Learn the basics of DIY scented candle making so you can easily make your own at home. This article is perfect for beginners!
We recommend that you consult our complete glossary in order to know the definitions of the technical terms of candle making before continuing. Also, you will need quality equipment to be in the best conditions for creation.
If you want to learn more about each part of this article, check out our complete guides for beginners! We advise you on the choice of your raw materials with recipes and tips among other things !
Understanding & making a homemade scented candle
If you want to make scented candles, it is important to understand how they work. Most of the time, scented candles are in containers, glasses, jars, etc.
The wax used to create scented poured candles is different than the wax used for molded candles. The principle of scented candles is to diffuse a fragrance, the latter gives a unique olfactory rendering.
When the wax is hot and liquid around the wick, the fragrance diffuses. This is why it is important to choose a wax that is suitable for the type of candle, preferably oily so that it becomes liquid at low temperatures.
We'll mostly be talking about poured/container candles, but occasionally we'll talk about molded candles so you can understand the intricacies between these 2 types of creations.
Choosing the right wax for my candle
First of all, it is important to have a wax that has good adhesion to the glass . The fatter the wax, the better it will adhere to the container. Choosing the right wax is therefore essential for the smooth running of your creation. A wax can be adapted to almost all situations, but some are much more suitable for certain uses than others.
Each "product" sheet for our waxes gives you details regarding use and temperature recommendations, etc. Here are the different families of waxes.
Vegetable waxes (soy, rapeseed, olive, etc.)
Vegetable waxes for scented candles work well with our fragrances, this sometimes requires blending with additives such as stearin to allow for optimal combustion and diffusion. However, some waxes are ready to use and greatly improve your production capacity.
For making poured or container candles , we recommend using the following waxes:
- Cargill C3 Professional Soy Wax (Add 5% stearin for best results).
- Kerax 4130 ready-to-use soy wax which is perfectly suited for beginners.
- Rapeseed, coconut or olive wax for container candles which are less common, but which give good results.
For your molded candle creations , choose the following waxes:
- Kerax soy wax for molded candles 4120.
- Rapeseed wax for RAPS molded candles.
- You can also opt for olive and coconut wax for molded candles . These waxes have an incredible glossy result without imperfections. They are becoming more and more used!
Rapeseed, for example, has a lower melting point than soybeans, which changes the use you will make of this wax.
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The benefits of vegetable waxes
It is a product of plant origin which is therefore much more respectful of the environment. The burning time is significantly longer than paraffin wax.
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The disadvantages of natural waxes
In some cases, it is necessary to create a mixture (soy wax or rapeseed wax + 5% beeswax + 5% stearin) to obtain optimal rendering/combustion.
Mineral waxes (paraffin)
This choice of paraffin wax is much less popular today due to its composition. However, it pairs perfectly with perfumes and dyes. In addition, its combustion is as regular as it is harmonious, ensuring a better continuous diffusion of your favorite fragrance. It is a very versatile option.
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Benefits of Mineral Waxes
Paraffin wax supports coloring and the addition of perfume. It is the latter which has the best characteristics of restitution of the perfume. It is a choice to favor if one is a beginner for its ease of use.
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Disadvantages of paraffin waxes
The burning time is reduced compared to vegetable waxes. Despite the good quality of our paraffin, it is a wax derived from petroleum.
Animal waxes (beeswax)
Beeswax is known for the creation of unscented molded candles, cosmetics as an additive but also votive candles. It is an essential additive in scented candles in containers thanks to a clear improvement in the olfactory rendering and the appearance of the wax. It also allows the improved diffusion of certain lighter fragrances.
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The benefits of animal waxes
It is a 100% natural wax coming from bees, with simple implementation.
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The disadvantages of beeswax
Bees are becoming rare and beeswax guaranteed to be 100% animal-based is becoming increasingly rare! Which implies a high price per kg.
What to scent a candle with?
You can use fragrances or essential oils . The scents of Grasse will allow you to bring the desired scent to your creation. We offer you a wide range of more than 400 fragrances from the capital of French perfume Grasse with different themes ranging from woody, fruity or gourmand perfume for example.
The choice of fragrance
Scents or fragrances for candles
Our scented oils are made in Grasse, France. These fragrances are specially adapted to the diffusion of perfume in candles. More than 400 references with varied themes are available, including more than 200 without CMR!
Essential oils for your candles
Be careful with essential oils: they are certainly natural, but they are not ideal for diffusing your candle. Some essential oils release CMRs .
How much fragrance in a scented candle?
