Soy Candles: When to Add Fragrance for Maximum Scent Throw

Whether you are a candle connoisseur or a beginner pouring your first soy wax masterpiece, one question often pops up: when is the perfect time to add fragrance oil to soy candles? Get this step wrong, and your beautiful candle might just smell like… nothing.

So, let’s settle this once and for all.

🕯️ Why Timing Matters

Fragrance oils are delicate little divas: add them too early and the scent can burn off in the heat. But if you add them too late, they won’t bind properly to the wax. The key is to find the “sweet spot”, that golden temperature window where the wax is warm enough to blend but not so hot that it destroys the scent.

🌡️ The Magic Number: 70°C (158°F)

For most soy waxes, the recommended temperature to add fragrance is around 70°C (158°F), right after the wax is fully melted and has slightly cooled down from its melting point (usually 85°C).

Here’s a quick guide:

Step Temperature Action

1. Melt wax 85°C (185°F) Use a double boiler or melting pot

2. Cool slightly 70°C (158°F) Add fragrance oil and stir for 1–2 minutes

3. Pour 60°C (140°F) For smooth tops and proper adhesion

🔁 Why Stirring Matters Too

Don’t just dump the fragrance in. You need to stir slowly and continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures the scent is evenly distributed and helps the oil bind properly to the wax molecules. Think of it like infusing tea: you need time and motion for the flavour to fully develop.

🧪 Pro Tips

• Weigh your fragrance oil: Use 8% fragrance load, meaning 8g of oil per 100g of wax. More isn’t always better because too much can cause sweating or poor burning.

• Use a thermometer: Don’t guess. A digital kitchen thermometer is your best friend for consistency.

• Know your wax: Always check the manufacturer’s recommended fragrance temp. Some soy blends behave differently.

💡 Common Mistakes

• Adding fragrance above 70°C? Poof! Scent burn-off

• Adding below 60°C? Wax is too thick to mix properly

• Skipping stirring? Uneven scent and weaker throw

• Pouring too hot? Sinkholes, frosting and sadness

👃 Hot vs Cold Throw - What Is the Difference?

• Cold throw is how your candle smells when is just sitting there, looking pretty.

• Hot throw is how it smells when lit.

Adding fragrance at the correct temp helps maximize both and that is what you want if your goal is to make noses happy.

🧘‍♀️ Final Thoughts

Making candles isn’t just craft, is a ritual. Getting the fragrance timing right turns a simple soy candle into a mood-transforming experience. Take your time, get to know your wax and always work with intention (and a good playlist).

So next time you are pouring a candle and wondering “when should I add the scent?”, remember: 70°C is your golden rule.