What is the ideal temperature at which it is recommended to add scent to the candle?

Many of the internet theories about how scented oil works in candles are pretty... let's just say, bullshit.

They're usually based on limited experience, a viral post, or a scary horror story, but the science is clear: candles burn more safely and smell much better when the oil is added at the right temperature at the time of creation.

The recommended temperature for adding fragrance oil/essential oil to the wax:

It is between 85° and 93° Celsius. If it is a wax such as soy and coconut, a temperature of 85 degrees is enough. If it is beeswax, 93 is also possible. Don't worry, the oil is not going to break down unless it reaches its boiling temperature, which is usually well above the temperature of 93 degrees. This is true for all types of wax and candles.

In this post we will go over the chemistry and science behind the scents and candles and we will also expand on some theories or rather nonsense that are found on the net

Flash point doesn't matter - flash point

Most bottles of the fragrance oil and also the essential oil advertise the flash point on the package. The flash point is an important measure for suppliers who transport oils around the world. Low flash point oils must be shipped on the ground and not in the air, because you probably don't want to see airplanes flying with scented mist in the air.

So why are there candle manufacturers who think it is necessary to pay attention to the flash point?

Some say to add the oil when you reach the flash point. And others think that if you heat the oil above the flash point, the smell is going to disappear like magic.

Both of these assumptions are wrong and let's just say - quite ridiculous..

From a scientific point of view, it is really unlikely that the fragrance oils will break down at the temperature at which we prepare the candles. Since the temp is just below its boiling point. But if you add oil at too low a temperature - like the flash point of some oils - the candle can become a safety hazard. The fragrance oil will not mix well with the wax which may create flammable "pools" inside the candle. And that, friends, is not something you want to see.

Adding oil at a temperature of 85° allows it to blend better throughout the candle for safe and consistent combustion.

Covers do not affect the smell

There are those who claim that the candles should be covered when they are cooled or stored so as not to lose the scent. This is not true, because the scent is in the scented oil that is spread throughout the candle. There may be some evaporation from the surface, but it doesn't matter as soon as we light the candle it will spread another scent.

The lids are good for preventing the accumulation of dust on the candles, but are not necessary to preserve the scent

If your candle does not emit a good smell, you should probably blame the wick or check how the scented oil functions together with the wax you have chosen .

Scent oils/essential oil and the temperature at which it is added to the candle may have implications for the safety of the candle. Adding a scented oil in the correct temperature range (85°C to 93°C) will cause a correct and safe fusion with the wax and create consistent candles.

In general, the fragrance oils mix with the hot wax, and eventually become trapped within the wax as it cools. When the candle burns, the liquid pool created by the solid wax contributes to the overall scent distribution of the candle.

There are many ways to improve the distribution of the scent in the candle, but adjusting the temperature at which the scented oil is added is not one of them, at least not safely .

Adding scented oil below the acceptable range risks creating pockets of scented oil that do not blend well throughout the candle, because the wax was not heated to a temperature that allowed all the additives and crystalline structures to completely break down into a liquid that can embrace the scent molecules during cooling.

These pockets will remain trapped in the candle. Then when the candle burns, if the open flame encounters a pocket of scented oil, there is a real risk of a really dangerous flare-up.

About me: nice to meet you, my name is Tali and I teach how to make natural and fragrant candles, and what is important, they are both safe to breathe and to light. I conduct workshops in which you will learn how to prepare but also how to avoid mistakes that could cost you dearly!! to my candle workshop >>

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