Expert: Neecie - 12/28/2006

Question
I would like to know if perfume or cologne could be used to scent a candle? Thanks for any help.

Answer
Hi Randy,
Fragrance oils (commonly referred to as FO's) for candlemaking can be purchased at many candlemaking supply shops, craft shops and specialty fragrance companies.  It is best to use oils that are specifically made for use in candles. The "potpourri refresher" oils sold commonly in grocery and drug stores are not as well suited for candlemaking and may not blend with the wax. That is the key when making candles. You want the fragrance oil to bind with your wax. The oil you use must be pure oil and have no water or alcohol base. Which most perfumes and colognes are based from. There are many fragrance suppliers that have very close duplicates of many of the popular perfumes and colognes on the market today. These "dupes" as they are called are specially formulated for candlemaking and work great.