IFRA Standards
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) publishes usage guidelines for fragrance ingredients. For candle makers:
- Candles fall under IFRA Category 12 — products not intended for skin contact that is not washed off.
- Each fragrance ingredient has a maximum use level defined by IFRA.
- Reputable fragrance oil suppliers provide IFRA compliance certificates for their products.
- Always request and review the IFRA Certificate and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for every fragrance oil used.
- When the certificate and the wax disagree, the LOWER number wins: a wax rated for 10% paired with an oil whose Category 12 limit is 8% gives you an 8% ceiling. Check each oil's certificate against your wax's maximum before finalizing a production recipe.
Maximum Fragrance Load by Wax Type
| Wax Type | Max Fragrance Load |
|---|---|
| Soy (container) | 10–12% |
| Paraffin | 10–12% |
| Coconut wax | 10–12% |
| Beeswax | 3–6% |
| Gel wax | Up to 25% (non-polar FOs only) |
| Soy (pillar) | 6–9% |
Exceeding the maximum fragrance load can cause oil seeping, increased fire risk, and paradoxically poor scent throw.
Flash Point Safety
The flash point of a fragrance oil is the temperature at which it can ignite when exposed to a flame or spark.
- Fragrance oils must have a flash point above the pouring temperature of the wax.
- Minimum recommended flash point: 170°F (76°C) for most waxes.
- Do not add fragrance oil to wax that is hotter than the oil's flash point.
- Store fragrance oils away from all heat sources.
- Always check the SDS for flash point before formulating a new blend.
Wax Melts & Wickless Products
For wickless products (wax melts, tarts), no burning occurs so flame safety does not apply. However:
- Vaporized fragrance enters the air directly — IFRA compliance is more critical, not less.
- Fragrance oils must be rated for use in warmers or diffusers.
- Keep maximum load within supplier recommendations (typically 10–12%).
Content last reviewed: April 2026
Disclaimer: This reference guide is provided for educational purposes only and summarizes publicly available information from ASTM International, the National Candle Association, and related bodies. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult the full official standards documents and a qualified regulatory professional before manufacturing candles for commercial sale.