Home Fragrance Glossary: Essential Terms & Definitions

Welcome to our Home Fragrance Glossary—the definitive resource for anyone serious about understanding the art and science of home fragrance. In this carefully curated glossary, we break down every important term. So whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just beginning your journey, you can quickly grasp the important details of candle making, wax melts, reed diffusers, and much more.

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Absorbency Rating

A measure indicating how effectively diffuser reeds absorb fragrance oil, influencing the rate of scent dispersal.

Additive

Chemical compounds added to wax or fragrance formulations to enhance performance, improve texture, or extend shelf life.

Air Freshener

A product engineered to neutralise odours and impart a pleasant scent throughout indoor spaces.

Alloy Wax

A specially engineered blend of various waxes used in wax melts to optimise melting behaviour and enhance scent throw.

Amber Note

A warm, resinous aroma with subtle hints of vanilla and earth that adds depth and richness to fragrance blends.

Aroma

The overall scent perceived from a product that contributes to its emotional and sensory impact.

Aromatherapy

The practice of using natural extracts and essential oils via scent to promote emotional and physical well-being.

Atomiser

A device that disperses liquids into a fine mist—often used in room sprays for even fragrance distribution.

Auto-Extinguishment

A safety feature in some fragranced products where the flame automatically shuts off under certain conditions.

Base Note

The underlying, long-lasting component of a fragrance that provides depth and serves as the foundation of the scent.

Batch Consistency

Ensuring that every candle produced in a single batch exhibits uniform burn quality, colour, and fragrance intensity.

Beeswax

A natural wax produced by bees, valued for its clean-burning qualities and subtle, honey-like aroma.

Bergamot

A citrus-derived note recognised for its bright, uplifting scent, commonly used in high-quality fragrance blends.

Biphasic Candle

A candle featuring two distinct layers—typically combining a solid wax phase with a liquid phase—to create a unique visual and scent experience.

Blending

The artful process of mixing various fragrance oils or ingredients to craft a harmonious scent profile.

Bonding Agent

An additive that enhances the adhesion among wax components, pigments, and dyes in candle and wax melt formulations.

Bottle Aesthetics

The visual design and overall appearance of a diffuser’s container, which reinforces brand identity and enhances the user experience.

Burn Testing

A rigorous evaluation process checking factors such as burn time, melt pool formation, and soot production to assess a candle’s performance.

Burn Time

The duration a candle remains lit, influenced by formulation, wick type, and ambient conditions.

Candle

A wax-based product with an embedded wick that produces light and disperses fragrance when burned.

Candle Dye

Pigmented additives used in candle making to impart vibrant, evenly distributed colour throughout the wax.

Candle Moulding

The process of pouring molten wax into pre-formed moulds to shape candles in various sizes and creative designs.

Candle Pouring Station

A dedicated, organised workspace equipped with the necessary tools and safety measures for efficiently pouring and setting candles.

Candle Snuffer

A tool used to extinguish a candle’s flame safely without disturbing the wax or creating excessive smoke.

Candle Stability Test

Quality assurance procedures performed to evaluate a candle’s structural integrity and consistent burn performance over time.

Candle Wick Centering

The technique of positioning the wick precisely at the centre of a candle to ensure an even burn and proper melt pool formation.

Clean Burn

A descriptor for a candle that burns efficiently with minimal soot or smoke, ensuring a pristine flame and improved indoor air quality.

Cold Throw

The aroma a candle emits when unlit, offering a preview of its fragrance without the influence of heat.

Combustion

The chemical reaction between wax and oxygen that produces flame, heat, and light.

Container Candle

A candle poured into a decorative container, which adds both safety and enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Cooling Phase

The critical period after pouring during which a candle cools and solidifies, affecting its texture, appearance, and fragrance retention.

Craftsmanship

The skilled artistry and attention to detail applied in creating high-quality, artisanal home fragrance products.

Cube Melt

A wax melt shaped into a cube that’s designed for a controlled, gradual release of fragrance when heated in a warmer.

Curing

The period after a candle is poured during which the wax and fragrance settle, enhancing scent throw and overall performance.

Diffuser

A device designed to continuously disperse essential or fragrance oils into the air for a consistent aroma.

Diffuser Base

The foundational liquid—typically a blend of carrier and fragrance oils—in reed diffusers formulated for efficient scent distribution.

