Candle Business 101: What You Need To Know About Fragrance

Join Jeff from Standley Handcrafted and Charlotte as they discuss the ins and outs of picking the best possible fragrance oil for your candle project!

Fragrance is where you can really let your creativity shine in your candle making! Look for a category you love, especially if you are building a collection. Top, middle, and base notes are present in every fragrance oil. The top note is what you smell right away, the middle is next, and the bottom is what you smell once the fragrance has fully settled. 

To evaluate your fragrance, you can use something called a fragrance blotting strip. You dip it about halfway into your oil and wait 10-15 seconds. You are then able to get a good read on it and its elements. 

If you are using your fragrance for anything other than candles, it is super important to refer to the IFRA document. It tells you exactly what percentage of fragrance you need to have whether it be in candles, lotions, etc. They are percentages that can really affect your end result. For candles it is usually between 8-12% and for lotions and soaps it is much lower, usually around 3-6%. This is why it is crucial to get a hold of that document if you plan on making any product that is going to be used on skin. 

Another important documentation is the MSDS, which states the flashpoint for your fragrance. The flashpoint is the temperature at which your fragrance can actually combust. You never want to exceed the temperature past the flashpoint. Your fragrance can also change in its composition if added to a wax that exceeds the temperature flashpoint. 

Jeff and Charlotte recommend trying a Fragrance Discovery Kit, where you can sample 10 different fragrances in a kit. With 13 different kits to choose from, you're sure to find a fragrance that resonates with you and your customers! You are able to really train your nose with these kits as well! The more picky you become, the better your products will be :)