What Scent Is Used In Candle Making?
Candle making is the process of creating candles by melting wax and adding a fragrance and/or color. Scented candles are especially popular as decorative items and for aromatherapy uses. The global scented candle market size was estimated at $3.17 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $5.28 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.60% from 2022 to 2030, according to one industry analysis.
Scented candles are commonly found in homes and businesses, providing pleasing aromas and warm ambiance from the candle’s flame. Popular uses of scented candles include relaxation, meditation, romantic settings, masking odors, and more. The growth in demand for scented candles reflects their versatile utility and appeal as an affordable luxury product.
History of Candle Scents
The origin of adding fragrance to candles dates back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are credited with creating the first scented candles around 3,000 B.C. using beeswax as the main ingredient. They often added extracts from flowers, spices, and herbs to scent their candles for use in religious ceremonies as noted on Obelisk Beauty.
In ancient China around 500 B.C., candles were made from whale fat and scented with extracts from aromatic herbs, flowers, and spices as referenced on Go Candles. The ancient Greeks and Romans also produced scented candles using rendered animal fat and beeswax along with fragrant oils.
Early natural sources for candle scents included lavender, citrus fruits, cinnamon, pine, rose, and exotic spices. Beeswax and tallow candles scented with natural essential oils dominated candlemaking until the mid-1800s. The development of stearic acid in 1825 allowed for the creation of stearin wax derived from animal fats. This helped transition candlemaking from primarily a handcraft to mass production.
In the 1850s, paraffin wax extracted from petroleum allowed candlemakers to produce candles on a much larger scale. With this shift, chemists began developing synthetic fragrances that could be added to candles, paving the way for the wide variety of scents available today.
Most Popular Candle Scents
Some of the current top selling candle scents in the USA include lavender, pumpkin spice, vanilla, apple cinnamon, and coffee, according to research from companies like Shane Co. and Candle Delirium which track best-selling candle fragrances [1]. There are also some interesting regional differences, with coastal states preferring ocean and tropical scents while midwestern states lean towards baked goods. Seasonally, pumpkin and cinnamon fragrances spike in fall and winter, while fruity scents become more popular in spring and summer.
Over the past decade, there’s been increased interest in natural-smelling fragrances like essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Customizable scented candles have also grown in popularity. Some enduring classic scents that have remained top sellers over time include lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus, and clean linen.
Natural vs Synthetic Scents
When it comes to candle scents, there are two main types – natural and synthetic. Natural scents are derived from real sources like plants, flowers, fruits, and spices. Synthetic scents are chemically created in a lab to mimic natural scents. Both have their pros and cons.
The main advantage of natural scents is that they often smell more authentic, complex, and nuanced compared to synthetic versions. For example, a strawberry scent made from real strawberry extract will smell richer and more layered than a synthetic strawberry fragrance. Additionally, some people prefer natural scents because they are made from recognizable, familiar sources [1].
However, natural scents have some downsides. They are often more expensive and can cause discoloration or sooting in candles. Natural scents may also fade more quickly or lose their aroma when exposed to heat. Obtaining and processing natural ingredients in large quantities can be challenging.
Synthetic scents have the advantage of being cheaper to produce than natural extracts. They are specially formulated to not cause issues like sooting when used in candles. Synthetics are also generally stronger and last longer than natural scents. Chemists can precisely calibrate synthetic fragrances.
Despite this, some consumers dislike synthetic scents because they seem artificial or “fake”. While they may smell pleasant, they lack the depth, complexity, and authenticity of natural ingredients. There are also concerns around toxicity or allergies with some synthetic fragrance chemicals [2].
Common natural sources used in candlemaking include essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree; as well as extracts from flowers, fruits, barks, resins, and spices. Synthetic scents are created in labs through chemical processes such as esterification.
Scent Categories
When it comes to candle scents, there are several main fragrance categories that the different scents tend to fall into. Some of the most common scent categories include:
Floral Scents
Floral scents contain fragrance notes from flowers and blossoms. Some popular floral candle scents include: jasmine, lavender, rose, lilac, gardenia, and honeysuckle (https://karlwinters.com/types-of-scents-for-candles/). Florals are known for being fresh, delicate, and romantic.
Fruit Scents
Candles with fruity scents contain fragrance notes from various fruits. Common fruit candle fragrances include: apple, peach, strawberry, lemon, orange, pear, and coconut. Fruit scents are often bright, sweet, and refreshing.
Spice Scents
Spice scents incorporate fragrance notes from spices and other warm aromatics. Popular spice candle fragrances include: cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, coffee, and chai tea. Spice scents tend to smell cozy and comforting.
Nature Scents
Nature or earth scents try to capture outdoor aromas like the forest, beach, or fresh air. Some examples are pine, cedarwood, eucalyptus, rain, ocean breeze, and campfire. These scents can transport your senses to the great outdoors.
Scent Concentration
The concentration of fragrance oil, also known as scent load, greatly impacts candle performance. Using the right amount is crucial for achieving optimum fragrance intensity and burn time.
Most candle makers recommend using 5-10% fragrance oil by weight. For example, in a 6 oz soy wax candle, you would use 0.3 to 0.6 oz of fragrance oil. Higher scent loads like 10% will make the fragrance stronger but may reduce burn time. Lower scent loads around 5% provide a lighter scent but allow the candle to burn longer before the fragrance fades.
