Making candles with essential oils is a great way to bring natural aromatherapy into your home, but getting the right scent strength can be tricky. Unlike synthetic fragrance oils, essential oils evaporate at higher temperatures, making it essential to use the correct ratio to achieve a strong and lasting scent.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How much essential oil to add to your candles
• The best essential oils for candle making
• Tips to maximize scent throw and longevity
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Frequently asked questions for better results

Let’s dive in and ensure your candles smell amazing every time!

How Much Essential Oil to Use in Candles?

The key to getting a well-scented candle is understanding the right fragrance load—the percentage of essential oil added to the wax.

General Essential Oil Ratios

• Strong Scent: Use 1 ounce (28 grams) of essential oil per 1 pound (454 grams) of wax (~6-7% fragrance load).
• Mild Scent: Use 0.5 ounces (14 grams) per 1 pound of wax (~3-4% fragrance load).
• Maximum Strength: Some waxes allow up to 10% fragrance load, but be cautious—too much oil can impact burn quality and safety.

Pro Tip: Always test small batches first. Some essential oils have a lighter scent throw than others, requiring adjustments.

Best Essential Oils for Candle Making

Some essential oils perform better in candles due to their scent strength, longevity, and heat stability.

Top Essential Oils for Candles

1. Lavender Essential Oil

• Aroma: Soft, floral, and calming.
• Best For: Relaxation, stress relief, and sleep.
• Recommended Usage: 1 oz per 1 lb of wax for a strong scent.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

• Aroma: Fresh, cool, and invigorating.
• Best For: Boosting energy, improving focus.
• Recommended Usage: 0.8 oz per 1 lb of wax.

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

• Aroma: Crisp, clean, and refreshing.
• Best For: Respiratory support, clearing the air.
• Recommended Usage: 1 oz per 1 lb of wax.

4. Lemon Essential Oil

• Aroma: Bright, citrusy, and uplifting.
• Best For: Mood-boosting, eliminating odors.
• Recommended Usage: 0.7 oz per 1 lb of wax.

5. Cedarwood Essential Oil

• Aroma: Warm, earthy, and grounding.
• Best For: Creating a cozy, balanced atmosphere.
• Recommended Usage: 1 oz per 1 lb of wax.

Tip: Some oils like citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit) have lower flash points and may evaporate faster. Consider blending them with stronger base notes like cedarwood or sandalwood for better longevity.

How to Add Essential Oils to Candles Correctly

To get the best scent throw, follow these key steps when making candles:

1. Choose the Right Wax

Different waxes hold scents differently:

• Soy Wax: Holds up to 10% fragrance load, burns cleaner.
• Paraffin Wax: Strong scent throw, but less natural.
• Beeswax: Has a natural honey scent, requires more essential oil.

2. Add Essential Oils at the Right Temperature

Essential oils have volatile compounds that can burn off at high temperatures. To retain their potency:

• Melt wax completely (usually around 185°F (85°C)).
• Let it cool to ~130-140°F (54-60°C) before adding essential oils.
• Stir thoroughly for at least 2 minutes to ensure even distribution.

3. Allow Proper Curing Time

Curing helps the fragrance blend with the wax for better scent throw:

• Let candles sit for at least 48 hours before burning.
• For optimal results, cure for 1-2 weeks.

4. Use the Right Wick

A wick that’s too small won’t burn hot enough, leading to a weak scent. A wick that’s too large can cause excessive burning and wasted fragrance.

Tip: For essential oil candles, choose wicks designed for soy or beeswax for best performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding Oils Too Early: If essential oils are added when wax is too hot, they’ll burn off and lose potency.
2. Using Too Little Oil: Essential oils require a higher concentration than synthetic fragrance oils.
3. Skipping Stirring: Essential oils must be evenly distributed to ensure a consistent scent.
4. Not Letting Candles Cure: Candles need time for the wax and oil to bond properly.

FAQ: Essential Oils in Candles

1. Can I Use Any Essential Oil for Candles?

Not all essential oils work well in candles. Some have low flash points and evaporate quickly. The best oils are lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon.

2. How Long Does the Scent Last in Essential Oil Candles?

The scent longevity depends on:

• Wax type: Soy and paraffin hold scents well.
• Essential oil quality: High-quality, organic oils last longer.
• Storage: Store candles in cool, dark places to retain scent.

3. Do Essential Oils Burn Cleanly in Candles?

Yes, but only if high-quality, pure essential oils are used. Lower-quality oils or synthetic fragrances can produce soot and toxins.

4. How Can I Make My Candle Scent Stronger?

• Increase essential oil amount (up to 10%).
• Blend strong base notes like cedarwood or patchouli with lighter oils.
• Let candles cure for at least 48 hours before burning.

5. Can I Mix Essential Oils in Candles?

Absolutely! Mixing oils can create deeper, more complex scents. Some great blends:

• Lavender + Vanilla (relaxing)
• Lemon + Peppermint (energizing)
• Eucalyptus + Cedarwood (grounding)

Final Thoughts

Making candles with essential oils is an excellent way to bring natural, non-toxic fragrances into your space. By using the right ratios, choosing quality oils, and following best practices, you can enjoy long-lasting, beautifully scented candles.

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