Diffuser Cap

A cover fitted onto a reed diffuser bottle that helps regulate evaporation when the device is not in active use.

Diffuser Clarity

An indicator of the purity and transparency of the diffuser liquid, often reflective of high formulation quality.

Diffuser Customisation

Options available for tailoring a reed diffuser to personal preferences, such as adjusting fragrance intensity or reed layout.

Diffuser Longevity

The period over which a reed diffuser maintains effective fragrance output before the gradual evaporation of the oil.

Diffuser Refill Volume

The total capacity of fragrance oil that a diffuser container can hold, which helps guide replacement frequency and usage expectations.

Diffuser Reeds Replacement

The routine process of swapping out saturated reeds in a diffuser to restore optimal oil absorption and scent dispersion.

Diffuser Saturation

The state at which the diffuser’s reeds become fully soaked with oil, influencing the consistency and strength of the fragrance.

Diffusion

The process by which fragrance molecules spread evenly throughout a room, ensuring a balanced aroma.

Decorative Elements

Visual or tactile features incorporated into home fragrance products—like coloured wax or artistic containers—that elevate their overall appearance.

Dripless

A quality of high-quality candles that prevents unwanted wax drips during use, keeping surfaces clean and the product looking neat.

Emulsifier

An agent that helps combine ingredients that normally do not mix, ensuring uniform fragrance distribution in a product.

Essential Oils

Concentrated botanical extracts prized for their natural aromas and therapeutic benefits.

Evaporation

The process by which volatile fragrance compounds transition from liquid to vapour, aiding in scent dispersion.

Fixative

An ingredient added to fragrance formulations to slow the evaporation of volatile notes, thereby prolonging aroma longevity.

Fragrance

A general term for any aromatic compound or blend used to impart a pleasant or distinctive scent.

Fragrance Accord

A complex blend of complementary fragrance notes that together create a distinctive and harmonious scent profile.

Fragrance Embedding

The process of thoroughly integrating fragrance oils into molten wax to ensure a uniform and long-lasting aroma throughout the product.

Fragrance Load

The ratio of fragrance oil to wax in a candle, which is critical for achieving an optimal scent throw.

Fragrance Oil

Either synthetic or naturally derived oils formulated to replicate botanical scents, used widely in home fragrance products.

Fragrance Preservation

Techniques and additives used during production to maintain the stability and longevity of fragrance molecules in candles and wax melts.

Formulation

The systematic process of combining waxes, fragrance oils, and additives to create a balanced and effective home fragrance product.

Gel Base

A transparent, jelly-like medium used in gel candles that permits creative embeds and excellent light diffusion.

Gel Candle

A candle made from a gel base that often incorporates decorative elements for a unique, visually appealing look.

Glossary

A compendium of industry-specific terms and definitions—like this one—that helps visitors understand home fragrance concepts.

Hand-Poured Technique

A traditional, artisanal method of candle making where wax is manually poured into moulds, often resulting in unique, handcrafted products.

Heat Source

A controlled device or mechanism used to gently warm products (such as wax melts or diffusers) and release their fragrance safely.

Hot Throw

The pronounced aroma a candle releases when lit, often stronger than the cold throw.

Hydration

The process of adding moisture during formulation, particularly in room sprays or diffusers, to achieve the desired consistency.

Illumination

The light emitted by a burning candle, which enhances ambiance and adds a decorative glow.

Incense

An aromatic substance—often in a solid or paste form—that is burned to release fragrance, traditionally used in cultural or spiritual practices.

Infusion

The process of extracting scent from botanical materials and incorporating it into a wax, oil, or other carrier medium.

Intensity

The strength or potency of a fragrance, determining how noticeably it fills a space.

Jasmine

A popular floral note known for its sweet, intoxicating aroma, often featured in both candles and perfumes.

Jojoba Oil

A natural oil extracted from the jojoba plant, often used in diffuser blends and cosmetic formulations for its moisturising and stable properties.

Linalool

A terpene alcohol naturally present in many essential oils, contributing a fresh, floral note to fragrance blends.

Longevity

Refers to how long a candle will burn or how persistently a fragrance remains in the air after application.

Melting Point

The specific temperature at which wax transitions from a solid to a liquid—a crucial factor for safe and effective candle making.

Melt

The process through which solid wax liquefies when exposed to heat, releasing embedded fragrance in the process.

