How I Test New Wax Melts | Re-Thinking my Fragrance Oil %🤔

I've been doing a lot of testing of my wax melts. In this strange video I start with sharing one way of testing and then mid video I decide to change everything up! I am always trying to make better business decisions and this is one of those times that I just felt the way I was going about making wax melts needed to be rethought. Thank you for sticking with me on this journey!
I learn from other - and one of those others is Jeff Standley :
/ @standleyhandcrafted
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TIMECODES:
00:00 Testing Wax Melts | Re-Thinking my Fragrance Oil %
04:00 Discussing Wax Heat
06:00 Making Testers
14:08 How to Test
16:40 Changing my FO% Load
21:20 Final Thoughts| Thank you For Watching

[@IDreamInSoap]

I think overusing products is so common in soapmaking/cosmetics. It must be one of the few industries where people try to put as much of something in as they can, which is mad because of costs. Fragrance oils are a typical example you rarely (I could go as far as to say never) see a soapmaker in the US using below 5 or 6% fragrance oil (ignoring those with lower IFRA limits) in the UK we are restricted to a maximum of 3% This worried me initially but, I sell a lot of soap to the US and always get comments on how wonderful they smell, also I have bought/used quite a lot of soap from a variety of US soapmakers and honestly there is rarely any difference, certainly not enough to notice the lower amount of FO we are restricted to in the UK. So I think people just bung it in without thinking, increasing costs unnecessarily. You are right to take this approach and think about your testing this way, especially when FO is typically the most expensive ingredient. I think a lot of people will get a huge shock when the IFRA 49th amendments come into force, so many fragrance oil safe usage rates are dropping significantly. I wonder how many people will check these and adjust accordingly.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you for your comment Lisa!. I agree, I think the US makers are going to ignore the new IFRA amendments. I've always seen comments on reviews on soap of FOs that are not skin safe. I am currently going thru my FO collection to see what the new rates may be and to determine if I need to loose any of those FOs that are on my shelf...(Black Sea no longer being skin safe is such a bummer! 😂) - at least it makes a great wax melt! I've heard you mention your 3 % maximum requirement and have wondered how that works out for you, I admit I have always been a bit leery of going below 5%, it is good to know that you are getting good outcomes with that. I may have to rethink my 5% usage!😃

[@JessieHawkins]

😂 I would totally watch you for 30 min or more. You are so relatable and you always make me giggle along with you. I’ve been in the same boat for fragrance load and testing with my wax melts. It’s definitely been a process!! 🤗

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Oh thank you! You are so sweet to say that! I'm glad to know you giggle with me, I feel like that is all I do in some of my videos 😂😂😂

[@comejourniwithme1559]

I absolutely adore ur authentic energy! Please keep being real & raw & organic! It’s totally refreshing😊

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you so much!! that is very sweet of you! 🤗

[@getsmart99]

Just love watching your videos ..you come across as a happy cheerful person..perfect..don't get hung up about how long the videos are you do a great job and by the way I just love the way you brought your lovely granddaughter along for the ride the other day she was great..thx

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Yay! Thank you Jo! I'm happy to hear I am not totally turning people off by my talking too much LOL! ...wasn't she cute?! I loved that she got silly during the video and wasn't totally shy ♥😄

[@mamamiablambia]

You are adorable! lol I enjoyed finding your channel and will continue to watch you and how real you are! Thank you for sharing. I'm a newbie and so confused but working through it!

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate you comment and for watching! I'm here to help in any way!!

[@bellabug2000]

You are such a precious soul! I learn from you and hope to grow my business as well.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Aww thank you so much Elisa! I'm happy that I can help you in any small way! I wish to the very best with your business! 💖

[@donnaschneider2395]

I could watch you for a hour. Your very informative. Thanks for sharing

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

So nice of you to say so Donna! Thank you 🤗

[@dawnscott4127]

😂 you’re lovely, you cheer me up! I’m at the beginning of my wax melt journey, so I’m very pleased to have found your channel 😊

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you so much Dawn! I appreciate your sweet comment ~ Good luck with your new journey!! 🤗

[@NaturalMackie]

