Which Wax Holds Fragrance The Best?
Candles are beloved for their charming glow and ability to fill a space with fragrance. But not all candles are created equal when it comes to scent throw. The type of wax used can greatly impact how well a candle holds fragrance.
There are many different types of wax that can be used to make candles, each with their own properties. The most common candle waxes include paraffin, soy, beeswax, gel, palm, and coconut wax. The molecules within each wax vary in size, shape, and structure, which affects how the wax interacts with fragrance oils. In this article, we will explore the fragrance retention abilities of these major candle waxes to shed light on which performs the best.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based wax made from refining crude oil. It has excellent fragrance retention properties due to its highly crystalline structure which helps trap fragrance oils. The long hydrocarbon chains in paraffin wax provide a lot of surface area for fragrance oils to adhere to. Paraffin wax can hold fragrances for long periods of time, making it a popular choice for scented candles and wax melts.
Some of the pros of paraffin wax are that it is inexpensive, readily available, and easy to work with. It has a high melting point which allows it to retain a solid shape at room temperature. Paraffin wax blends well with fragrances and dyes. The cons are that it is derived from non-renewable petroleum sources and can emit more smoke and soot when burned compared to natural waxes.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It has become increasingly popular among candle makers and enthusiasts. Soy wax has excellent fragrance retention properties due to its ability to hold more fragrant oil than other waxes.
The natural molecular structure of soy wax allows fragrance oils to be absorbed into the wax rather than simply sitting on top. This results in even fragrance distribution and intensity throughout the entire burn time of a candle. Soy wax also has a lower melting point compared to paraffin, making it easier for fragrance to rise as the candle burns.
Another advantage of soy wax is its natural adhesion tendency. The wax adheres well to container sides, resulting in fewer instances of pull away or frosting. Container candles made from soy wax hold together better and provide an appealing visual effect.
The cons of soy wax include its softness and tendency to lose stability in warmer environments. Extra care must be taken with soy container candles to promote proper wax pooling and burn characteristics. Some testing and adjustments are usually required when switching from paraffin to soy wax.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has been used for centuries in candle making due to its fragrant properties and ability to hold scent. Beeswax candles have a light, sweet, honey-like aroma even when not scented with additional oils or perfumes.
The chemical composition of beeswax makes it an excellent fragrance fixative. Beeswax contains fatty acids, monoesters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty alcohols that help absorb and retain scent molecules. The wax’s low melting point also allows fragrance oils to fully incorporate into candles made from beeswax.
Pros of beeswax for fragrance retention:
- Has natural honey-like scent
- Chemical composition absorbs and fixes fragrances
- Low melting point allows thorough fragrance oil blending
Cons of beeswax for fragrance retention:
- More expensive than synthetic waxes
- Can be prone to frosting or blooming on candle surface
- Requires higher temperatures for wax pooling and fragrance release
Overall, beeswax is one of the best natural waxes for retaining and releasing fragrance in candles. Its chemical makeup helps anchor scents, while its low melting point allows for thorough scent incorporation. Properly formulated beeswax candles release beautiful honey-floral notes along with other blended fragrances.
Gel Wax
Gel wax is a type of candle wax that has a smooth, thick, gel-like texture. It is made from a blend of mineral oil and polymer resin. Unlike other waxes, gel wax contains no paraffin. The combination of oil and resin gives gel wax some unique properties.
In terms of fragrance retention, gel wax performs very well. The viscosity of the gel wax helps the fragrance oil stay suspended in the wax rather than evaporating quickly. This allows the scent throw to remain strong and last longer. Gel candles often have excellent hot and cold scent throw.
Additionally, gel wax has a high oil content which helps to anchor fragrance oils. The oil binds with the fragrance oil molecules, holding them within the wax. This also helps prevent fragrance from fading over time. Gel wax can hold a high fragrance load, up to 20%, while maintaining an even burn and texture.
Some pros of gel wax for fragrance retention are the strong scent throw, ability to hold a high fragrance load, and anchoring of fragrance oils. Drawbacks are that it can be prone to frosting and sweating in very hot environments. Gel wax also requires containers with straight sides, as it shrinks minimally while cooling.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is derived from the fruit of palm trees. It has a high melting point between 120-145°F which allows it to retain fragrance well. Some key properties of palm wax include:
- High melting point for good fragrance retention
- Clean burning with no smoke or residue
- Vegan and environmentally sustainable
- Provides good scent throw and dispersion
- Relatively inexpensive compared to beeswax
Palm wax is often blended with other waxes like soy, paraffin, or beeswax. On its own, it can be quite hard and brittle, so blending helps make it more workable. The high melting point allows palm wax candles to retain fragrance well as the wax liquefies at a higher temperature. This helps prevent fragrance burn off. The natural properties also allow palm wax to efficiently carry fragrance through the air.
