies today thanks to the rise of DIY and craft products. Essential oils are not always the best choice, even though they are often the first choice for beginners. Candle fragrance oils are specially made to withstand heat, stick to wax and give off a consistent scent.
Essential oils occur naturally but are volatile and often weak in hot weather. Many oils are expensive and unsafe to use in high concentrations.
Fragrance oils: these oils are made specifically for candles and have stronger diffusion and greater stability. There are thousands of different scents available, ranging from gourmand blends such as caramel latte to traditional lavender.
Choosing the right oil not only affects the fragrance experience, but also the longevity and safety of your candle.
Understanding odor diffusion: cold versus hot
One of the most discussed aspects of scented candles is “scent diffusion. This refers to how far and how strong a candle diffuses scent. There are two main types:
- Cold scent diffusion: the scent a candle gives off when it is not burning. This is important for first impressions because many people decide to buy a candle based on how it smells in solid form.
- Warm scent diffusion: the scent released when the candle burns. This creates the desired atmosphere in a room.
Both are essential. A candle with a strong cold scent diffusion, but a weak warm scent diffusion will disappoint when lit, while the reverse may scare away customers in the store.
Factors affecting odor dispersion
Odor diffusion is affected by several factors:
Type of wax: compared to kerosene, soy wax burns cleaner, but sometimes does not spread the fragrance as well during use. Kerosene wax is less natural, but enhances the fragrance. Blends often offer a good balance between the two. Beeswax is beautiful, but does not hold fragrance oils as well.
Concentration of scent: a candle with too little oil smells weak; a candle with too much oil burns poorly or may leak.
Wick type and size: wicks draw molten wax to the flame, similar to how motors work. A small wick creates a shallow melt pool and weak scent diffusion. If the wick is too large, the candle may burn too hot and consume the oil too quickly.
Candle makers can adjust recipes for best results by taking these factors into account.
For example, to achieve the same odor diffusion as a kerosene candle, a soy candle may need a slightly higher odor concentration and a longer curing time.
Choosing the right fragrance oil for candles
Not every oil sold as a “fragrance oil” is safe for candles. The best results are obtained with oils specially formulated for use in candles and tested for flash point, safety and compatibility.
Compatibility with wax
Different types of wax react differently with oils:
Soy wax is popular and environmentally friendly, but it takes time. For the fragrance to fully bind with the crystalline wax structure, soy wax often needs 1-2 weeks of curing time. Nevertheless, it burns long and gives a smooth, creamy finish.
Kerosene wax: known for its vibrant colors and powerful fragrance diffusion. Beginners can use this wax because it binds easily with fragrance oils and takes less time to harden.
Beeswax: has a natural honey scent and is less sensitive to added fragrances. You can add only small amounts of oil without overpowering its own scent.
Blends: by combining soy and kerosene, you get the best of both worlds: strong fragrance diffusion and environmental friendliness.
Flash Point
Every fragrance oil has a flash point; this is the temperature at which the oil begins to evaporate. If you add oil to wax that is too hot, much of the fragrance may evaporate before it binds. For example:
- Citrus oils often have a lower flash point (around 65 °C) and should be added with caution.
- Musk or amber oils can have a higher flash point (90 °C+), making them more flexible.
If you know the flash point, you can better determine when to add the fragrance to the melted wax so that the fragrance is retained as long as possible.
The purpose and atmosphere
Candles are sentimental objects, so the scent you choose should match the mood you want to create:
- Relaxation: sandalwood, chamomile and lavender.
- Peppermint, lemon and grapefruit are energizing.
- Seasonal: fresh linen or sea breeze in summer, cinnamon and vanilla in winter.
- Luxe: amber, jasmine or oud blends.
When buying fragrance oils, consider not only your own preferences, but also who will be using the candle and in what situation.
Measuring and calculating the correct odor concentration
The percentage of oil to the weight of the wax is called the fragrance content. Although exact percentages vary depending on the type of wax and the manufacturer’s recommendations, the usual range is between 6 and 10%.
Examples of calculations
- For a quantity of 8% for 1 kg of soy wax:
- 80 g of fragrance oil is equal to 1000 g x 0.08.
- For a 6% fragrance concentration and 500 g of kerosene wax:
- 30 g of fragrance oil is equal to 500 g x 0.06.
Accurate measurement is super important. Using too much can cause wick clogging, irregular burning or perspiration (oil leaking from the surface), while using too little results in a faint smell.
Before ramping up production, experienced makers often make test batches with different amounts (e.g., 6%, 8%, 10%) to assess performance. Carefully noting the type of wax, quantity and results ensures consistency in subsequent batches.
Best practices for adding fragrance oils
Adding fragrance oil requires careful consideration of temperature, timing and mixing technique; it is not simply a matter of pouring and stirring.
- Melt the wax completely to the recommended melting point.
- Let the wax cool to the proper temperature before adding the fragrance. This is usually 60-70°C for soy and 75-85°C for kerosene. If the wax is too hot, there is a risk that the oil will evaporate.
- Ensure that the oil and wax molecules are evenly mixed by stirring thoroughly for at least two minutes. To prevent separation, some manufacturers recommend stirring both clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Slowly pour the mixture into preheated containers. Odor diffusion may be affected by air bubbles that form when the wax shrinks in cold glass.
By following these steps, you can make candles with consistent fragrance performance and maximum fragrance retention.
Professional fragrance diffusion
Even with high-quality fragrance oils, impressive scent diffusion cannot be taken for granted. Professional candle makers know that diffusion depends on several technical details: wick size, curing time, testing methods and even how different oils are mixed. Let’s take a closer look at these points.