I love your sincerity. I actually would watch a 30 min video. I like the chit chat and have videos on as I work. Thank you for sharing your journey, your craft and for your cheerful spirit. I hope to be doing what you do and charting my own destiny one day soon.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I appreciate that so much!! I wish you the best in your adventures of doing what you love! 💞

[@handcraftedbyhelen1963]

You dont need to worry about the length of your videos, I would happily watch 30 minutes or more, you have so much useful information in them. I too think a lot about fragrance load, as in most products the fragrance is the most expensive component, so anywhere we can save by adding less, without affecting the end result, after all that's why our customers buy our products, because they smell nice, is a good thing for our business. In candles sometimes the hot throw is better when you put a slightly less percentage of FO.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you Helen! I appreciate you kind words. I don't make a lot of candles but it is something I am learning about, less FO goes against what we think should be the case doesn't it! 😊

[@hopecarpintino6114]

Actually I enjoy listening to you. Don’t ever stop!! Thank you for your videos.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

aww, thanks so much Hope!!

[@grandiesgarden175]

Thanks for the info!

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Any time!😊

[@cstillings]

I absolutely love Beachwood and combined with Vetiver is amazing 😊

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I love, love Beachwood!....Vetiver is the worst! LOL - I just can't stand it. I have tried it with a few, (not beachwood) it was a no-go for me!😆

[@MommaJ]

I have learned a lot about candles from him. I also was adding way to much fragrance to my melts and candles since watching him I now at 8-9% load and they smell better than when I did with all the extra.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Isn't that crazy?!?! Less can be more. I may need to try that with my candles - I am using 10% with them and if I am not getting a strong hot throw I call them no good...I need to try them at 8% and see what happens. Thanks for this comment Maureen - You reminded me of this and got me thinking again! 💖💖💖

[@melindaduncan3073]

I make candles and I noticed that the candles that I put 8% FO vs 10%, the 8% has a much better hot throw. More is not always better.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thanks Melinda - I think with my candles I am going to start at 8% and go from there.😃

[@cherylmeehan6915]

Let me interrupt this broadcast ... LOL! I test fragrances in my enclosed 2-car garage for several reasons: 1. There are no drafts, no AC, no heat, etc. The air is "still". 2. When I enter the garage from the kitchen to check progress, I have not been "nose blinded" by smelling the fragrance in the house already and can really get a true idea of the scent strength. 3. I test all the fragrances in the same environment so it is easy to compare them. I agree it's always important to re-evaluate what you've been doing and keep moving forward - Love how you share your journey.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Cheryl, The garage is a great idea! How many "cubes" would you say you used to test in that space? Customer expectations in different spaces always throws me. I would think 2-3 for that space...but that is me and someone else may think only 1 should be enough. I'm going to move a burner out there and see how that works! I agree the nose blind thing gets me and makes me question myself! You're great!! Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions! Love it!☺

[@cherylmeehan6915]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique I would use 2 cubes, but I think that 1 would even work (especially with your 13% ones). It's surprising how much stronger they smell when you walk into a space with a "fresh" nose :)

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

@@cherylmeehan6915 I'm going to try this soon - we are in the process of cleaning out our very messy garage and when we are done I am going to have a spot for a burner!!

[@ElsasPet]

I think you are lovely and I did enjoy watching. I'm just starting with wax melts so I'm trying to learn what's what. Finding fragrance is something that I'm having trouble with, i don't want to buy something and find it's gross. I don't know how people know what top, middle or base notes are!

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I think that knowing the top, middle and base notes is just something that will come with practice and smelling hundreds and hundreds of fragrances LOL How to know which ones to buy is trial and error - start small is the first thing I can say. I threw out so many that had gotten old because it is cheaper per ounce to buy a 16 oz than a 1 oz - yep cheaper until you have 12-16 oz of gross fragrance that you can't use 😆 Candle Science and the Flaming Candle and then Midwest Fragrance are my top 3 to purchase from.

[@cathycooper922]

Are you happy with the hot throw with Pro Blend 650? What percentage FO please! What is your cure time please? With thanks!!

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Hi Cathy, I am happy with the Pro Blend - but I have started adding about 10% IGI 4625 to help with the release from the melters. This has helped a bunch. My FO percentage is staying right at 10% - if the FO doesn't work at that I drop it. And I cure for about 2 or 3 days. Wax melts are not like candles and do not usually need a long cure time. Hope that helps and good luck!!

