Many people use scented candles to relax, and it’s not surprising: The soothing effect of candlelight can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels—all of which can help relieve stress. Plus, some fragrances can enhance mood, boost focus, and improve concentration. For example, eucalyptus’s invigorating aroma is known to boost mental clarity and improve focus, while peppermint’s scent can boost energy levels and stimulate the senses.
Candle makers create unique scents by blending different fragrance oils. Perfumers use top, middle and base notes to build a complex fragrance blend, with each note playing an important role in the final scent. For example, a citrus top note can be the initial impression, while a floral middle note can add character to the fragrance and a woody or vanilla base note can provide depth and longevity.
When selecting candle fragrances, it’s important to consider your targeted market preferences and find a blend that appeals to them. Then, test your fragrance with various waxes to ensure that it performs well and doesn’t clog the wick or burn unevenly. Fragrance load, which refers to the amount of fragrance oil used in a batch of wax, is a key factor in this. A higher fragrance load leads to a stronger scent, but it’s also crucial to balance this with the burning qualities of each wax type.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to blending fragrances for candles, and the best way to discover your ideal blend is to experiment. The most popular candle scents include calming florals, woody and fruity fragrances, and scents inspired by food or drinks. Some are even reminiscent of specific holidays or travel experiences, like the smell of blooming cherry blossoms in Japan or the salty breeze and marine fragrance of Diptyque’s iconic fig candle, Figuier.