What Percentage Of Essential Oils Are Used In Candles?

What percentage of essential oils are used in candles? The answer varies significantly depending on the wax type, the fragrance itself, and the manufacturer’s intention. The industry standard is 6–10%. Thompson Ferrier candles average 16–18% — more than double the norm. Here is why.

What Is Candle Fragrance Load?

Fragrance load refers to the percentage of fragrance oil relative to the total weight of the wax in a candle. It directly determines how powerfully a candle scents a room — both when burning and when unlit. As a general industry guideline, the fragrance load in a candle is typically around 6% to 8% of the total wax weight. Thompson Ferrier candles average between 16% and 18% — a deliberate choice to deliver powerful, room-filling aromas that are central to the brand’s identity.

Fragrance Load by Wax Type

Paraffin wax candles typically use a fragrance load of around 6% to 8%. For 1 pound (450 grams) of paraffin wax, that means approximately 0.96 to 1.6 ounces (27 to 45 grams) of fragrance oil. Paraffin diffuses fragrance efficiently, which is one reason it remains a preferred wax for high-performance luxury candles. Thompson Ferrier’s fragrance load of 16–18% is significantly above this standard.

Soy wax candles can hold a higher fragrance load than paraffin — typically 8% to 10% — but soy wax does not diffuse fragrance as efficiently. For 1 pound (450 grams) of soy wax, that is approximately 0.96 to 1.92 ounces (27 to 54 grams) of fragrance oil.

Beeswax candles have a natural, pleasant scent of their own, which can interfere with the intended fragrance bouquet. Many candle makers reduce essential oil usage when working with beeswax. A fragrance load of around 4% to 6% is common — approximately 0.48 to 0.96 ounces (14 to 27 grams) per pound of wax.

Why Thompson Ferrier Uses 16–18% Fragrance Load

The identity of Thompson Ferrier is built on two things: candle design and powerful fragrance. A 16–18% fragrance load is not an accident — it is the deliberate expression of a brand that believes your home deserves to be filled with fragrance, not just scented. Our candles are designed to announce themselves in a room, to linger, and to evolve over the course of a burn in a way that a 6% fragrance load simply cannot achieve.

Due to this high fragrance load, proper candle care is essential. Please refer to our candle care guide for best practices — improper burning of a high-fragrance candle can affect performance.

Explore the Thompson Ferrier collection → — and experience what a 16–18% fragrance load actually feels like in a room.

Quick Answers: Essential Oil Percentage in Candles

What is the standard percentage of fragrance oil in a candle?

The industry standard fragrance load for candles is typically 6% to 10% of the total wax weight, depending on the wax type. Paraffin wax candles generally use 6–8%, soy wax candles 8–10%, and beeswax candles 4–6%.

What percentage of fragrance does Thompson Ferrier use?

Thompson Ferrier candles average a fragrance load of 16% to 18% — more than double the industry standard. This is a deliberate choice to deliver powerful, room-filling aromas that define the brand’s identity.

Does a higher fragrance load make a better candle?

A higher fragrance load produces a stronger scent throw — both when burning and when unlit. However, it also requires proper candle care to perform correctly. Thompson Ferrier’s 16–18% fragrance load is formulated to work with our specific wax and wick combination — which is why following our candle care guidelines is important for the best experience.

Why does fragrance load vary by wax type?

Different waxes have different capacities to bind and release fragrance oil. Paraffin diffuses fragrance efficiently at lower loads. Soy can hold more fragrance but releases it more slowly. Beeswax has its own natural scent that can compete with added fragrance. The right fragrance load depends on the wax, the fragrance itself, and the intended performance of the candle.

For more on Thompson Ferrier’s approach to fragrance, read the essential oil myth, why we work with a perfumer and not a catalog, and what is ambergris and how is it used in candles.