[@suebridger9805]

Thanks again for another great video. Yes, please do a video on making your labels. I use the free version of Canva and struggle with it sometimes.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Will do! I need to figure out my web cam a bit more and then I will do one! If there is anything in particular you want me to touch on let me know and I will include it!

[@oscarsmom9733]

I always heat my pour off containers. I totally thought that was common practice.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I don't think I'm that clever LOL

[@petedigiacomo2445]

Love your video…. Maybe I forgot it. But how much fragrance do you add for melts? Can you add more than normal?

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Hi Pete, thank you! - I currently use about 10%, I won't go above that for the most part. You can add more than the recommended amount (given by the manufacture) usually as long as it is a wax melt and not a candle. I used to go up to about 13% but found the cost of doing so was not worth it.

[@petedigiacomo2445]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique thank you 🙏 that really helped

[@jillcentala7097]

I’m new to your channel and to making wax melts, and I’ve been watching and learning so much from you. What percentage did you end up with with the best throw? I’m using 6006 wax right now and at 10%. I’m not getting a very good hot throw. I used to use Scentsy which is why I’ve tried to start making my own melts because at $6 a bar I thought I could do better on my own. The only problem is they are not nearly as strong as what Scentsy bars were for me. I’m testing out a couple at 15% to see if that makes a difference but I don’t want to waste oils either. Any help would be appreciated! Also, I’m letting them “cure” abt 3 days before I melt them.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Hi Jill! I hope I can help you! For me, I did not like the 6006 wax. I just never felt like I got a good hot throw with it no matter what I tried. I really have liked the ProBlend 650 from the Flaming Candle. Natures Garden has one that is suppose to be close to identical but I haven't tried that. For me, I refuse to go above 10% in my line. I have just found it doesn't make financial sense to do so. The only time I will go over that is if I have a fo that I can't use in soap or other bath and body products and I don't get a good hot throw at 10% - I will go up to 12 or 13% just to use it up. But after that I won't purchase it again. Another thing you have to understand is Scentsy spends hundreds of thousands of dollars every year developing their scents. There is absolutely no way to compete with the scent throw they can achieve. I had to really fight to control my expectations and to stop comparing my melts to theirs. I hope you can do the same, it will allow you to enjoy your products so much more! Please let me know if I can further help you in any way!!

[@jillcentala7097]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique thank you so much! I will definitely try a different wax then. Maybe I can use the rest of my 6006 for smaller spaces or would adding another wax to it help so I can use it up? I’m only 30 minutes from Lonestar Candle and I’m hoping to start getting wax from there to save on shipping. Thanks for the info on Scentsy, it really helps. I’m having fun making my own and don’t want to be disappointed so I agree with not having that comparison.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

@@jillcentala7097 one thing you can do to use up wax you don't want to use (as long as you don't have a TON of it LOL) is to make little embeds with it. If you are into that sort of thing. I'll sometimes make little coffee bean wax embeds for coffee soap, or a small berry embed, or flower. OOOORRRR if you use like to drizzle colors on top to make them pretty you can heat up just an ounce at a time to color a different color and use as drizzle. Or simply use it up with a fragrance oil or two that you felt worked out ok. 💚

[@jillcentala7097]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique I will definitely try that thank you!

[@Sweetness-ub2ur]

Hi know this video is over a year old however trying to find companies that sells fragrances at an affordable is a bit of a challenge. Where do you purchase your fragrances ?

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Hi Jennifer, yes this is such an issue. The companies I used to buy from I no longer can afford (Brambleberry and Wholesale Supplies Plus) - I get most of my fragrances from Midwest Fragrance, Candle Science and Flaming Candle. I also get some from Nature's Garden, they are probably the lowest cost option and have some really good ones. Good Luck!

