How to choose the Fragrance Or Flavours for Candles

True Natural Options:

1. Essential Oils (EOs):

   • Source: Steam distilled or cold-pressed from plant parts (flowers, leaves, bark, roots, citrus peels).

   • Pros: Pure plant extracts, diverse aromas (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, cedarwood, peppermint, tea tree, etc.), therapeutic potential.

   • Cons for Candles:

     • Volatility: Many top notes (especially citrus) evaporate quickly in hot wax, leading to weak hot throw.

     • Heat Sensitivity: High temperatures during pouring can degrade delicate notes.

     • Limited Scent Profiles: Hard to replicate complex scents like "fresh linen" or "bakery" naturally.

     • Cost: High-quality EOs can be very expensive.

     • Scent Throw: Often weaker cold throw and significantly weaker hot throw compared to synthetics or blends.

     • Wax Compatibility: Some EOs (especially viscous ones) can affect wax structure or wick performance.

     • Phototoxicity: Some citrus oils (bergamot, lime) can cause skin sensitivity if used in lotions/oils; less concern for candles but worth noting.

2. Absolutes:

   • Source: Solvent extracted from delicate flowers (rose, jasmine, tuberose) or other materials where distillation isn't possible/practical. (Note: The solvent should be fully removed, but trace amounts might remain).

   • Pros: Capture complex, rich floral scents difficult to get via distillation.

   • Cons for Candles: Extremely expensive, very thick/viscous (can clog wicks), often very low usage rates, weak hot throw, limited availability.

3. CO2 Extracts:

   • Source: Supercritical CO2 extraction, often yielding a broader spectrum of plant compounds than distillation.

   • Pros: Can have richer, truer-to-nature scents than EOs, sometimes better stability.

   • Cons for Candles: Very expensive, availability can be limited, scent throw challenges similar to EOs.

4. Natural Isolates & Components:

   • Source: Isolated or concentrated specific aromatic compounds derived naturally (e.g., limonene from citrus peels, linalool from lavender).

   • Pros: Can boost specific notes in a blend, potentially more stable than whole EOs.

   • Cons: Still expensive, requires significant blending knowledge, doesn't solve fundamental throw issues alone, availability.

Important Considerations & Tips:

• Wax Choice: Soy wax (especially softer blends) generally holds EOs better than paraffin. Coconut wax blends can also be good. Avoid beeswax or very hard waxes. Always test!

• Load Rate: Typically 5-10% by weight of wax. Crucially: NEVER exceed the manufacturer's recommended max fragrance load for your specific wax.

• Blending: Combining complementary EOs is essential. Use base notes (cedarwood, patchouli, vanilla CO2) as anchors for volatile top notes (citrus, peppermint). Middle notes (lavender, rosemary) bridge them. Fixatives like benzoin resin or vanilla oleoresin can help longevity slightly.

• Pour Temperature: Add EOs at the lowest possible temperature your wax allows while still being fluid enough to pour smoothly (often around 120-140°F / 50-60°C). This minimizes heat degradation.

• Cure Time: Natural scents often benefit from longer cure times (1-2 weeks+) to allow the scent to bind better with the wax, potentially improving throw.

• Wick Testing: Essential! Natural oils often require different wick sizes/types than synthetic FOs. Test thoroughly for clean burn, melt pool, and scent throw.

• Manage Expectations: Accept that even the best natural candle will likely have a subtler, less "in your face" scent than one made with synthetic fragrance oils. Focus on the quality and purity of the aroma.

• "Natural" Blends: Many suppliers sell "Natural Fragrance Oils" (NFOs). These are blends where a significant portion (often 50-100%) of the aromatic components must be derived from natural sources (EOs, isolates, absolutes), but they can still contain natural isolates and are specifically engineered for candle performance. This is often the best practical compromise for stronger throw while staying "natural." Always check the supplier's definition and IFRA documentation.

Examples of EOs with Relatively Better Performance:

• Base Notes: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood (real is expensive), Frankincense, Myrrh

• Middle Notes: Lavender (can turn herbal), Clary Sage, Geranium, Black Pepper, Cardamom

• Top Notes: Litsea Cubeba (May Chang - lemony), Sweet Orange (better than lemon/lime), Eucalyptus

• Others: Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint (use sparingly, can overwhelm)

In Summary:

Using pure essential oils or absolutes for candle fragrance is possible but comes with significant challenges, primarily weak hot throw and high cost. Manage expectations, focus on compatible waxes and wicks, blend strategically, add at low temps, and cure longer. For a stronger scent while prioritizing natural origins, explore reputable suppliers of Natural Fragrance Oils (NFOs) specifically formulated for candles. Always prioritize safety and thorough testing!