Melt Consistency

The uniform texture and density of a wax melt, critical for predictable melting behaviour and even fragrance release.

Melt Holder

A device designed to securely hold wax melts within a warmer, optimising their exposure to heat and fragrance dispersion.

Melt Mould

A specialised mould used exclusively for shaping wax melts, ensuring consistent size and design for optimal performance.

Melt Packaging

Packaging solutions tailored specifically to protect wax melts during storage and shipping while preserving their aroma and form.

Melt Pool

The liquid layer formed on the surface of a burning candle that is vital for releasing scent consistently.

Melt Rate

The speed at which a candle’s wax melts during burning, affecting burn performance and fragrance release.

Melt Shelf Life

The period during which wax melts retain their optimal performance and fragrance potency before degradation occurs.

Melt Texture

The tactile quality and visual appearance of a wax melt’s surface after setting, which can influence both aesthetics and melting behaviour.

Mica

A fine, reflective mineral added to candle wax to impart a shimmering, decorative effect when the candle is lit.

Multi-wick Candle

A candle designed with two or more wicks to ensure a more even burn and robust scent diffusion.

Mug Candle

A candle presented in a repurposed or specially designed mug, providing both decorative appeal and functional use.

Natural Fragrance

Scents derived from botanical sources such as essential oils, valued for their authenticity and purity.

Neutraliser

An additive used to counteract or balance unwanted odours, resulting in a cleaner overall scent profile.

Notes

The individual fragrance components (top, middle, and base notes) that combine to form the overall aroma of a product.

Oil Stratification

The gradual separation of components within a diffuser’s liquid base over time, which can affect fragrance uniformity.

Oleo Resin

A natural resin extracted from plants, sometimes used as a fixative in formulations and prized for its unique aroma nuances.

Organic Wax

Wax obtained from natural sources without synthetic additives, valued for its eco-friendly and renewable properties.

Oxidation

A chemical process involving oxygen that may affect the burn characteristics and appearance of home fragrance products.

Parfum

A term denoting high-quality fragrance compositions known for their enhanced longevity and complexity.

Perfume

A complex blend of essential oils, aroma compounds, and solvents formulated for personal application to produce a lasting scent.

Pillar Candle

A robust, self-supporting candle that stands on its own without the need for a container.

Pouring

The act of transferring melted wax blended with fragrance into moulds or containers to form a candle.

Pour Temperature Variation

Slight fluctuations in wax temperature during the pouring process that can influence the final texture and appearance of a candle.

Pouring Temperature

The optimal temperature at which wax should be poured to ensure a smooth finish and proper integration of fragrance.

Premix

A pre-blended combination of wax and fragrance oils, formulated for immediate use in candle making.

Phthalate-Free

A descriptor indicating that a product is formulated without phthalates, appealing to consumers seeking safer, cleaner options.

Quality Control

A systematic process applied during production to ensure that every product meets established standards for safety, performance, and aesthetics.

Reed Diffuser

A fragrance device in which absorbent reeds are inserted into a bottle of scented oil, allowing for gradual and consistent aroma release.

Reed Diffuser Design

The overall aesthetic and functional design attributes of a reed diffuser—including bottle shape, material, and layout—that affect performance.

Reed Diffusion Efficiency

A measure of how effectively a reed diffuser disperses fragrance throughout a space, influenced by the reeds’ material and configuration.

Reed Maintenance

Best practices for cleaning and refreshing diffuser reeds to ensure maximum absorption and continuous fragrance performance.

Reed Orientation

The arrangement or alignment of reeds within a diffuser that plays a critical role in optimising capillary action and scent diffusion.

Refreshment

The process or result of rejuvenating a space’s atmosphere by introducing a burst of pleasant fragrance.

Recycled Wax

Wax reclaimed from previously used candles that is reprocessed for new formulations, supporting eco-friendly and sustainable production practices.

Re-meltability

The ability of wax melts to be reheated and reformed with minimal degradation, offering the potential for reuse or extended product life.

Reservoir

The container or compartment within a diffuser that holds the scented oil until it is gradually dispersed.

Roll-On Perfume

A compact, applicator-based fragrance offering designed for precise application without the need for a spray.

Room Spray

A liquid formulation that is misted into the air to quickly refresh a room with a pleasant, uplifting aroma.

