Scented candles bring comfort, relaxation, and mood-boosting fragrances into our homes. But before they make their way to store shelves, these candles go through a rigorous testing process to ensure they perform well, burn safely, and deliver the intended scent experience. Here’s an inside look at how scented candles are tested for quality and safety.
1. Fragrance Testing
One of the most important aspects of a scented candle is, of course, the fragrance. Before a candle is released, the scent must be carefully tested to ensure it’s strong enough, balanced, and pleasant over the life of the candle. Here’s how fragrance testing is typically done:
- Cold Scent Throw: This refers to how the candle smells when it’s not burning. A high-quality candle should have a strong cold scent throw, meaning the fragrance should be noticeable as soon as you open the lid or walk near the candle.
- Hot Scent Throw: The hot scent throw is how the candle smells when it’s lit. Candle makers will light the candle and evaluate how well the fragrance spreads throughout a room. They also check how the scent holds up over time—whether it remains consistent or fades after several hours of burning.
The fragrance is often adjusted based on these tests to ensure it creates the desired experience, whether that’s relaxation, energy, or a cozy atmosphere.
2. Burn Time Testing
Consumers expect their candles to burn for a reasonable amount of time, and manufacturers test burn time to meet these expectations. Here’s how they test it:
- Average Burn Time: To determine the average burn time, candles are lit and allowed to burn for several hours at a time. Testers record the total time the candle takes to burn down to ensure the burn time listed on the packaging is accurate. This process is repeated across multiple batches to ensure consistency.
- Even Burn: Candle testers also assess whether the candle burns evenly. A quality candle should develop a full melt pool (the melted wax at the surface) that reaches the edges of the container after a few hours of burning. An even burn prevents tunneling, which wastes wax and shortens the life of the candle.
3. Wick Testing
The wick plays a critical role in the performance of a candle. A wick that is too thick or too thin can result in poor burning, excessive smoke, or an uneven melt pool. Here’s how wicks are tested:
- Wick Size and Material: Testers will experiment with different wick sizes and materials, such as cotton, wood, or hemp, to find the ideal match for each type of wax and fragrance. A candle’s wick needs to be strong enough to create a steady flame without being too large, which can cause the candle to burn too fast.
- Flame Stability: The wick’s flame is observed to ensure it burns steadily without flickering excessively, which can create soot or an uneven burn. If the wick mushrooms (forms a carbon buildup) or burns too hot, it may need to be adjusted.
4. Wax Testing
The type of wax used in a candle affects not only the scent but also the burn time, soot production, and overall candle performance. Here’s how wax is tested:
- Melt Pool Consistency: The wax must melt evenly across the surface without leaving unmelted areas around the edges. A good wax formulation will produce a full melt pool after a few hours of burning. This ensures that the candle burns cleanly and uses up all of the wax in the container.
- Soot and Smoke: Testers check to see if the wax produces soot or smoke while burning. High-quality waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax generally burn cleaner than paraffin wax. Excessive soot can darken the glass jar and affect indoor air quality, so wax formulations are adjusted to minimize this issue.
5. Safety Testing
Safety is a top priority in candle production, and rigorous testing ensures that candles meet safety standards. Here’s what goes into safety testing:
- Overheating and Container Integrity: Candles are tested to make sure the container can withstand the heat generated by the flame without cracking or breaking. This is especially important for glass candles, as thinner glass can overheat and shatter.
- Self-Extinguishing Feature: Candles should burn down safely, and many are designed to self-extinguish once only a small amount of wax remains. This is important to prevent the wick from burning all the way to the bottom, which can overheat the container and pose a fire risk.
- Labeling and Warnings: Candles are also tested to make sure they meet regulatory requirements for labeling, including burn warnings, instructions for trimming the wick, and safe burning times. These labels help guide consumers on proper candle care and use.
6. User Testing and Feedback
In addition to lab testing, many candle manufacturers conduct user testing to gather feedback on the candle’s performance in real-world settings. Here’s how this process works:
- Blind Testing: Participants are given candles to burn in their homes without knowing the brand or specific characteristics of the candle. This helps remove any bias and allows testers to provide honest feedback about the scent, burn time, and overall experience.
- Surveys and Feedback: After burning the candle for a certain period, testers complete surveys detailing their experience. Did the candle burn evenly? Was the scent strong enough but not overpowering? Did the candle perform as expected?
User feedback helps manufacturers make adjustments to their formulas, ensuring the final product delivers a top-notch experience for consumers.
7. Environmental and Sustainability Testing
Many modern consumers are concerned with sustainability, and candle makers are responding by testing their products for eco-friendliness. Here’s what they look at:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Candle makers test for sustainable, biodegradable waxes like soy or coconut, as well as wicks made from natural, untreated materials. The goal is to minimize the environmental impact of the candle.
- Sustainable Packaging: Packaging is tested for durability, safety, and environmental impact. Reusable containers, recyclable materials, and eco-friendly packaging are becoming more common in the candle industry.
Conclusion
Behind every high-quality scented candle is a thorough testing process designed to ensure safety, performance, and customer satisfaction. From burn time and scent throw to safety features and sustainability, candles undergo a wide range of tests to meet the highest standards. The next time you light a candle, you can appreciate the careful attention and rigorous testing that went into making it just right for your home.