Soy wax trouble shooting series - fragrance leaching out, what it is and how to prevent it?

After your Candle has fully cooled, you may occasionally see a noticeable layer of liquid on the surface, accompanied by an unusually strong scent. This phenomenon is known as fragrance leaching, seeping, or bleeding. Seeping typically occurs when too much fragrance oil is added or when the fragrance is mixed into the wax at a temperature that’s too low. To ensure the fragrance binds properly with the wax, it’s important to maintain both an appropriate fragrance load and mixing temperature. When the fragrance doesn't bind well, it can separate from the wax—rising to the surface or, in some cases, settling at the bottom of the candle.

Adjusting Your Fragrance Load

Using more fragrance oil doesn't always result in a stronger scent; in fact, it can have the opposite effect. Every wax type has a maximum fragrance load, but reaching that maximum is rarely necessary, or beneficial.

Most high-quality fragrance oils perform exceptionally well at a 6–8% fragrance load. We recommend not exceeding 10%, even if your wax claims it can hold more. Overloading can lead to poor scent throw, performance issues, and surface sweating.

If the fragrance load is too high, the flame may burn off the excess oil that couldn't properly bind with the wax, resulting in unusually heavy and dark smoke. In most cases, the maximum fragrance load isn't necessary—most scents perform well at 6–8%. Even if your wax is rated to hold more, it's best not to exceed 10%.