How to Make Candles with Fragrance Oils

Making candles with fragrance oils is simpler than most people think. You can create candles that smell just as good as expensive store brands, often better, right from your kitchen counter. All it takes is the right materials and knowing a few key techniques.

This guide shows you how to make candles with fragrance oils that actually smell great when burning. We'll cover everything from choosing the right wax and oils to avoiding the common mistakes that leave you with weak-smelling candles. Whether you want to make a few for your home or you're thinking about selling candles, the steps are the same.

The difference between candles that smell strong and ones that barely have any scent? It comes down to using fragrance oils made specifically for candle making and knowing when and how to add them to your wax.

Should You Use Fragrance Oils or Essential Oils?

You can use essential oils and fragrance oils for making candles, though fragrance oils are generally more popular with people who are making candles to sell.

Fragrance oils can handle high heat without losing strength 

Unlike essential oils that break down when your wax hits the temperatures needed for proper candle making, fragrance oils are much more resilient and can handle higher heat without losing any of their scent. While your essential oil candle might smell good when it’s not burning, the scent can often be very weak or non-existent, and that’s really not what customers pay for. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t use essential oils when making candles, just that it’s important to take extra care and understand how each oil operates under different temperatures.

Fragrance oils give you room-filling scent throw

Scent throw refers to how well your burning candle actually smells across a room. Fragrance oils consistently outperform essential oils here, which matters when customers are buying candles to add scent to the whole room, not just the coffee table.

Fragrance oils offer a bigger variety of scents

Essential oils are naturally occurring and using them means you’re limited to what comes from plants. Fragrance oils allow you to create custom scents that can’t be extracted from anywhere, like ocean breeze, fresh linen, or birthday cake.

Fragrance oils are generally less expensive

In general, essential oils cost a lot more than fragrance oils, so they often don’t make financial sense for small businesses to use. If you’re planning to keep your prices competitive as a business and still make money, then fragrance oils are a better choice.

Fragrance oils are designed for burning

Fragrance oils are formulated specifically to make products like candles. Essential oils can be tricky to work with since each oil is different and they don’t all handle heat the same way.

What You Need to Get Started Making Scented Candles

To make candles with fragrance oils, you don’t need a lot of money. You can buy relatively low-cost starter kits that have everything you need to make fragranced candles, and from there, you can add to them as you grow your business. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need to get started:

Choose Your Wax Type

Soy wax works best for beginners

It melts easily, cleans up with soap and water, and customers like the eco-friendly angle. The scent throw is softer than paraffin wax, but it's strong enough for smaller rooms and home use.

Paraffin wax gives the strongest scent throw

If you want candles that fill big spaces, paraffin wax is a good choice. It's also the most cost-effective for business owners. The downside is it's petroleum-based, which some customers prefer to avoid.

Beeswax costs more but burns longest

This is a natural option with a subtle honey scent. Beeswax is harder to work with and more expensive, so most small business owners skip it unless they're targeting the premium market.

Our Tip: If you’re just getting started, the best option is to start with soy wax. You can always test other waxes once you're comfortable with the process.

Quality Fragrance Oils

Only buy oils made for candle use

Soap oils, diffuser oils, and craft oils won't perform the same way. Candle oils are formulated to bind with wax and maintain scent when burning.

Here are some popular scent categories that sell consistently:

• Warm & comforting: Vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, coffee
• Fresh & clean: Cotton, eucalyptus, ocean breeze, linen
• Fruity & sweet: Apple pie, citrus, berry blends, peach
• Seasonal winners: Pumpkin spice, pine, peppermint, summer fruits

How much to use: Start with 1 ounce per pound of wax (about 6% fragrance load). You can go up to 10% with most oils, but check the manufacturer's max load first.

Buying in bulk saves money and keeps your scents consistent. When customers love a scent, you want to be able to make it the same way every time.

Basic Equipment List

• Cotton wicks sized for your containers
• Glass jars or tins for finished candles
• Double boiler setup (never melt wax directly onthe heat)
• Digital thermometer for accuracy
• Wooden spoons for stirring (metal gets too hot)
• Kitchen scale for measuring
• Wick holders to keep wicks centered

Total startup cost: under $100 if you shop smart.

Step-by-Step: Making Your First Scented Candle

Step 1 – Set Up Your Workspace Safely

Cover your work area with newspaper or parchment. Wax spills happen, and they're easier to prevent than clean up.

Open windows for ventilation. Keep paper towels handy. Set your double boiler where it won't tip over.

Safety rules: Never leave melting wax alone. Keep kids and pets out of the workspace. Always use your thermometer.

