Candle Making Scents

Select scents based on intended use: strong throw fragrances (floral, citrus, spice) for large spaces, subtle scents (linen, light vanilla) for bedrooms, and layered or blended notes for complexity; check fragrance load recommendations for your wax to ensure fragrance binds and throws properly

Fragrance oils offer a wider range of stable, long-lasting scents formulated for candles, while essential oils are natural but can be weaker, more expensive, and sometimes affect burning properties; choose based on desired scent profile, safety data, and compatibility with your wax

Follow the recommended fragrance load for your specific wax—common ranges are 6% to 12% by weight; exceeding the wax's tolerated load can cause poor scent throw, sweating, or wet spots, while too little yields weak aroma

Review safety data sheets (SDS) for each fragrance, avoid known allergens or disclose common allergenic ingredients per local regulations, and ensure containers and labels warn about flame safety and any specific usage concerns like skin contact or inhalation

Make small sample candles using the same wax, wick, and container you plan to use, cure them for the recommended time, and evaluate both cold and hot throw in a similar-sized room to judge performance and balance

Scent throw depends on wax type, fragrance concentration and quality, wick size, container size and material, curing time, and room ventilation; adjusting one or more of these can improve hot and cold throw

Keep fragrances in airtight, opaque or amber containers away from heat, light, and temperature fluctuations, and store upright in a cool, dry place; follow manufacturer shelf-life guidance, typically 1–3 years depending on the oil