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Fragrance oils for candles play a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere, enhancing moods, and making a lasting impression. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional candle maker with your own business, selecting the best fragrance oils can significantly impact your final product. But with so many options available and so many suppliers out there, how do you choose the best ones for scent throw, quality, and performance?
In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors that determine the best fragrance oils for candles, covering scent categories, performance tips, and what to look for in high-quality fragrance oils.
What to Look for in High-Quality Fragrance Oils for Candles
Not all fragrance oils are created equally. Therefore, when choosing fragrance oils for candles, consider the following important factors:
Scent throw – A good fragrance oil should have a strong cold throw (when the candle is unlit) and hot throw (when the candle is burning).
Compatibility with wax types – Some oils perform better in specific waxes (e.g., soy, paraffin, coconut blends). It's therefore always important to test your fragrance oil in the wax that you intend to use for your products to ensure compatibility in your chosen base.
IFRA compliance – Ensure that the fragrance oil meets safety standards for candle use. This is a legal requirement and therefore you should never buy fragrance oils from suppliers who are unable to provide you with the relevant regulatory documentation.
Natural vs. synthetic blends – While natural essential oils can be used in candles, they often lack the potency and longevity of high-quality synthetic fragrance oils.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose fragrance oils for candles that offer the best performance and longevity.
Popular Scent Categories for Fragrance Oils in Candles
Fragrance preferences vary widely, but there are several classic scent categories that tend to perform well in candles. Each category has its own unique appeal, catering to different moods and environments.
Floral Scents
Floral fragrance oils bring a fresh, natural feel to any space. These scents are often associated with relaxation, romance, and elegance, making them a staple in candle collections. They work particularly well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and spa-like settings.
Lavender Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Unleash the calming powers of lavender, infused with eucalyptus and bergamot, guaranteed to transport you to a peaceful oasis. Hints of patchouli and tonka add depth while soft moss and woody musks provide a constant, soothing aroma. … read more
Spa Day Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience a refreshing escape with crisp citrus, invigorating bergamot tea and rejuvenating mandarin. A floral heart of jasmine and violet adds a touch of elegance, while a base of musk, sandal and amber brings a sense of tranquility. … read more
Fruity Scents
Fruity fragrances are uplifting and vibrant, often adding a playful, energetic touch to a room. These scents are great for seasonal candles, especially during warmer months, and can enhance spaces like kitchens and living rooms.
Grape Soda Pop Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Bursting with the sweet and sparkling scent of grape, red berries and apple. With sweet notes of sugar and vanilla.… read more
Foam Banana Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Unleash the delicious scent of banana, enhanced with creamy, velvety notes of cream and rich vanilla. A mouthwatering aroma that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. … read more
Fresh and Clean Scents
Fresh scents evoke a sense of cleanliness and purity. They are ideal for creating a crisp and airy ambiance in homes, offices, and spa-like settings. These scents are also great for those who prefer a subtle fragrance that is not overpowering.
Fresh Linen Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Get a breath of fresh air with this unique blend. Featuring a refreshing mix of citrus and melon, while clean ozone and orange flower add a subtle touch of sweetness resulting in a light and airy scent that smells just like… read more
Spring Unstoppable Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Bursting with fruity and floral notes, this scent opens with a sweet blend of berries, pear and apple, while touches of orange add a bright twist. Delicate violets, rose and jasmine create a beautiful blossom heart, enhanced by hints of… read more
Warm and Woody Scents
Woody and earthy fragrances create a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere. These scents are perfect for colder months, adding depth and warmth to a space. They also work well in spaces where relaxation and grounding are needed, such as reading nooks or meditation areas.
White Musk Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience a classic and sophisticated scent of powdery musk and soft floral notes for a delicate and alluring aroma.… read more
Woodsmoke & Leather Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience the comforting ambiance of a crackling log fire with its refreshing blend of citrus and herbal notes. Warm tobacco and leather add a touch of sensuality while jasmine deepens the scent. The woody base of cedarwood, musk, amber and… read more
Sweet and Bakery-Inspired Scents
Gourmand fragrances, often inspired by desserts and sweet treats, provide a comforting and nostalgic experience. These scents are popular year-round and work well in home environments, particularly in kitchens or dining areas.
Apple Pie Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Indulge in the warm, familiar scent of freshly baked Apple Pie. A delightful mix of ripe apples, sweet cinnamon and warm vanilla. The perfect sweet treat.… read more
Baked Cookie Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Indulge in the sweet scent of freshly Baked Cookies. Be transported to a warm and cosy kitchen and bring nostalgic comfort to any space. Satisfy cravings without the calories. … read more
By selecting a range of fragrance categories, you can cater to a variety of preferences and occasions.
Maximising Scent Throw in Your Candles
Choosing the right fragrance oils for candles is only part of the process. To ensure the best scent throw, follow these essential tips:
Use the right fragrance load – Most candles perform best with a fragrance load of 6-10%, depending on the wax type. Exceeding this percentage can cause wick clogging and improper burning.
Cure your candles properly – Allow candles to rest for at least 24-48 hours (or longer for soy wax) before burning to enhance scent throw. A longer curing time allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax.
Choose the right wax – Some waxes hold fragrance better than others. Soy wax is great for a slow burn, while paraffin offers a strong scent throw. Coconut wax blends are also excellent for maximising scent dispersion.
Wick selection matters – The right wick size impacts how well the fragrance disperses when burned. A wick that is too small won’t generate enough heat, while a wick that is too large may cause excessive soot and rapid burning.
Test different temperatures – Adding fragrance at the correct temperature ensures proper oil dispersion. Adding fragrance too early may cause scent evaporation, reducing its strength.
Consider double-wicking for larger candles – In larger containers, two wicks can help distribute heat more evenly, allowing for better fragrance diffusion.
By applying these techniques, you’ll create candles that not only smell incredible but also burn efficiently.
Trends in Fragrance Oils for Candles
The candle industry is constantly evolving, with new scent trends emerging every year. Some current trends include:
Eco-friendly and sustainable fragrance oils – Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable, non-toxic, and cruelty-free options.
Unconventional and complex scent blends – Unique blends featuring unexpected combinations, such as floral-woody or fruity-earthy, are gaining popularity.
Seasonal and limited-edition fragrances – Many brands release exclusive seasonal collections that cater to specific moods and holidays.
Aromatherapy-inspired scents – With wellness on the rise, scents that promote relaxation, focus, or energy are in demand.
Keeping up with these trends can help candle makers create products that align with consumer preferences and stay ahead in the market.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best fragrance oils for candles depends on personal preference and intended use. Whether you’re drawn to floral, fruity, fresh, woody, or bakery-inspired scents, using high-quality oils will make all the difference in creating beautifully scented candles.
At House of Scent, we specialize in premium, undiluted fragrance oils for candles, offering the latest trending scents with exceptional performance. Browse our collection to find the perfect fragrance for your next candle-making project!
