05/28/2026
Things I have learned, and want you to also know as you tag along this candle journey with me.
# # Marketing Scams with Big Box Stores:
1. “Triple Scented”
This marketing trick is designed to make you think the candle has “triple” the scent. The truth is, every wax has a maximum fragrance load it can safely and effectively hold. Using more than that maximum means the wax and fragrance oil may not bond properly, which can lead to poor performance and even safety risks.
2. More fragrance = stronger candle
Another misleading claim meant to manipulate buyers. Adding more fragrance oil does not automatically create a stronger candle. Every wax has a fragrance load limit, and going beyond that can overload the wax, weaken performance, suffocate the wick, and even create unstable flames.
That said, fragrance percentage *does* matter. For example, my candles may smell stronger than someone else’s because they may only use a 6% fragrance load while I use 10% - which is the maximum my wax can safely and effectively hold.
The key is balance. A properly formulated candle with the right wax, wick, and fragrance percentage will always perform better than simply dumping in more oil.
3. Double wick = stronger candle
No - this isn’t always true. The size of the jar determines how many wicks are needed for the candle to burn properly. If I have a large container of wax and only use one wick, most of that wax may never fully melt because the heat cannot distribute evenly. Using the wrong wick size, or the wrong number of wicks, can create weak-performing candles.
4. All candles are made the same
This is a very common misconception. People often think that if two makers both create coconut soy candles, they must be using the exact same ingredients and methods. That’s not true.
Most waxes may look similar. Most wicks may look similar. Most jars may look similar. But the actual wax blends, wick types, fragrance percentages, curing times, temperatures, and pouring methods can all be completely different.
Many candle makers even create their own custom wax blends because one wax may be too soft, too hard, or not perform the way they want on its own. Some makers blend fragrance oils to create signature scents you cannot find anywhere else.
There are similarities in candle making, but this is still a craft that is incredibly unique to each creator. My temperatures, fragrance percentages, wicks, oils, and methods may look similar to another maker’s - but they are still uniquely mine.
Even our environments make a difference. Humidity, temperature, storage conditions, and climate can all affect how a candle performs.
5. Candle making is easy
People often think candle making is just melting wax and pouring it into a jar. The reality is that a lot of testing goes into creating a safe and high-performing candle.
One small change like switching a wick size, changing a fragrance oil, or adjusting the pouring temperature - can completely change how a candle performs. Boiling/melting too hot will change your wax chemically and your fragrance will not bind correctly, not stirring enough, or too quickly, not reading directions and or using it by your manufacturer's instructions, sink holes, tunnelling, all those and more account for your candles. Time/temperature/and % can really mess up your candles if you are not careful.
A good candle maker spends a lot of time testing, failing, learning, retesting, and improving before a candle ever reaches a customer.
I’m still learning every single day, and that’s one of the things I love most about this craft. 🥰