Testing different scent load percentages is key to finding the ideal balance of fragrance and burn time for each particular candle fragrance oil. Candle wax type also affects how much fragrance it can hold. Paraffin wax can handle a higher scent load up to 12% in some cases. For soy wax, staying under 10% is best to prevent fragrance throw issues and sinkage.
Using too little fragrance oil can result in little to no scent when burning, while overloading the wax may lead to scent fading rapidly or the wick drowning. Most candle makers recommend starting at 6-8% fragrance load and adjusting from there based on testing for each fragrance and wax blend.
Proper wick sizing and container width also factor into ideal scent loads. With the right balance of wax, fragrance, and wick, candles can achieve excellent cold and hot scent throw with long-lasting fragrance.
Factors in Scent Selection
When selecting a scent for candle making, there are several key factors to consider:
Intended use – What is the purpose of this candle? Is it meant to relax, energize, or serve as an aromatherapy treatment? Certain scents like lavender and eucalyptus are calming, while citrus and spice scents are invigorating. Choose a scent that aligns with the candle’s intent.
Personal preference – Consider your own tastes or the tastes of who will be smelling the candle. Do you prefer light, clean scents or bold, complex ones? Take into account personal inclinations.
Seasonal appropriateness – Some scents evoke certain seasons or occasions. Florals and fruits conjure spring and summer, while spices and woods bring to mind fall and winter. Match the scent to the season or holiday.
Room size – Stronger scents like patchouli and sandalwood work best in larger rooms, while lighter scents like vanilla and freesia suit smaller spaces. Make sure to pick a scent strength that matches the room.
Mood you want to create – The scent should complement the vibe you want to achieve. Lavender is relaxing, eucalyptus is clarifying, and jasmine is romantic. Identify the mood and find a matching scent.
Color and design of the candle – Opt for a scent that fits the candle’s look. For example, a candle with ocean graphics could have a clean aquatic or beachy scent. Let the scent harmonize with the overall style.
Allergies and sensitivities – Avoid scents with ingredients known to irritate allergies or sensitivities. Stick to gentler, simpler scents if allergies are a concern.
Scent popularity – While personal preference matters most, it can be helpful to know what scent profiles are currently popular. Classic scents like vanilla, lavender and pine tend to have broad appeal.
References:
https://tlccandleco.com/blogs/tlc-talks/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-the-best-candle-scents-for-you
Pairing Scents
Pairing scents is an essential aspect of creating appealing candle blends and comes down to both art and science. Single note scents like lavender or lemon can be delightful on their own. Still, layering complementary or contrasting scents takes the experience to the next level. Effective scent pairing requires knowledge of fragrance categories and notes.
Frequently combined categories include floral and wood, fruity and spice, herbal, and citrus. Some examples of popular blended scents are:
- Rose + Sandalwood – floral + woody
- Cinnamon + Orange – spicy + citrus
- Lavender + Mint – herbal + herbal
- Lemongrass + Sage – herbaceous + herbal
When pairing single note scents, it helps to think in terms of top, middle, and base notes. Top notes evaporate quickly and are the initial smell. Middle or heart notes emerge as the top fades. Finally, base notes are the lingering scent. Blending top notes like citrus with middle floral and base wood or spice notes creates complexity.
The concentrations of each oil also impact the finished blend. Follow recommended usage rates, adjusting oils with stronger scents lower than lighter ones. Sample small batches before scaling up production. With knowledge and experimentation, pairing scents effectively is an attainable art.
Scent Safety
When selecting candle scents, it’s important to avoid fragrances that could be allergenic, harmful, or offensive to consumers. Certain scents contain chemicals or natural compounds that can trigger allergic reactions, headaches, asthma attacks, or other adverse effects in sensitive individuals (source). Common allergenic substances found in some candle fragrances include linalool, limonene, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and coumarin.
Studies show exposure to fragranced products like candles is associated with increased prevalence of migraines and respiratory difficulties for vulnerable populations (source). It’s best to avoid overpowering, harsh, or synthetic scents. When formulating candle scents, use naturally derived extracts and essential oils sourced responsibly. Seek hypoallergenic, non-toxic options that utilize subtle, calming fragrances less likely to trigger sensitivities.
Additionally, avoid scents with cultural associations that could be viewed as controversial, disrespectful, or offensive. Select universally pleasing aromas that promote an enjoyable, inoffensive experience for all consumers. With careful scent selection and moderate fragrance concentrations, candles can provide a safe, relaxing sensory experience in any home.
Future of Candle Scents
The scented candle industry is expected to see exciting new developments in the coming years. According to a 2023 report by Candlelore, emerging trends are redefining the scented candle market and driving strong growth predictions through 2030.
One major trend is increased demand for natural and organic candle options, with customers wanting clean-burning soy and vegetable waxes over paraffin. Brands like Clean Scents are seeing success by focusing solely on natural scented candles.
There is also a rise of more unique and sophisticated scents, beyond basic florals and fruits. Scent trends include complex aromas like rainforest and ocean breeze, or unexpected scents like champagne and leather. Luxury candle brand Wicks & Wax highlights these complex scents in their seasonal collections.
Candle makers are experimenting with new scent delivery methods as well, like adding essential oil beads that crackle when lit or sculpting candles into shapes that allow scent to disperse uniquely. Brands like Wick’d are patenting proprietary scent technology to stand out.
Overall, industry forecasts point to steady market growth of 3-4% annually through 2030. With these scent innovations and focus on quality over quantity, the scented candle industry has an exciting road ahead.
