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Choosing Fragrance Oils for Candle Making: A Professional's Guide

The difference between a candle that smells faint and one that fills a room is almost entirely in the fragrance oil and the load. This guide covers what to look for and how to load it correctly.

Load Percentage

Most candle makers load 6% to 10% fragrance by weight. A higher load smells stronger but can cause frosting and poor burn if the wax cannot hold it. Our recommended load for most soy and coconut blends is 8% to 10%. Always confirm the maximum load the oil is rated for before pouring.

Flash Point and Safety

Use only oils with a flash point above 60 degrees Celsius for hot-pour candles. A higher flash point, ideally 80 degrees or more, means the oil is safe at candle-making temperatures and will not break down. We publish the flash point of every candle oil so you can load with confidence.

Hot Throw and Scent Retention

Hot throw is how strongly a candle scents the air when burning, and it depends on oil-to-wax compatibility. For 100% pure natural oils, allow the wax to cool to about 75 degrees before stirring the oil in. Cure the candle for two to four weeks; natural oils open fully after curing. A strong cold throw at pour should not be your only goal, because hot throw and cure matter more for the final burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fragrance oil for candles?

Choose a high-flash-point oil rated for 80C or higher and an 8% to 10% load. Natural, undiluted oils give the richest hot throw after a proper cure.

How much fragrance oil do I add to candles?

Load 6% to 10% by weight. For most soy and coconut waxes, 8% to 10% gives the strongest, most stable hot throw.

What is flash point in fragrance oils?

Flash point is the temperature at which an oil's vapors can ignite. For candle making you want it above 60C, ideally 80C or higher, for safe hot-pouring.