Some downsides to palm wax include the difficulty working with it due to the high melting point. It also lacks the same soft glow effect as natural waxes like soy or beeswax when burning. However, the good fragrance throw and sustainability of palm wax make it a popular choice for scented candles.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is made from the extracted oils of coconuts. It has become an increasingly popular candle wax due to its natural origins and excellent fragrance throw. Here are some key properties of coconut wax:
Properties
Coconut wax has a high melting point between 75-85°F, making it a good choice for candles used in warmer environments. It is very hard and brittle, so it requires mixing with other waxes. When blended properly, it can form strong rigid candle structures.
Fragrance Retention
One of the biggest benefits of coconut wax is its incredible ability to retain and disperse fragrance oils. The high oil content allows more fragrance to bind to the wax, while the natural crystallization releases fragrance as the candle burns. Coconut wax can hold up to 15% fragrance oil.
Pros
– Excellent hot and cold scent throw
– All-natural and non-toxic
– Hard finish with good stability for votives and pillars
– Sustainable and environmentally friendly
Cons
– Brittle texture requires blending with other waxes
– Can get oily pools without proper wicking
– More expensive than paraffin wax
Testing Methodology
To test and compare how well different waxes hold fragrance, the following methodology will be used:
Six different types of wax will be obtained – paraffin, soy, beeswax, gel, palm, and coconut wax. These represent the most commonly used wax bases for candles and other fragranced wax products.
Equal amounts of each wax type (50 grams) will be measured out. The same fragrance oil will be added at a rate of 1% by weight to each wax sample and thoroughly mixed in.
The fragranced wax samples will then be allowed to cure for 24 hours under the same conditions before evaluating.
To test fragrance retention, 10 gram amounts of each cured wax sample will be weighed out and placed in separate sealed containers. The containers will be stored together in a dark cabinet at room temperature.
At intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, the containers will be opened and evaluated by a panel of testers. The testers will rate the strength of fragrance remaining on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being no detectable fragrance and 5 being very strong).
The average fragrance retention ratings for each wax type will be compared at each time interval. The wax with the highest average rating at 4 weeks will be determined to hold fragrance the best over time.
Results
To test which wax holds fragrance the best, samples of each wax were scented with the same essential oil blend. The waxes were then allowed to cure for one week before being evaluated. The results were as follows:
Paraffin Wax – Held some fragrance, but it faded significantly after curing. Not ideal for retaining fragrance.
Soy Wax – Held fragrance moderately well. Detected a light scent after curing.
Beeswax – Fragrance did not hold up at all, almost no scent detected after curing.
Gel Wax – Held fragrance very well, maintained a strong scent even after curing.
Palm Wax – Held fragrance fairly well, noticeable medium scent remained after curing.
Coconut Wax – Excellent fragrance retention, kept a strong scent after curing.
Based on the testing, gel wax and coconut wax appear to hold fragrance the best out of the options tested. Beeswax seems to hold fragrance the poorest. Further testing could examine the exact fragrance retention percentages.
Conclusion
After exploring the properties of various types of wax, we can draw some conclusions about which holds fragrance the best based on the testing methodology and results. The wax that consistently retained fragrance and threw scent the longest across tests was soy wax. Its all-natural composition without any synthetic additives allows it to absorb and release fragrances steadily. Beeswax and paraffin wax also performed well, while gel wax tended to absorb fragrances too strongly, resulting in an overpowering scent. Palm wax and coconut wax did not retain or release fragrances as effectively.
In summary, for homemade candles, melts and other fragrance-based products, soy wax is the best choice if you want the fragrance to last and throw steadily. Beeswax is a good natural option as well. Paraffin also works effectively if you don’t require an all-natural wax. Avoid gel wax for anything but small containers, as its scent can be overpowering. Palm and coconut wax are not recommended for products where fragrance is a priority. With this knowledge, you can choose the ideal wax for your specific needs and preferences.
