How Much Scent Do I Put In A Single 8 Oz Candle?

ByGrace Ward

Scent load refers to the percentage of fragrance oil used in candle making formulas. It is an important factor that impacts candle performance and scent throw. Determining the optimal scent load for a candle ensures it has the desired fragrance intensity and burn properties. Using too much or too little fragrance oil can lead to issues like poor scent throw, tunneling, or even smoking. Finding the right balance of wax to fragrance is key to creating effective candles.

This article will provide an in-depth look at scent load to help candle makers understand how much fragrance oil to use per candle. It will cover recommended scent loads, variables that affect ideal percentages, testing procedures, different oil types, troubleshooting, safety, and more. Understanding scent load theory and best practices will equip any chandler to make great-smelling candles tailored to their wax type and personal preferences.

What is Scent Load?

Scent load refers to the maximum amount of fragrance oil that can be added to candle wax before issues like weeping or poor scent throw occur. It is expressed as a percentage of the wax weight (e.g. 10% scent load means up to 10% fragrance oil by weight can be added).

For example, if you are using 1 pound of wax with a 10% scent load, you should use no more than 0.1 pounds (1.6 oz) of fragrance oil. The wax type and other factors determine the recommended scent load percentage.

Measuring scent load as a percentage allows candle makers to scale up or down their candle making recipes while maintaining a good balance of fragrance (cite: https://www.theflamingcandle.com/what-does-the-maximum-fragrance-load-or-fragrance-of-a-wax-mean/).

Recommended Scent Loads

The recommended scent load for candles can vary based on the wax, vessel, and personal preference. However, there are some general guidelines for how much fragrance to use:

For soy wax candles, most professional candle makers recommend using 5-10% fragrance load by weight. For an 8 oz candle made with soy wax, this equals about 0.4 – 0.8 oz of fragrance oil (source).

person smelling a soy wax candle to evaluate scent throw

For parasoy wax candles, a 6-12% fragrance load is typical. Paraffin wax can hold even more fragrance, with loads ranging from 8-13% (source).

In ounces per pound, common recommendations are 0.7 – 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax. So for an 8 oz candle containing about 7 oz of wax, using 0.7 – 1 oz of fragrance would give a scent load in the ideal range.

Ultimately the exact amount of fragrance oil can be adjusted based on testing and personal preference. But these percentages and ounces per pound provide a good starting point.

Factors That Impact Scent Load

There are several key factors that can affect how strong the scent of a candle will be, known as the scent load or scent throw. Three major factors that impact scent load in candles are:

Wax Type – Soy wax generally has a lower scent throw than paraffin wax. Paraffin wax molecules are straight chains that allow fragrance oil molecules to easily bind, while soy wax has branched molecules that make binding more difficult. However, additives can help increase soy wax performance. Beeswax and vegetable-based waxes also have lower scent throws than paraffin.[https://www.candlescience.com/learning/candle-making-101-hot-throw/]

Additives – Certain additives can help anchor fragrance oils and boost scent throw in soy wax. These include ingredients like coconut oil, palm wax, and Vybar 103. Adding at least 5-10% of these to soy wax can improve hot throw. Microcrystalline wax can also help bind scents. Too many additives may make the wax pool too hot though.[https://perfumedom.com/fragrance-performance-in-candle-making/]

Candle Shape and Size – Smaller candles and ones with more surface area exposed to air will have stronger scent throw. Containers that fully encase candles can restrict scent throw unless there are openings. Optimal shapes are wide jars and pillars which allow more fragrance to emanate.[https://www.theflamingcandle.com/how-can-i-get-a-strong-scent-throw/]

Testing and Adjusting

To ensure your candles have an optimal scent throw, it is important to test out different fragrance load percentages. Here are some methods for testing scent strength:

Test burn the candle after letting it cure for 24-48 hours. Evaluating the hot and cold throw will allow you to determine if the scent is too strong, too weak or just right. Be sure to take notes on the fragrance load percentage.

Conduct wick tests with the same fragrance load but different wick sizes to see the impact on hot throw. A larger wick creates a hotter flame and stronger scent throw. Make notes on each variable.

Vary the fragrance load percentage in separate candles while keeping other variables like wax type, wick size and vessel consistent. For example, test candles with 4%, 6% and 8% fragrance load (source 1).

