Fragrance Loads in Candle Making – Tips from Rama Candles Canada

When creating a candle, the fragrance load plays a key role in determining how strong and lasting the scent will be. In simple terms, fragrance load is the amount of fragrance oil added to the wax, usually measured as a percentage of the total candle weight. At Rama Candles, we help candle makers master this balance for the perfect scent throw and burn performance.

Many new candle makers focus on choosing the right wax and wick but overlook the science of fragrance loads. Understanding this concept is vital for producing candles that not only smell amazing but also burn efficiently. Whether you’re working with soy wax, coconut wax, or a blend, finding the right fragrance percentage can make all the difference.

What Is Fragrance Load?

Fragrance load refers to the ratio of fragrance oil to candle wax in a candle recipe. For example, if you have 100 grams of soy wax and add 6 grams of fragrance oil, your fragrance load is 6%. It’s an essential calculation because wax can only hold a certain amount of fragrance oil before performance issues occur.

Different waxes have different maximum fragrance load capacities:

• Soy Wax: Typically 6–10%

• Coconut Wax: Can hold 8–12% for stronger scent throw

• Paraffin Wax: Often 5–7%

Exceeding these percentages may lead to problems like uneven burning, wick clogging, or oily residue on the candle surface. It’s always better to work within the wax’s recommended range for both safety and performance.

Why Fragrance Load Matters

The fragrance load determines how much scent the candle will emit. Too little fragrance oil and the candle will be weak and underwhelming. Too much and the candle can burn improperly or cause safety issues.

The key is to find the right balance that allows for a strong cold throw (the scent when the candle is unlit) and hot throw (the scent when the candle is burning). These two factors are what make a scented candle enjoyable and memorable.

High-quality fragrance oils that are specifically formulated to work with natural waxes like soy and coconut give the best possible scent throw without compromising burn quality.

Cold Throw vs. Hot Throw

Both cold throw and hot throw are important for a successful candle.

Cold Throw: This is the fragrance you smell when the candle is unlit. It’s what customers notice first when they pick up a candle in a store or unwrap it at home. A strong cold throw is a great selling point because it draws people in.

Hot Throw: This is the fragrance that fills the room when the candle is burning. A candle with excellent hot throw will create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, making it more likely that customers will buy again.

A proper fragrance load ensures both cold throw and hot throw perform at their best.

Choosing the Right Fragrance Load

Selecting the right fragrance load involves several considerations:

• Check wax capacity – Every wax type has a maximum fragrance load it can hold without performance issues. Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Test small batches – Before committing to a full production run, test different fragrance loads to see what works best for your wax and fragrance oil combination.

• Use quality fragrance oils – Cheap oils may not be candle-grade and could cause performance problems. Always use candle-making fragrance oils from trusted suppliers.

• Consider your audience – Some customers prefer a subtle scent, while others want a strong, room-filling aroma. Adjust your fragrance load accordingly.

Fragrance Load Recommendations for Different Waxes

Soy wax and coconut wax have different scent-holding capabilities.

• 100% Soy Wax: Best with a fragrance load between 6–9%. This range allows for a strong scent throw without over-saturating the wax.

• Coconut Wax: Can hold 8–12% fragrance load, making it ideal for luxury candles that need a powerful, long-lasting aroma.

• Soy-Coconut Blends: A good balance is 7–10%, providing excellent hot throw and a smooth, clean burn.

The Role of Fragrance Oil Quality

Even with the correct fragrance load, the quality of the oil can make or break a candle. Low-quality oils may contain fillers that dilute the scent or cause burning issues.

Premium candle-grade fragrance oils that are designed to work seamlessly with natural waxes provide rich, consistent scents from the first burn to the last, ensuring customer satisfaction.

How to Calculate Fragrance Load

The formula is simple:

Fragrance Load (%) = (Weight of Fragrance Oil ÷ Weight of Wax) × 100

Example: If you use 200 grams of soy wax and want a fragrance load of 8%, multiply 200 × 0.08 = 16 grams of fragrance oil.

By following this formula, you can accurately measure fragrance oil to get consistent results every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading the wax – Adding too much fragrance oil can cause seepage, poor burning, or even fire hazards.

• Using non-candle-grade oils – These may smell strong in the bottle but won’t perform well in candles.

• Skipping test burns – Always test candles before selling or gifting to ensure they burn correctly and have the desired scent throw.

• Ignoring cure time – Most candles need a curing period (typically 1–2 weeks) for the fragrance to bind properly with the wax.

Maximizing Scent Throw

To get the most out of your fragrance load:

• Stir thoroughly – Mix fragrance oil into the wax evenly at the right temperature (usually around 185°F for soy wax).

• Use the right wick – A wick that’s too small or too large can impact scent throw and burn quality.

• Cure properly – Allow the candle to rest so the fragrance and wax can bond.

Why Choose Rama Candles for Your Supplies

Rama Candles offers a wide range of soy wax, coconut wax, and fragrance oils in Canada. Products are eco-friendly, vegan, and biodegradable, ensuring a cleaner burn and better performance. Whether you’re a hobbyist making your first candle or a professional producing candles in bulk, supplies are tested and trusted by candle makers across the country.

Wholesale candle-making supplies, including bulk soy wax, bulk coconut wax, and high-quality fragrance oils, are available at competitive prices. This means professional-quality candles can be created without overspending on materials.

Final Thoughts

Mastering fragrance loads is essential for producing candles that deliver both beauty and performance. By choosing the right wax, measuring fragrance oil accurately, and using high-quality supplies, candle makers can create products that customers will love and remember.

Sourcing soy wax, coconut wax, and fragrance oils from Rama Candles ensures access to products designed for superior scent throw, clean burning, and long-lasting enjoyment. The growing community of Canadian candle makers trusts Rama Candles for eco-friendly candle wax and premium fragrance oils — taking candle-making to the next level