[@danid8098]

I love watching you

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you so much Dani D! I appreciate your saying so! 😃

[@ksenia75]

hello!I have a problem with my wax melts can you help me?I use hard vegan soy and my melts after 15-20 minutes smells oily and lose sent

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

How many scents have you tried. I find that I have fails about 60-70% of the time. I just tested one that was so strong in its cold throw but was a total no-go when burning. I also had a wax melt that when burning was such a lovely scent, not very strong but so nice as a "not in your face" background scent that it is going in my line. I had a lot of trouble getting a good throw with 100% soy so that is when I moved to para soy. I personally do not believe the fear talk that goes on with paraffin but I know a lot of people don't want to use it. Lastly, I feel that comparing our wax melts to bath and body or scentsy is just setting us up for fails. They spends thousands upon thousands of $$ to get their scents super strong. Once I came to terms with that it took a lot of pressure off me. Most customers understand this I think. I hope that helps a little!!

[@ksenia75]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique thanks so much for your answer but I think I'm doing something wrong with the temperature that I'm adding the fragrance my wax has melting point 70 and pouring 75.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

@@ksenia75 Gotcha. What does your manufacturer say to melt to? You want to really follow what it states to heat to and what temp to add fo. I don't think the pour temp is too important for melts. I assume you are using Celsius. My wax states to melt to 180-185f but it will be melted at 160 so I have to keep heating to that temp. Don't believe the talk about adding fo at a really low temp. You actually have to add the fo at a high enough wax temp or it will not bind. I usually will add mine at 180ish as that is what the website states to do. Then I pour at 165 or so. If you are doing all that and have tested a fair amount of scents, I would then look to where you are getting your scents from and then where are you getting your wax from. Are they good suppliers?

[@divabarrie08]

What brand of wax did you use.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I use the Flaming Candle ProBlend 650 - but I Have just recently started adding a bit more paraffin to this to try to help with the removal of the wax from the burner. www.theflamingcandle.com/candle-wax/paraffin-soy-blend/problend-650-para-soy-votive-and-tart-wax-case/

[@yesssvibez6447]

May I ask what wax did you use for this video ?

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Sure! I used ProBlend 650 from the Flaming Candle

[@eliNostalgica]

Thank to you I just saved $89 on the warmer pot omg I have it in my car lol Thank you Thank you thank you 😊

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

YAY!!! You are so welcome! 😃

[@katelyngwynn466]

Where did u get the sandalwood rose?

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I got this one from the Flaming Candle - thanks for watching!!🤗

[@grandiesgarden175]

Lol 22 minutes and 4 wardrorb changes! It's a fine amount of time. God Bless

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

😂 yep, welcome to my crazy channel 😂😂

[@jenyhomestuff]

Try to heat the tin with a heat gun, then pour the wax. Erica from Memory Box Candle, she said to test them realistic, like over food smells, etc. I would put at least 3 cubes for your big area. She has a really good video about wax melts, from a few yrs ago. She tested 3 waxes, including her's. She discovered that she can use less percentage than what she is adding now. 10/19/23. 😉

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

thanks for that feedback - I will try to search out her video on wax melts - I pretty much have started using 4 (3 in my large one and 1 across the room in a small one) I guess consistency is the key for these subjective tests.

[@ItsJessie915]

yes please show us your labels and how you do them please

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

coming soon Jess!! Thanks so much for watching!💖

[@ItsJessie915]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique your welcome

[@barbr316]

What kind of wax did you use

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

I use Problend 650 with a bit of paraffin blended. I get the Problend from the Flaming Candle

[@sensesandmore420]

Subscribed! Hehe

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Yay! Thank you!😍

[@sensesandmore420]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique You are very welcome 😍

[@k3lzzm.502]

Lol hahaha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm laughing because I do the same thing when I really like one of my fos I act like I can't use it it drives me crazy 😂. Jeeze I'm happy to know I am not the only one lol.

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

hah, yep it totally makes zero sense for us to do that doesn't it? I'm glad I'm not alone too!! 😂💖

[@kalaimagalkurusamypillai4903]

I am usung 16 percent it works for me for frangrance oil but essential oil itu 12 percent

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Hi, yes 16% can be fine since it is a melt and not a candle - but I think the point of this was understanding that more is not always better and it jacks up your cost so much that the profit margin is not as good as it could be.

[@tinkabell39]

You are Goofy, cute and Beautiful..Godbless you, I too am in the middle of of testing the wax melts I make.. Subscribed btw..I will Subscribe from my other my business channel too! 😊

[@WalnutCreekBathBoutique]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that! and good luck with your testing! 💕

[@tinkabell39]

@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique Thank you so much 🥰