How to Make Candles with Fragrance Oils

Candles do more than light a room—they create an atmosphere. Whether it’s calming, romantic, or energizing, the right fragrance turns a candle into an experience. At Legacy Essence, we know that fragrance oils aren’t just for perfume—they’re also perfect for DIY projects like candle-making.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing fragrance oils and how to make your own candles at home.

Why Use Our Fragrance Oils in Candles?

• Variety: From florals to citrus to musks, fragrance oils offer endless scent options.

• Strength: They’re designed to be long-lasting, filling your space with fragrance.

• Versatility: Many fragrance oils work beautifully in candles, soaps, and other crafts.

• Long-Lasting Aroma: Designed to hold scent longer than essential oils.

• Endless Options: From floral to woody, sweet to citrusy.

• Affordable Luxury: Elevates your DIY projects without breaking the bank.

Quick DIY: How to Make Candles with Fragrance Oils

Before you start melting anything, take a few minutes to set up your workspace properly. This makes the whole process smoother and safer.

• Cover your work surface with newspaper or parchment paper. Hot wax can be tricky to clean up, and you'll thank yourself later for this simple step. 
• Make sure you have good ventilation by opening a window or turning on a fan.
• Keep paper towels and cleaning supplies within reach. 
• Have a designated spot for your hot pot or double boiler where it won't get knocked over. 
• Organize all your supplies so you're not scrambling to find something while working with hot wax.
• Safety is key when making DIY scented candles. Never leave melting wax unattended, and always use a thermometer to monitor temperatures.
• Keep pets and children away from your workspace while you're working.

Supplies You'll Need:

• Soy wax flakes (clean burning, beginner-friendly)

• Candle wicks (cotton or wood)

• Heat-safe glass jars or tins

• A double boiler (or heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water)

• Thermometer

• Legacy Essence Fragrance Oils (pick your favorite scent)

Step-by-Step Instructions: 

Melt the Wax
Place soy wax flakes in a double boiler and melt until smooth.

To set up your double boiler, place a heat-safe container into a pot with a few inches of water. Heat the water gently until it reaches a simmer—there’s no need for a rolling boil.

Add the wax to the top container and allow it to melt gradually. Aim for the following target melting temperatures based on your wax type:

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

Occasionally stir the wax with a wooden spoon, but take your time—melting the wax slowly helps achieve better, more consistent results.

Add Fragrance Oil
Remove the melted wax from the heat and allow it to cool to approximately 135–145°F. Once it reaches the ideal temperature, add fragrance oil—roughly 1 ounce per pound of wax for a strong, aromatic scent. Stir gently to combine.

Prepare Your Jar
Place the wick at the center of the jar and secure it with a wick holder or a clothespin to keep it upright and steady.

Adding fragrance oil at the right temperature is crucial for creating candles that release a pleasant aroma when lit. If the wax is too hot, the fragrance may evaporate or lose its potency. Let the wax cool slightly before incorporating the oil.

As a general rule, use around 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. You can adjust this ratio depending on how strong or subtle you want the scent to be. Pour the fragrance oil slowly while stirring continuously for 30 to 60 seconds to ensure it blends thoroughly.

For more sophisticated aromas, consider layering fragrances by combining top, middle, and base notes. For instance, you could pair citrus (top), floral (middle), and vanilla (base) oils to create a unique and well-rounded scent profile.

Pour the Wax

Gently pour the scented wax into the jar, leaving about half an inch of space at the top for the best results.

Allow the wax to cool to approximately 140°F before pouring. This ideal temperature minimizes sinkholes and ensures a smooth, polished finish.

Secure your wick in the center of the container using a wick holder or tape it to a pencil balanced across the jar's rim. Pour the wax slowly and steadily to prevent air bubbles, keeping the top of the container free by about half an inch.

Let It Set

Allow your candles to cool undisturbed for 24–48 hours before their first burn. Always trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting.

Let the candles cool naturally at room temperature. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator, as this can lead to surface cracks or frosting.

After 24 hours, your candles should be fully set. If you notice any dips or sinkholes near the wick, simply melt a small amount of leftover wax and carefully pour it over the surface to even it out.

Bonus tip: Let your finished candles cure for 3-7 days before burning them. This curing time allows the fragrance oil to fully bind with the wax, giving you a stronger scent throw when you finally light your candle.

Can I Sell the Candles I Make?

Absolutely! Many thriving small businesses began with someone crafting candles in their kitchen. If you're considering selling your homemade candles, here are some popular places to start:

• Farmers markets and craft fairs
• Online marketplaces like Etsy
• Local boutique shops
• Holiday markets and seasonal events

Planning to turn your candle-making hobby into a business? Using wholesale fragrance oils is a smart way to keep costs down while maintaining high-quality products. Buying in bulk also helps ensure consistency across your entire product line, which is essential for building a strong brand.

Before diving in, take time to familiarize yourself with local regulations for selling handmade products. Additionally, keep detailed records of your ingredients and production processes—this will not only help with quality control but also ensure customer safety.

Best Legacy Essence Oils for Candle Making

• Lavender: Calming and perfect for relaxation.

• Citrus Blend: Energizing and bright.

• Amber & Musk: Warm, cozy, and luxurious.

👉 Shop our Fragrance Oils to start crafting your own candles at home.

Making candles at home is simple, fun, and deeply rewarding. With just a few supplies and your favorite Legacy Essence oils, you can create candles that reflect your personality and bring luxury into every room.

✨ Whether you’re making them as gifts, for your home, or even to sell, fragrance oils make every candle unique and unforgettable.

👉 Explore Our Oils and start crafting your own signature candles today.