Depending on the concentration of the perfume, you will need to dose your fragrance between 5 to 10% per kg of wax .
For example: a Jasmine candle fragrance will be much more powerful than a Rice Powder fragrance. It depends on the intensity you want to bring, your sensitivity and the fragrance itself.
We also offer a unique special range with a dosage of only 1%! Each scent in this revolutionary range does not require a 1% UFI declaration but also no mandatory CLP labeling mention ( except Boost your life ).
Our guide will help you see things more clearly and we also offer you a very practical tool: a wax and fragrance calculator.
The hardest part: a suitable wick
The choice of the candle wick is very important in the creation of scented candles. A wick that is too powerful is the result of a flame that is much too large. This will cause smoke...
Conversely, if the wick is too weak, your candle will have poor combustion, which will cause a small flame that will not be powerful enough to make the wax liquid, and thus diffuse the fragrance. Choosing a wick remains complex depending on the type of candle, the type of wax, etc.
Don’t panic! We have written a complete guide to help you choose and use your wick , as well as to overcome certain problems that you may encounter.
Using waxed wicks to make your scented candles
We recommend using waxed wicks like TCR, ECO & LX for your container candles, but avoid using them for molded candles.
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Focus on the benefits of waxed TCR wicks
They are coated with a natural wax or mineral wax, the support makes it easy to place at the bottom of the glass and lighting is quick. This is a considerable time saving on a large production volume.
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The disadvantages
We are still looking...
ECO & LX wicks
Here are the differences between ECO and LX wicks for your scented creations:
- ECO Wicks: These wicks are made from organic cotton and are waxed with soy wax. They are recommended for soy wax candles and natural candles.
- LX Wicks: These wicks are stiff, spun cotton wicks designed to enhance the burn of scented and colored candles, especially paraffin waxes.
Of course, you are free to take uncoated flat-type wicks.
Choosing Cherry Wood Wicks
Original and benefiting from a soft crackling noise when burning , they allow you to obtain a beautiful result for your poured candles which can however (sometimes) slightly tint your wax. This is normal.
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Benefits of Wood Drill Bits
Compared to cotton wicks, cherry wood wicks produce less soot and smoke, extending the life of your candle and reducing residue. They even add a soft crackle that enriches the sensory experience.
Made to last, these wicks don't degrade as quickly as their cotton counterparts. Made from natural, renewable materials, these wicks are a more environmentally friendly, eco-friendly option.
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Some drawbacks all the same
Their benefits come at a price. Cherry wood wicks are typically more expensive than cotton wicks, which can impact the overall cost of your candle.
While they offer many benefits, these wicks can be a little more finicky to position and use. You'll need to be precise to ensure they stay straight while the wax sets.
Sometimes a normal reaction can cause your wax to become slightly tinted.
A container or mold to embellish your scented handmade candle
Glass, ceramic, concrete or aluminum box: the choice is considerable! The important thing is to plan a container preferably of medium size , because we get tired of a fragrance quite quickly.
On average, it is a candle of 120 grams to 180 grams with a burning time of 25 to 40 hours that is offered. An original design or packaging will catch the attention of your customers or your loved ones.
For a molded candle, you will need to choose a mold suitable for your wax and pour your mixture inside.
Consider adding an AFNOR safety label to inform your consumers ( mandatory for professionals ). You must also comply with current European labeling rules if you wish to sell your creations (CLP, UFI, etc.).
In conclusion,
If you want to start making a scented candle , you will need to choose the right type of wax and a suitable wick.
It is possible to scent a molded candle, but it will not have the same olfactory rendering as a scented candle in a container.
Please let your candles rest for at least 48 hours. We recommend leaving it for about 1 week before enjoying its results. This gives your scent time to mature and bind to your wax for better diffusion when melting your creations.
Arm yourself with patience! A scented candle is like cooking. One dish = one recipe. In our world of candle making, this rule also applies. The dosage of the perfume will be different depending on the fragrance, the type of wax, the wick and the container. Don't hesitate to consult our different guides!
Example: You have just made a superb scented candle in a glass. You decide to use the same composition and wick to make a travel candle in an aluminum box. You light your travel candle and nothing works like the glass candle!? It is simply because the glass heats up faster than an aluminum box... You will therefore have to change the wick and change your wax mixture.
Creating a scented candle is technical, but certainly exciting! Discover in detail how to make a homemade molded candle! These are different creations, but they offer an exciting process that we detail for you in more detail with our recipes.
We are available to support you by telephone or through our training: we will advise you in your creative choices.
