Our Top 10 Fragrance Oils for Wax Melts

Wax melts continue to grow in popularity thanks to their rich, long-lasting aroma, ease of use and versatility. Safer, cheaper and easier to make than scented candles, wax melts have become a must-have item in the home, and their popularity is not slowing down. Before diving into our favourite wax melt fragrance oils, let’s look at what wax melts are and how you can make them at home.

What is a wax melt?

A wax melt is simply a solid and scented piece of wax. A safer alternative to heating oils or using candles, wax melts are warmed in a tea light or electric burner until they melt and release their beautiful aromas. Once you remove the heat source, the wax solidifies again, sealing the fragrance oils back in, ready for next time. Wax melts react to heat much more slowly than candles, allowing for longer-lasting scents and lingering aromas, even when they have gone cold.

Wax melts come in many shapes, colours and sizes and make fabulous homemade gifts.

How long does a wax melt last?

Wax melt longevity is all dependent on size and shape. As a guide, the size of two ice cubes could allow for 8 to 12 hours of fragrance. You will know when to replace your wax melt when you can no longer smell its scent. Unlike a candle, your wax will never disappear; it will solidify when removed from heat, ready for you to use once more. Instead, the strength of the aromas will gradually reduce each time you melt the wax.

How to make wax melts

While there are plenty of places to buy wax melts, making your own is far more fun and lets you control how they smell. Making wax melts is also super simple, yet the result is an impressive gift that your friends and family will love. You could even try selling them at craft markets or in your local gift shop.

What you need:

• Candle wax
• Candle dye
• Fragrance oils
• Clamshells or moulds (depending on what size or shape you are looking for). Clamshells are an excellent place to start if you are a beginner
• A large saucepan
• A glass cooking bowl
• A hob or heat source for melting the wax
• Measuring jug
• Thermometer
• Weighing scales

Instructions to make wax melts:

1. Prepare a clear space and have your clamshells or moulds open and ready to be filled. Make sure any surfaces are protected from unexpected spillages. Because you will need an oven or heat source, the kitchen is the best place to make wax melts.

2. Weigh your wax. Most moulds or clamshells tell you how much wax they can hold. For example, our 5-box cavity snap bar clamshells hold approximately 50g of wax, so simply plan how many you want to make and weigh the wax accordingly.

3. Heat the wax. Half fill the saucepan with water, then put the wax in a glass bowl and sit it in the pan (making sure the top is well clear of the water). Heat the water over a medium temperature until the wax has fully melted. Important: do not exceed 80℃ and heat for only 15 minutes maximum. Use your thermometer to keep monitoring the temperature.

4. Add the dye. When your wax has reached 70℃, add your candle dye, stirring gently until the colour is evenly distributed. Not sure about the amount? Use 0.2% of the weight of your wax. For example, 5kg of wax will require a 10g bag of dye. Important: when using liquid dyes, use a few drops at a time to get the desired colour.

5. Add the fragrance. Take your wax off the heat, checking the temperature regularly. Only add the fragrance oil once your wax has cooled to 65℃. Continue to stir the wax whilst pouring in your fragrance oil. As a rule of thumb, we recommend 5-10% of fragrance oil to your wax. Therefore, using up to 5g of fragrance oil in 50g of wax should give you a beautiful and balanced aroma.

6. Pour into the moulds. Pour your wax out of the container and into your pouring jug. Carefully transfer the wax from the jug to your moulds (make sure the temperature of the wax is between 60-65℃. Close the moulds and set them in a cool dark place for a few hours. If you have the patience to wait, a few weeks will allow them to fully ‘cure’; although not essential, this will allow for a more powerful aroma.

Our top 10 fragrance oils for wax melts

Here are some of our favourite oils to use when creating the best-smelling wax melts.

Fresh Linen Fragrance Oil – we just love the feel and smells of climbing into bed with fresh, clean bedding. Replicate that pleasure with our Fresh Linen Fragrance Oil which will lift the room with its combination of citrus, floral and musky tones.

Vanilla Fragrance Oil – rich, creamy and inviting, vanilla is a popular choice for homemade wax melts. It offers calming and evocative qualities – a great choice all around the home.

Christmas Spice Fragrance Oil – we all love the smells the festive season brings. With aromas of clove, vanilla and plum, our Christmas Spice brings a sense of seasonal fun and comfort on those dark, cold evenings.

Baby Powder Fragrance Oil – this gentle floral aroma will leave you feeling nostalgic and comforted. Baby Poweder fragrance oil is distinctive, familiar and a great choice for those who love sweet aromas!

Rose Fragrance Oil – this fragrance oil is a must-have at home for the classic smell of summer. Popular with aromatherapists and beauty product crafters, our Rose Fragrance Oil is sweet and floral with a touch of freshly cut grass.

Coconut Fragrance Oil – another summer favourite, the beautiful aroma of coconut instantly transports you to a place of tranquillity and tropical beauty. An excellent choice for boosting your energy after a long day.

Parma Violet Fragrance Oil – for those who remember and love the classic parma violet sweets, this fragrance is a perfect take on the retro classic. This sweet and fun aroma will bring a smile to anyone who enters your home and is a real talking point.

Pear and Freesia Fragrance Oil – this wonderfully refreshing fragrance is an excellent choice for your morning wax melts. It will instantly uplift your mood with its fresh fruity and floral notes; perfect for a self-care day.

Sea Spray Fragrance Oil – this revitalising fragrance oil is packed full of ingredients which combine to make a very appealing aroma. Enjoy bursts of citrus, beautiful florals and a base of woody scents. Just close your eyes, breathe in and transport yourself to a coastal paradise.

Mint and White Jasmine Fragrance Oil – this powerful duo work in harmony to create a vibrant fragrance you won’t be able to resist. The freshness and bite of mint combined with floaty and calming white jasmine blend to create an aroma which is beautiful throughout the home, particularly in areas where you like to relax.

Follow the link to discover more of our recommended fragrance oils for wax melts.

Remember, the creation of wax melts is an exploratory process. Through trial and error with various waxes, dyes and fragrances, you’ll find the perfect combinations for your homemade products…and have fun doing it! So start small and simple, until you find the right recipe for you.