Candle Oils

What Are Candle Fragrance Oils?

Candle fragrance oils are synthetic or blended oils specifically formulated to scent candles, soaps, and other crafted products. Unlike essential oils, which can be unstable in wax or too expensive for business use, fragrance oil for candle making is designed for stronger scent throw, better stability, and wider variety. They're cost-effective for wholesale buyers who need consistent quality across large batches.

Quality candle oils have a few things in common: phthalate-free formulations, testing for wax and soap compatibility, consistent scent strength, and heat stability. Key specs include flash point (important for candles), skin-safe formulations (important for soaps), and recommended usage rates.

Our candle fragrance oils are lab-tested and safe for soy wax, paraffin, coconut wax, melt and pour soap, and cold process soap. Where applicable, we ethically source ingredients directly from African suppliers.

Why Our Candle Oils Work for Small Businesses

Wholesale Pricing Built for Business

We offer bulk sizes at competitive wholesale pricing with low minimum order quantities. You can mix and match scents to build your product line without committing to huge volumes upfront. As your business grows, volume discounts help you save even more. Our wholesale candle fragrance oils are priced so small businesses can compete.

Wide Fragrance Variety for Candles and Soaps

You'll find hundreds of options: designer-inspired scents, classic favorites, and African botanical blends. This variety helps you differentiate your candle or soap line and serve more customers. Our wholesale candle fragrances deliver a strong scent throw that customers notice. They work in multiple applications, including candles, soaps, wax melts, and craft projects, so you're not limited to one product type.

Safe, Tested, and Trusted

Every fragrance oil is phthalate-free, which matters to health-conscious customers. We lab-test for performance and safety, and we've been a trusted supplier for 25+ years. You'll get consistent quality batch after batch, and our customer support team is responsive when you need help. When you're buying bulk fragrance oils for your business, reliability matters.

Ethically Sourced, African-Rooted Options

We offer unique access to African botanical fragrance oils like baobab, marula, and frankincense. These scents come from direct sourcing relationships with African suppliers and cooperatives. You'll offer fragrances competitors don't have, and every purchase supports communities building sustainable incomes. Origin stories add value to your brand.

Using Candle Oils in Your Business

Candle Making

For making candles, the recommended fragrance load is typically 6–10% of total wax weight, depending on your wax type and desired strength. Add fragrance around 185°F for soy wax (slightly lower for paraffin). Don't skip cure time—it makes a big difference in scent throw. Our candle oils work well in soy, paraffin, coconut, and beeswax blends. Always test in small batches first to dial in your formula.

Soap Making

For soap, usage rates are typically 3–6% for both melt and pour and cold process soap. Our fragrance oils blend well without causing acceleration or separation issues. All formulations are skin-safe and phthalate-free. Test in small batches to make sure the scent strength works for your recipe.

Product Line Ideas

Think beyond single-scent products. You can create seasonal candle collections, signature soap lines, craft fair bundles, or private label opportunities. Try blending scents to make something original, or create limited editions to test customer favorites. Pair our fragrance oils with Africa Imports' other ingredients to build a complete product line. Variety helps you serve more customers and stand out in your market.

Start with Sample Sizes

Order sample sizes to test scent throw in your specific wax or soap formula before committing to bulk orders. Keep detailed notes on usage rates, performance, and customer feedback so you can replicate your best sellers. If you're selling at markets or in a shop, create a sampler display so customers can choose their favorites before buying. Testing saves money and helps you build a product line based on what actually sells.

Your Questions Answered

What's the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils for candles?

Fragrance oils are formulated specifically for candle and soap making. They're stable, deliver strong scent throw, and they're cost-effective for business use. Essential oils can be unstable in wax, expensive for wholesale production, and may not provide the scent strength you need. For candle fragrance oils used in business, fragrance oils are the practical choice.

How much fragrance oil should I use in my candles?

The typical range is 6–10% of total wax weight. It depends on your wax type (soy vs. paraffin), desired strength, and the specific fragrance you're using. Always test and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Are your candle oils safe for soap making too?

Yes, our candle oils are tested for both candle and soap applications. All formulations are skin-safe and phthalate-free. They work well in melt and pour and cold process soap. We recommend 3–6% usage rates for soap. If you need wholesale soap fragrance oil options, our collection works across both product types.

What are your wholesale minimum order quantities?

We keep minimum order quantities low at $100 for your first wholesale order, so small businesses can get started without huge upfront investments. Bulk sizes are available in gallons and larger volumes, with volume discounts as your orders grow. Our wholesale candle fragrance oils are priced to help you build your business at your own pace.

Are your fragrance oils phthalate-free?

Yes, all our fragrance oils are phthalate-free. They're lab-tested for quality and safety. This matters if you're marketing to health-conscious customers or building a clean ingredient brand. Phthalate-free formulations are better for your customers and better for your brand reputation.

Do you offer African-sourced fragrance oils?

Yes, and they're unique to Africa Imports. We offer scents like baobab, marula, and frankincense sourced directly from African suppliers and cooperatives. These origin stories add authenticity and value to your brand. You'll offer fragrances other wholesale suppliers don't carry.

How should I store bulk fragrance oils?

Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep containers sealed to prevent oxidation. Properly stored oils maintain their scent strength longer. If you're ordering in bulk, plan for storage space that keeps your inventory fresh.