Adjust the fragrance load based on your testing. If the scent is too weak, increase the percentage. If it’s too overpowering, reduce it. Small adjustments of 1-2% are recommended for gradual tuning (source 2).

Keep detailed notes on each candle and how you adjust the fragrance load based on previous tests. This will allow you to hone in on the optimal percentage (source 3). With testing and adjusting, you’ll dial in the perfect scent throw.

Using Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils

Essential oils and fragrance oils differ in their scent load and usage for candle making. Essential oils are natural plant extracts that contain the true scent of the source material. They generally have light to medium scent loads. Fragrance oils are synthetic scents designed to mimic natural aromas. They tend to have much stronger scent loads than essential oils.

When using essential oils in candles, you typically need a higher percentage, around 3-5% of the wax weight. Essential oils have lower scent throw than fragrance oils. With fragrance oils, you only need 1-2% of wax weight since they have higher scent intensity. Going above recommended amounts with fragrance oils can lead to scent overload.

It’s best to test different scent load percentages when using essential oils in candles to achieve the desired aroma strength. Start low at 1-2% and increase incrementally until you reach the ideal fragrance level. Refer to usage rates from the oil supplier. Essential oils and fragrance oils should not exceed 10% of wax weight for safety.

See the following for more details on using essential oils versus fragrance oils in candles:
The Difference Between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils
Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils in Candles

Common Issues with Scent Load

There are a few common issues that can occur related to scent load in candles:

Scent Not Strong Enough

If your candle scent is too light or not detectable, you likely did not add enough fragrance oil. The recommended usage rate for fragrance oils is generally 5-10% of the wax weight, depending on the properties of the specific oil. Going below 5% often results in a candle with no scent throw at all [1].

Scent Fading

It’s common for candle scents to fade somewhat as the candle burns down. However, if the scent fades significantly or disappears altogether, it’s likely due to not enough fragrance oil or wicking issues. Make sure to test candles to the very bottom of the container to check for consistent scent throw [2].

Scent Throw Problems

Issues like poor scent throw after the first few burns, scent not reaching the edges of the room, or an inconsistent scent can be caused by inadequate mixing of the fragrance oil, pouring candles too hot or too cool, improperly-sized wicks, or not allowing enough cure time [3].

Safety Precautions

When working with fragrance oils and essential oils in candles, it’s important to be aware of potential sensitivity issues. Some people may have allergies or reactions to certain scents, so proper labeling of candle ingredients is crucial. According to the Candle Biz Basics Reddit post, “It is best practice to list any potential allergens on your label.”

At a minimum, always list the common allergens like nut oils, citrus oils, cinnamon, clove, and others. You can also include a disclaimer like “May contain other fragrances/oils that can cause irritation in some individuals.” This helps inform customers so they can make purchasing decisions based on scent ingredients.

Testing candles ahead of selling is also wise to check for scent throw and burning issues. According to Northwood Candle Supply, testing each wax, wick, fragrance type and load will help you optimize safety. Adjust LOAD estimates down if you notice any sensitivity concerns during testing.

With careful labeling and testing, you can create safe, enjoyable scented candles for customers. But always err on the side of caution when formulating.

Summary

When trying to determine how much scent to put in a candle, there are a few key factors to consider. The recommended scent load for an 8 oz candle is 6-8% of the wax weight, which translates to about 1-1.2 oz of fragrance oil. However, the ideal amount can vary based on the scent strength and components of the fragrance oil, wax type, additives used, vessel size, candle purpose, and personal preference.

It’s advisable to start with a lower scent load around 6% and test how it smells when burning. The scent should fill the room but not be overpowering. You can gradually increase the fragrance oil until you reach the desired scent strength. Be cautious about using loads over 12% as this can lead to issues like fragrance throw, sooting, and poor burn quality. Work slowly and keep detailed notes so you can adjust the recipe for stronger or lighter scents.

Finding the right scent load for a candle is an art that requires testing and experience. Follow general guidelines but know that the ideal amount can vary. With some trial and error, you’ll be able to create nicely scented candles tailored to your needs.

References

The information in this article was compiled based on expert advice from candle makers, fragrance oil suppliers like CandleScience, and testing by experienced candle makers. Key sources consulted include:

Additional testing was done by the author to validate and expand on the standard recommendations.

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