Vegetable waxes come from plants such as soy, palm, rapeseed, coconut or rice. They are 100% natural, biodegradable. They have the advantage of having a longer and gentler combustion than mineral waxes, which allows you to enjoy your candle for longer. The diffusion of the perfume is therefore a little less powerful than with a mineral wax when the candle is lit, however they offer good diffusion of the perfume when cold, that is to say when the candle is extinguished. Vegetable waxes also have a creamy and smooth texture which gives an authentic appearance to the candle. They are suitable for poured candles, as they have good adhesion to the container. Vegetable waxes are healthy and environmentally friendly.
THE WICK
The wick is the element that lights and maintains the candle flame. It ensures the combustion of the wax and the diffusion of the perfume. There are different types of wicks: cotton, wood or linen.
Cotton wicks are the most common and are natural. They are made of braided cotton fibers. They have good strength and durability. They must be adapted to the type of wax and the diameter of the candle, to prevent the flame from being too large or too small. They must also be centered and straight, to prevent the candle from hollowing or deforming. So remember to check the centering of the wick at the time of purchase, this is not only an aesthetic subject but an important point for homogeneous and optimal combustion.
Linen or wood wicks are rarer options. They are made of woven linen fibers or wood. They have a different combustion than cotton wicks.
THE PERFUM
The fragrance is the element that gives character and personality to the candle. It is he who creates the atmosphere and the emotion that we want. There are an infinite number of perfumes, which are classified into different olfactory families: floral, fruity, woody, spicy, etc. The choice of perfume depends on individual tastes and desires, but also on the season and the occasion.
Perfumes can be described from an olfactory point of view through three impressions called “notes”: the top note, the heart note and the base note. The top note is the first impression you have when smelling the candle. It is often fresh and light, and evaporates quickly. The heart note is the heart of the perfume. It is richer and more complex, and reveals itself after a few minutes. The base note is the last impression you have when you blow out the candle. It is deeper and more persistent, and can last several hours.
A quality scented candle fragrance must meet certain criteria, including:
Composition: a quality perfume is generally composed of a mixture of natural and synthetic materials. Natural raw materials come from plants, flowers, fruits, wood, etc. Synthetic raw materials come from chemistry. They have the advantage of being more stable and more varied, but they are also less natural. It is important to control the allergenic nature of materials individually and mixed to respect the thresholds. Trust the professionals, the “noses”, to design a scent for a scented candle. Perfumery is both a fascinating art and a science whose challenge is to create unique, inspiring and chemically viable fragrances.
Concentration: this is the percentage of perfume added to the wax. The ideal concentration is between 8 and 12%. Too low a concentration makes the perfume more fleeting and less intense. Too high a concentration makes the fragrance overpowering and can harm combustion. In certain regions of the world such as East Asia, consumers prefer fairly light and subtle scents, while in other parts of the world such as the Middle East, they will prefer strong scents, often more woody and/or oriental. If you are designing a scented candle, consider adapting the fragrance concentration to the audience you want to address.
Resistance: this is the ability of the perfume to resist heat. The scent of a scented candle must be suitable for combustion, so as not to degrade or change upon contact with the flame. It is important to adapt the perfume to the support and if necessary reformulate the scented composition for use as a scented candle.
Perfumes from Grasse are particularly renowned, whether among professionals or the general public. Since the 16th century, Grasse developed the culture of rose, jasmine, tuberose and mimosa. Grasse was then home to an important leather industry; the smells emanating from the workshops encouraged the city to quickly develop a perfume industry. The perfumers of Grasse then united into a real profession and perfected extraction techniques in the 19th century. Grasse thus became the cradle of Western perfumery. In 2018, the city’s perfume know-how was listed as a UNESCO intangible world heritage site.
THE CONTAINER
How to combine aesthetics and safety?
The container is the element that gives style and elegance to the candle. It determines the visual appearance and design of the candle. There are different types of containers: glass, ceramic, metal, etc. The choice of container depends both on taste and budget, but also on safety and performance.
Be careful and make sure that the container meets these criteria:
- Heat resistance: this is a determining point for safety because the temperature of the wax on the edges of the candle can reach around a hundred degrees Celsius. Glass, metal or ceramic are particularly heat resistant. To avoid problems with overheating the container, be sure to follow the instructions described in the following article: “Scented candles: instructions for use”
- Porosity: Avoid porous materials because the wax can seep into the pores by capillary action. Certain more porous ceramics are contraindicated for scented candles.
- Quality and durability: in general, choose a quality container, which will allow you to enjoy your scented candle over time. The thickness and solidity of the container, for example, are determining points in the choice of container.
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