Fuse sizing and testing
The mechanism that controls the burning and scent diffusion of your candle is the candle wick, which is more than just a string. When the wick is lit, a pool of wax forms around the wick. The fragrance oil is transported through this molten wax, where it evaporates and becomes airborne. A small wick creates a shallow melt pool, resulting in tunneling and less scent diffusion. Too large a wick can cause the candle to get too hot, causing the oil to burn too quickly or even produce smoke and soot.
Experienced candle makers often conduct a “wick test series,” testing identical candles with different wick sizes. They determine the ideal wick by comparing scent diffusion, melt pool diameter and burn time. Documenting these tests helps ensure uniformity in subsequent batches.
The science behind the curing time
Curing is a chemical process that is more than just waiting. Scent molecules become embedded in the crystal structure of the wax as it cools and solidifies. If a candle is burned too quickly, the fragrance cannot be fully bound, resulting in weak fragrance diffusion.
It takes ten to fourteen days for most soy candles to reach their maximum fragrance performance, and soy wax in particular requires patience. Kerosene wax, on the other hand, absorbs oils faster and works well after only two to three days of curing.
Curing is similar to “marinating” your candle. Candles in which oils and wax can stabilize together emit a stronger aroma, just as food tastes better when the flavors have had time to develop.
Testing in real environments
A candle that smells strong in a small workshop may smell very different in a customer’s home. That’s why professionals test candles in different room sizes and conditions. For example, a small bathroom needs only a light scent, while a spacious living room requires a stronger diffusion. Air circulation, temperature and humidity also play a role.
A structured testing method includes:
- Burn the candle for at least 3-4 hours at a time so that the wax melts completely.
- Note how long it takes for the scent to fill the room.
- Compare the cold odor (unburned) after different aging times.
- Note how fragrance strength changes after multiple burns.
By standardizing these tests, manufacturers ensure that their products deliver consistent performance to end users.
The skill of mixing oils
Candle making becomes an art form when fragrance oils are blended. Although a single oil can have a pleasant scent, mixing different scent notes adds complexity and depth. Many manufacturers use the perfume pyramid as a guide to assist them in this process:
Top notes: citrus, mint or herbs that are light and energetic. When the candle is lit, these are the first scents perceived.
Heart notes: spices and flowers, such as cinnamon, rose or jasmine. They give the candle body and help define its personality.
Base notes: stronger, longer-lasting scents such as musk, sandalwood or vanilla.
Even after the candle is extinguished, these scents linger in the room.
Safety and compliance when using fragrance oils
Geurolics are concentrated chemical mixtures and must be handled responsibly.
- Personal safety: wear gloves and work in well-ventilated areas. Some oils may irritate the skin or lungs.
- Storage: store oils in dark, sealed bottles to prevent oxidation.
- Compliance: follow IFRA guidelines for maximum safe concentrations. If you sell candles in the EU or US, list allergens, safety warnings (e.g., keep out of reach of children) and instructions for safe use.
Good compliance builds trust with buyers and legally protects your brand.
Where can you buy high-quality fragrance oils?
Not all suppliers are the same. Choose fragrance oils suitable for candles, with clear instructions and documentation.
At YouWish, you can buy fragrance oils designed specifically for candles, with a wide range of scents and clear instructions for use. This ensures both safety and consistency, so you don’t have to experiment with unsuitable oils.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much fragrance oil should I use when making candles?
6-10% fragrance in proportion to the weight of the wax is common. For example, 80 g of fragrance oil corresponds to 8% in 1 kg of soy wax. More than 10% can cause sweating or wick problems, while less than 6% often results in too weak a scent. Always follow your supplier’s advice.
V2. Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils to make my own candles?
Essential oils can be used but do not work as well in candles. Essential oils are often too expensive for large quantities, evaporate easily and may not be heat-resistant. Fragrance oils for candles are a better option if you want a powerful and long-lasting scent.
V3. How long do candles need to cure before they can be burned?
Wax and fragrance oil can adhere to each other through curing. For soy candles, one to two weeks is recommended. For kerosene candles, two to three days is usually sufficient. Even with the right amount of fragrance oil, rushing this step can result in weak fragrance diffusion.
V4. What is the difference between hot scent diffusion and cold scent diffusion?
The scent you smell when the candle is solid and not burning is called cold scent diffusion.
As the candle burns, it releases a scent called “warm scent diffusion.
Both are important: warm scenting makes you feel satisfied, while cold scenting attracts customers.
V5. What happens if I use too many fragrance oils?
A stronger smell does not always mean you need to add more oil. If the washing capacity is exceeded, it can lead to wick clogging, poor burning and oil spillage (sweating).
This can also be dangerous. Follow the recommended fragrance concentration for your type of laundry.
V5. Where can I buy fragrance oils for candles?
Suppliers that specialize in candle products can sell you fragrance oils. Look for oils that have been tested for wax compatibility, IFRA compliance and flash point. YouWish offers a wide range of premium fragrance oils that work well with different types of candles.
Conclusion
Candle making is both an art and a science. The fragrance oil you choose, how you measure it, when you add it and how long you let the candle cure all determine whether your product will be a success or a disappointment. By following best practices and taking the time to test, you can make candles that look beautiful, burn evenly and fill rooms with unforgettable scents.
So whether you’re making gifts, starting a small business or just experimenting for fun, invest in high-quality fragrance oils the next time you want to make your own candles.
At YouWish you will find a wide range of high-quality fragrance oils for candles, along with detailed instructions to achieve professional results at home. Explore the collection today and start making candles that really stand out.
