Let’s Unpack That Claim

If you’ve been candle-making for more than five minutes, you’ve probably come across some pretty bold claims from wax suppliers. One of the latest? A soy wax that can “hold up to 20% fragrance.” Sounds amazing, right? Twice the scent throw, twice the luxury… right? Not quite. Let’s break it down.

What “Fragrance Load” Really Means

Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil mixed into your wax, compared to the weight of the wax. Most reputable soy waxes perform beautifully at 6–10%, sometimes up to 12% if conditions are just right. This range ensures the wax binds the fragrance, burns cleanly, and gives you the best scent throw possible.

The 20% Myth

Yes, you can pour 20% fragrance oil into melted soy wax — just like you can pour an entire litre of milk into your morning coffee. But that doesn’t mean you should. Beyond 12%, the wax simply can’t bind the excess oil. What happens then?

• Sweating: Puddles of unbound fragrance oil rise to the top.

• Wick clogging: Too much oil chokes the wick, leading to tunneling or self-extinguishing candles.

• Inconsistent performance: Hot throw may actually weaken, because excess oil interferes with combustion.

• Safety concerns: Free-floating fragrance oil increases fire risk.

In short, the candle becomes unstable, unattractive, and in some cases unsafe.

Why Do Companies Make This Claim?

It’s clever marketing. “Up to 20% fragrance” sounds like their wax is more powerful or advanced than competitors. In reality, it’s like bragging your car’s petrol tank can hold 300 litres if you fill the back seat with jerry cans. Technically true, but utterly impractical.

The Reality for Candle Makers

Professional chandlers know: more isn’t always better. The quality of the wax, the compatibility of the fragrance, the wick choice, and the cure time all matter far more than trying to force in extra oil. The real “magic number” is the one that balances performance, safety, and a luxurious scent throw — and for soy wax, that’s comfortably in the 6–10% zone.

Final Thoughts

When you see suppliers advertising claims like “20% fragrance load,” take it with a grain of salt. Or better yet, with a big scoop of wax. A well-formulated candle doesn’t need inflated numbers to deliver a beautiful hot throw — it just needs balance, science, and a little bit of patience.