Why Your Candles Lose Their Scent Over Time (And How to Fix It!)

A beautifully scented candle can transform any space, but what happens when the fragrance starts to fade? Many candle makers and buyers experience the frustration of a candle that smells amazing in the jar but weakens over time. Understanding why candles lose their scent and how to prevent it will help you create long-lasting, highly fragrant candles. In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind scent loss and practical solutions to ensure your candles maintain a strong fragrance from first burn to last.

1. Why Do Candles Lose Their Scent Over Time?

There are several factors that can cause a candle to lose its fragrance. Identifying the root cause will help you make adjustments to improve scent retention.

a) Fragrance Oil Evaporation

• Over time, fragrance oils can evaporate, especially if the candle is stored improperly.

• Heat, air exposure, and prolonged storage can speed up evaporation.

b) Low-Quality or Incompatible Wax

• Not all waxes hold fragrance well. Paraffin wax tends to release scent more effectively, while some soy waxes have lower scent retention.

• Using the wrong wax-to-fragrance ratio can result in scent fading over time.

c) Poor Storage Conditions

• Storing candles in direct sunlight or warm areas can degrade fragrance oils.

• Exposure to air can allow the fragrance to dissipate faster.

d) Incorrect Fragrance Load

• If the fragrance oil percentage is too low, the scent will not last.

• Adding too much fragrance oil can also weaken the wax’s ability to hold the scent properly.

e) Curing Issues

• Candles need proper curing time to allow the wax and fragrance to bind effectively.

• Not curing for long enough can lead to weak scent throw and faster scent loss.

2. How to Prevent Your Candles from Losing Their Scent

Now that you know why scent fades, here are the best ways to keep your candles smelling strong for longer.

a) Use the Right Wax for Maximum Scent Retention

• Best waxes for strong scent throw:

  • Soy-paraffin blends (balance between natural and strong throw)

  • Coconut wax (holds fragrance well and burns cleanly)

  • Beeswax (has natural properties but can mute some fragrances)

• If using soy wax, select a high-quality blend designed for candle making.

b) Store Candles Properly

• Keep candles in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat.

• Store them in airtight containers or wrap them in plastic to reduce air exposure.

• Avoid leaving candles in humid environments, as moisture can affect wax and fragrance.

c) Optimize Fragrance Oil Load and Temperature

• Stick to the recommended fragrance oil load for your wax (typically 3-12% depending on the wax type).

• Best temperature to add fragrance oil:

  • Soy wax: 175-185°F (70-75°C)

  • Paraffin wax: 185-200°F (85-93°C)

  • Coconut wax: 170-180°F (77-82°C)

• Stir fragrance oil thoroughly for at least 2 minutes to ensure even distribution.

d) Allow Candles to Cure for Best Scent Retention

• Cure soy and coconut wax candles for 1-2 weeks before burning.

• Paraffin wax requires less curing, but letting it sit for 3-5 days can improve scent throw.

• Store curing candles in a closed box or covered area to protect from air exposure.

e) Use High-Quality Fragrance Oils

• Choose fragrance oils specifically formulated for candle making.

• Essential oils may not perform as well because they evaporate quickly and don’t bind to wax effectively.

• Avoid fragrance oils with too much carrier liquid, as they may weaken over time.

3. How to Revive a Candle That Has Lost Its Scent

If you already have a candle that’s lost its fragrance, here are a few ways to bring back its scent:

a) Warm Up the Candle

• Place the candle in a slightly warm environment (not direct heat) to reactivate the fragrance molecules.

• A heat gun can help melt the top layer of wax and release some fragrance.

b) Add More Fragrance Oil

• If possible, remelt the candle and add a small amount of fragrance oil, stirring thoroughly before repouring.

• Be sure to use a fragrance load appropriate for your wax type.

c) Use the Candle as a Wax Melt

• If the scent is too weak for burning, cut the candle into small pieces and use it in a wax warmer to maximize fragrance release.

d) Store Candles in a Closed Space with Scented Items

• Placing unscented or weak-scented candles in a box with fresh scented items (like wax melts or essential oil-infused cotton balls) can sometimes help absorb fragrance.

4. The Science Behind Cold Throw vs. Hot Throw

Understanding how candles release fragrance can help you troubleshoot scent loss issues.

Cold Throw (Scent Before Burning)

• Cold throw refers to how strong the candle smells before lighting.

• Factors that improve cold throw:

  • High-quality fragrance oils

  • Proper curing time

  • Correct fragrance oil percentage

Hot Throw (Scent While Burning)

• Hot throw is how well the scent disperses when the candle is burning.

• Factors that improve hot throw:

  • Correct wick size (to create an even melt pool)

  • Full melt pool formation (1 hour per inch of candle diameter)

  • Using wicks suited for your wax type

Keep Your Candles Smelling Amazing for Longer

Scent fading is a common issue, but with the right wax, fragrance oils, storage, and curing process, you can ensure your candles maintain their fragrance over time. Whether you’re making candles for personal use or selling them, mastering scent retention is key to producing high-quality products that customers love.

In my Candle Making Course, I teach the best techniques for maximizing scent throw, choosing the best materials, and troubleshooting common candle-making problems. I also provide a complete list of trusted suppliers where you can get high-quality waxes, fragrance oils, and wicks at the best prices.

Want to create long-lasting, beautifully scented candles? Join my Candle-Making Course (click here) and start making high-quality candles today!

Happy candle making!