Step 2 – Melt Your Wax the Right Way

Fill a pot with 2-3 inches of water. Place your heat-safe container (or top of double boiler) in the water. Heat to a gentle simmer.

Add wax to the top container. Target temperatures:

• Soy wax: 170-180°F
• Paraffin wax: 180-185°F
• Beeswax: 145-147°F

Stir occasionally but don't rush it. Slow melting gives you better results.

Step 3 – Add Fragrance Oil at the Right Temperature

Remove wax from heat first. Let it cool to about 160°F before adding fragrance. If it’s too hot,  you'll burn off the scent.

Add your measured fragrance oil slowly while stirring constantly for a full minute. This ensures even distribution.

Our Tip: Create custom blends by combining 2-3 compatible scents. Keep detailed notes on what works so you can recreate successful combinations.

Step 4 – Pour and Set Your Candles

Cool wax to around 140°F before pouring. This prevents sinkholes and gives smoother tops.

Center your wick using a holder or pencil. Pour slowly and steadily. Leave 1/2 inch space at the top.

Step 5 – Cool and Cure for Best Results

Let candles cool at room temperature for 24 hours. Don’t store your candle in the fridge to cool.

Cure for 3-7 days before selling to allow the fragrance to fully bind with the wax. 

Common Mistakes That Cost You Sales (And How to Fix Them)

Wax is too hot when adding fragrance

Cool to 160°F first. Overheated fragrance oils lose potency and can discolor your wax.

Using the wrong wick size

Using a wick that’s too small creates tunneling, and too large burns causes it to burn too fast, which can be dangerous. You should always test out different-sized wicks with different containers.

Using cheap or incorrect fragrance oils

Only use oils made for candles. Soap oils and craft oils don't perform when burning.

Skipping the cure time 

Candles that haven't cured properly will have a weak scent throw. Give them a full week for the best results.

Inconsistent measuring

Use a scale instead of measuring cups. Accurate ratios matter for consistent quality across batches.

For Small Business Owners: Turning Candles Into Income

Price your candles to make money

Track all costs, including wax, fragrance, wicks, containers, labels, and even your time. Most successful candle makers aim for 50-60% gross margins.

Start local before going online

Farmers markets, craft fairs, and local boutiques let you test what sells without the hassles of shipping. Build your customer base where you can talk to buyers directly.

Label requirements vary by location

Most areas require full ingredient lists and your business contact info. Check local regulations before selling.

Storage matters for quality

Keep finished candles away from heat and direct sunlight. Temperature changes affect scent and appearance.

Our Tip: Buying fragrance oils in bulk cuts your per-unit costs significantly. When you find scents that sell well, order larger quantities to improve your margins.

Choosing Quality Fragrance Oils for Your Business

Oil quality directly impacts your products

Weak-smelling candles are not things customers want to buy, and in the world of online reviews at people’s fingertips, it’s important to  create strong, consistent fragrances that result in repeat buyers.

Look for suppliers who list maximum fragrance loads

Good oil manufacturers tell you exactly how much to use and what waxes work best with each oil.

Test cold throw and hot throw

Cold throw is how the unlit candle smells before it’s lit. Hot throw is the scent it releases when burning. Both of these matter for your customers.

Consistent batches matter for business

When customers reorder their favorite scent, they expect it to smell the same each time.

Use trusted suppliers

Working with ethical suppliers means your business supports communities while you build yours. Customers increasingly care about where their products come from.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fragrance oil should I use per candle? 

Start with 6% (about 1 ounce per pound of wax) and adjust up to 10% based on the oil's strength and your preference. Always check the manufacturer's maximum load.

Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils? 

You can, but fragrance oils perform better for candles. Essential oils are expensive for business use and often lose scent when heated. Fragrance oils give stronger, more reliable results.

What's the best wax for beginners? 

Soy wax is easiest to work with, cleans up easily, and appeals to eco-conscious customers. It's forgiving for beginners and works well with most fragrance oils.

Why doesn't my candle smell when burning? 

Usually, because fragrance oil was added to wax that was too hot, you didn't use enough oil, or the oil wasn't designed for candles. 

How long should candles cure before I sell them? 

Wait 3-7 days after making them. This curing time lets the fragrance fully bind with the wax for better scent throw.

Where should I sell my first candles? 

Start with farmers markets or craft fairs where you can talk directly to customers. Local boutiques and online platforms like Etsy work well once you understand what sells.

Ready to start your candle business? Source wholesale fragrance oils that are made in Africa and ready for your brand. From traditional scents to modern blends, get the oils you need to build a business with purpose. Shop our candle-ready fragrance oils now.