7 Best Fragrance Oils For Candles Of 2022

Creating the perfect candle is both an art and a science. While the wax, wick, and container all play important roles, it’s the fragrance oil that truly brings a candle to life. In 2022, candle makers have access to an impressive array of high-quality fragrance oils that can transform any space with their captivating scents. Whether you’re a professional candle maker or a DIY enthusiast, choosing the right fragrance oil is crucial for creating candles that deliver exceptional scent throw and customer satisfaction.

What Makes a Great Candle Fragrance Oil?

Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand what separates a good fragrance oil from a great one:

• Scent Throw: How well the fragrance projects when both cold (unlit) and hot (burning)
• Stability: How well the scent maintains its character over time
• Complexity: Layered notes that create a more sophisticated experience
• Performance: How well it blends with different wax types
• Value: Quality relative to price point

Top 7 Fragrance Oils for Candles in 2022

1. CandleScience Lavender & Chamomile

CandleScience consistently ranks as a favorite among candle makers, and their Lavender & Chamomile fragrance oil is a standout performer. This calming blend offers excellent hot and cold throw in soy wax, making it perfect for relaxation-themed candles. The fragrance combines floral lavender notes with the soothing qualities of chamomile for a balanced, therapeutic scent.

According to feedback from the r/candlemaking community, CandleScience provides “the best tutorials and educational info about candle making,” making their oils particularly accessible for beginners while maintaining professional quality.

2. Wooden Wick Co. Black Sea

For those seeking a more masculine or gender-neutral scent, Wooden Wick Co.’s Black Sea fragrance oil delivers a sophisticated blend of amber, cedar, and citrus notes. This complex fragrance performs exceptionally well in soy wax candles, offering a strong scent throw without being overwhelming.

Many candle makers report that this fragrance maintains its integrity throughout the entire burn, with no scent morphing or fading—a quality that elevates the overall candle experience.

3. Aztec Candle & Soap Supply’s Lemon Verbena

Spring and summer candle collections need bright, uplifting scents, and Aztec’s Lemon Verbena has become a 2022 favorite. This fresh, citrusy fragrance oil combines zesty lemon with herbal verbena notes for a clean, invigorating scent that performs consistently in various wax types.

This fragrance oil works particularly well for those making 100% soy wax candles, as noted in the 2022 Spring Candle Guide, offering excellent throw without requiring excessive fragrance loading.

4. Bramble Berry’s Vanilla Hazelnut

Gourmand scents continue to dominate the candle market, and Bramble Berry’s Vanilla Hazelnut fragrance oil stands out as a top performer. This rich, warm fragrance combines creamy vanilla with toasted hazelnut notes for a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

What makes this fragrance special is its ability to maintain its complexity throughout the burn, avoiding the flat, artificial quality that plagues many food-inspired scents.

5. Lone Star Candle Supply’s Sea Salt & Orchid

For a fresh, sophisticated scent that appeals to a wide audience, Lone Star’s Sea Salt & Orchid has emerged as a 2022 bestseller. This fragrance oil blends floral and aquatic notes with a touch of salt for a balanced, clean scent that works beautifully in both decorative and functional candles.

According to candle makers in online forums, this fragrance performs consistently across different wax types and offers excellent value for its price point.

6. P&J Trading Sandalwood

Woody scents have seen a resurgence in popularity, and P&J Trading’s Sandalwood fragrance oil delivers an authentic, rich aroma that’s perfect for creating spa-like or meditation candles. This oil performs particularly well in soy and coconut wax blends.

What sets this fragrance apart is its ability to create a strong presence without becoming overwhelming, making it ideal for smaller spaces or more intimate settings.

7. Nature’s Garden Snickerdoodle

Rounding out our list is Nature’s Garden Snickerdoodle, a bakery-inspired fragrance oil that has garnered rave reviews throughout 2022. This warm, cinnamon-vanilla scent creates an instantly welcoming atmosphere and performs exceptionally well in container candles.

According to discussions in r/candlemaking, this fragrance can be used at slightly higher percentages (8-10%) in soy wax without causing performance issues, making it a favorite for those seeking strong scent throw in plant-based waxes.

Fragrance Oil Loading Recommendations

Tips for Working with Fragrance Oils

To get the most out of these top-performing fragrance oils:

• Add fragrance oil at the recommended temperature for your specific wax (typically between 175-185°F for soy wax)
• Stir thoroughly for at least 2 minutes to ensure proper binding
• Allow candles to cure for at least 24-48 hours before testing
• Consider blending complementary fragrances to create signature scents
• Test each fragrance in small batches before scaling up production

Conclusion

The best fragrance oils for candles in 2022 offer a combination of excellent performance, complex scent profiles, and versatility across different wax types. Whether you prefer CandleScience for their educational resources and consistent quality or are drawn to specialty suppliers for unique scent offerings, there’s never been a better time to experiment with high-quality fragrance oils.

Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in fragrance selection, so consider testing several options to find the perfect scents for your candle line or home collection. With these seven standout fragrance oils as your starting point, you’ll be well-equipped to create candles that delight the senses and keep customers coming back for more.