Scent Throw 101
If you’ve ever lit a candle and wondered why it smelled amazing in the jar but barely filled the room, you’ve run into something candle folks call scent throw. It's a term we use to describe how well a candle releases fragrance—and it’s likely one of the main reasons you’ve purchased candles in the past.
At Sugarspell, we’re all about helping you get the most out of every jar, without compromising on ingredients. So let’s break down what scent throw really is, why soy candles smell a little different than paraffin ones, and how we make ours pack as much fragrance power as possible (while still being gentle on your space and your health).
Cold vs Hot Throw
Both cold and hot throw are important, and are impacted by the materials used to make the candle - and a few other factors. So what’s the difference?
- Cold throw is how your candle smells before it’s lit—when you pop off the lid and take that first, delicious dreamy sniff.
- Hot throw is how your candle smells while it’s burning—how well it fills the room with scent.
Soy vs. Paraffin: The Tradeoff
Paraffin wax is commonly used in mass-market candles because it throws scent very strongly. But there’s a catch: it’s a petroleum byproduct. That means it’s not renewable, and when burned, it can release chemicals like benzene and toluene—aka, stuff you don’t really want in the air you breathe.
Soy wax, on the other hand, is plant-based, renewable, and burns cleaner. It doesn’t always throw scent as strongly as paraffin, but we think it’s a fair trade for a candle that’s healthier for your home (and the planet). With the right balance of ingredients, soy candles *can* smell amazing—and even better than the non-natural ones, in our humble opinion!
What’s Fragrance Load?
Fragrance load is exactly what it sounds like: the amount of fragrance oil added to a candle. Too little, and you won’t smell much. Too much, and the candle won’t burn properly—and it might even become a fire hazard. In this case, more doesn’t necessarily mean a stronger-smelling candle.
At Sugarspell, we use the maximum fragrance load recommended for our scents in soy wax: 10%. We’ve found it to be the sweet spot that allows for a great hot throw and a candle that burns clean and evenly.
Quality Scents
Of course, it’s not just about how much fragrance you use—it’s also about what’s in it.
We only use premium fragrance oils that are:
- Phthalate-free
- California Prop 65 compliant
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Tested and certified by RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and IFRA (International Fragrance Association)
These organizations evaluate fragrances for safety and health impacts, so you can feel confident knowing the ingredients in your candle meet some of the strictest global safety standards. Low-quality fragrance oils—often found in very inexpensive, mass-market candles—can release irritants and even trigger headaches or migraines. Not here.
Want a Stronger-Smelling Candle?
There are a few things you can do to help boost your candle’s hot throw, like trimming your wick, choosing the right room size, and letting your candle burn long enough on the first light. Check out these tips to get the most scent out of your candles.
The Takeaway
A great candle isn’t just about smelling good in the jar. At Sugarspell, we carefully balance our ingredients to give you a cleaner candle that still delivers delicious scent payoff. Want to try one for yourself? Head to the shop and find your new favorite.