Essential oils are a natural way to scent homemade candles, and blending them is half the fun. They behave differently from the fragrance oils most commercial candles use, though, so a few basics make the difference between a candle that fills the room and one you can barely smell. Here is how to choose, blend and add essential oils, with simple blend ideas to try.
Essential oils vs. fragrance oils
Essential oils are concentrated oils taken from plants, such as lavender flowers, orange peel or cedarwood. Fragrance oils are blends made for scenting products, and many are designed specifically for candles. Fragrance oils usually give a stronger, longer-lasting scent throw, while essential oils give a softer, more natural scent. Some essential oils, especially light citrus oils, fade quickly in hot wax. Choosing oils that are known to work in candles, and blending them well, helps.
For more on choosing oils, see our guide to choosing candle oils.
Understanding top, middle and base notes
Scents are often described in three layers:
- Top notes are what you smell first. They’re bright and evaporate fastest. Examples: sweet orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, peppermint.
- Middle (heart) notes form the body of the blend. Examples: lavender, rosemary, geranium, clary sage, eucalyptus.
- Base notes are deep and long-lasting, and they help anchor lighter oils. Examples: cedarwood, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla absolute.
A balanced candle blend usually includes at least one middle or base note, so the scent doesn’t disappear once the bright top notes burn off.
Simple blend ideas
These are starting points. Mix them in a small glass dish first, then adjust to your taste.
- Calm evening: lavender with cedarwood and a little bergamot.
- Fresh kitchen: lemon with rosemary and a touch of eucalyptus.
- Cozy winter: sweet orange with clove and cedarwood.
- Forest walk: fir or pine needle with cedarwood and a little rosemary.
- Spa day: eucalyptus with peppermint and lavender.
- Warm and woody: sandalwood or vetiver with bergamot and a little patchouli.
Spice oils like clove and cinnamon are strong, so start with a small amount.
How much essential oil to use
Every wax has a maximum “fragrance load,” the most oil it can hold without the oil seeping out or the candle burning badly. Your wax supplier lists it, usually as a percentage of the wax weight. Weigh both the wax and the oil on a kitchen scale rather than counting drops, which vary a lot. Start below the maximum on your first test and go up in later batches if the scent is too light.
When and how to add the oil
- Melt the wax gently in a double boiler or a pouring pitcher set in a pan of simmering water. Never melt wax over direct heat.
- Use a thermometer and follow your wax maker’s guidance on the temperature for adding fragrance. Adding oil when the wax is too hot can burn off delicate notes.
- Pour in the measured oil and stir slowly and steadily for about two minutes so it binds with the wax.
- Pour into your prepared container with the wick secured and centered.
- Let the candle cure. Many makers wait at least a few days, and often a week or two for soy wax, before the first test burn. The scent throw usually improves as it cures.
New to candle making? Our step-by-step guide to making your own scented jar candle covers the full process, and the candle maker’s wick explains how to choose a wick size.
Getting a better scent throw
- Choose the right wick. A wick that’s too small leaves a narrow melt pool and a weak scent.
- Use a wax that holds scent well. Soy and coconut blends are popular for scented candles. Our guide to types of candle wax compares them.
- Lean on base notes. Cedarwood, patchouli and similar oils help a blend last.
- Let the first burn reach the edges of the container to avoid tunneling.
Safety tips
- Essential oils are concentrated. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin and keep oils away from eyes.
- Check each oil’s flash point and follow your supplier’s guidance on adding temperatures.
- Work in a ventilated space and never leave melting wax unattended.
- Some essential oils can be harmful to pets, especially cats and birds. Ask your vet if you have animals at home.
- Label your candles with the oils used, in case someone has an allergy.
FAQ
Can I just add essential oils to melted wax?
Yes, but measure by weight, add the oil at the temperature your wax supplier recommends and stir well. Too much oil or the wrong temperature can weaken the scent or make the candle burn poorly.
Why can’t I smell my essential oil candle?
Common reasons are too little oil, adding it when the wax was too hot, a wick that’s too small, or not curing the candle long enough. Citrus top notes also fade quickly on their own.
Which essential oils work best in candles?
Many makers find that stronger, deeper oils like cedarwood, patchouli, clove and eucalyptus hold up better in wax than light citrus oils. Blending a top note with a base note helps.
Top image: Vanilla and lace / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Discover more from Candle Stuff
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.