Scent

The distinctive odour or aroma emanating from a home fragrance product, which plays a crucial role in the overall sensory experience.

Scent Booster

A concentrated additive incorporated into wax melts to intensify the fragrance output upon warming.

Scent Charge

The amount of fragrance oil added during the production of wax melts, directly affecting the product’s odour strength and throw.

Scent Infusion Time

The required duration for wax melts to fully absorb and integrate fragrance oils during production, ensuring a consistent aroma.

Scent Profile

A detailed breakdown of the various fragrance notes (top, middle, and base) that combine to form the overall scent of a product.

Scent Throw

A measure of how far and effectively a candle’s or diffuser’s fragrance disperses into the surrounding area.

Soy Wax

A vegetable-based wax derived from soybeans, renowned for its clean burn and renewable, eco-friendly qualities.

Stearin

A fatty acid used in candle making to harden wax and improve burn performance.

Sublimation

The process by which certain fragrance compounds transition directly from a solid state to a gas, contributing to scent dispersion.

Stabiliser

An additive used in formulations to maintain uniform fragrance distribution throughout a product and prevent separation.

Spritz

A quick, light application of a room spray that instantly refreshes the ambient air.

Taper Candle

A slender, decorative candle that tapers toward the top, traditionally used for formal settings or ambiance creation.

Temperature Control

The regulation of heat during the manufacturing or use of candles and wax melts to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Temperature Profiling

The careful monitoring and adjustment of temperature throughout the candle-making process, ensuring ideal curing and fragrance retention.

Thermal Reversion

A phenomenon in wax melts where repeated heating cycles may alter the original fragrance profile, affecting scent quality.

Thermal Runaway

A potentially dangerous condition in which uncontrolled heat leads to a rapid rise in temperature, mitigated by careful formulation.

Tinting

The process of adding colorants to wax or gel to customise the visual appearance of home fragrance products.

Tunnelling

A common issue in burning candles where the centre melts while the edges remain unmelted, reducing performance and efficiency.

Triple Blend

A method of combining three distinct fragrance oils to create a multi-layered, nuanced aroma.

Toxin-Free

A descriptor indicating that a product is formulated without harmful chemicals, emphasising safety and environmental responsibility.

Translucence

The quality of permitting light to partially pass through a material, often enhancing the visual appeal of gel or decorative candles.

Ultra-Violet Protection

A feature incorporated into some candle containers or diffuser bottles to shield contents from UV light and prevent degradation.

Unscented

A term used for products that are intentionally made without added fragrances, often catering to individuals with sensitivities.

Utilisation Rate

A measure of how effectively fragrance oil is absorbed into the wax or medium, impacting the overall potency and performance of the scent.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and may affect indoor air quality and scent strength.

Viscosity

A measurement of a liquid’s resistance to flow, which plays a key role in how well fragrance oils mix and disperse in products.

Ventilation

The movement and exchange of air in a space, essential for even fragrance distribution and maintaining air quality.

Volumetric Measurement

The process of precisely measuring the volume of fragrance oils or additives to ensure consistency in formulations.

Wick

The fibrous material (often cotton) embedded in a candle that draws melted wax upward to sustain a steady flame.

Wick Heat Management

Techniques employed to optimise a wick’s ability to regulate heat distribution during burning, ensuring a safe, steady flame.

Wick Sizing

The process of selecting and sizing the optimal wick for a candle based on container dimensions, wax type, and desired burn characteristics.

Wax

The primary medium used in candle making that holds fragrance oils and supports the wick, available in various types such as soy, paraffin, or beeswax.

Wax Blend

A combination of different wax types used together to leverage each wax’s unique properties for optimal burning and scent release.

Wax Melt

A small, scented wax cube designed for use in a warmer, releasing fragrance gradually when heated without an open flame.

Wax Melt Clamshell

A Wax Melt Clamshell is a type of protective packaging designed specifically for wax melts. Typically made from clear, durable plastic, this clamshell features two hinged halves that snap together securely, safeguarding the product during transit and on shelves. Its design not only provides excellent visual appeal for retail display but also ensures that the wax melts remain uncontaminated by dust, debris, or damage. Additionally, many wax melt clamshells incorporate tamper-evident features and are designed with sustainability in mind, often offering recyclable materials and attractive branding opportunities.

Wax Migration

The process by which fragrance oils or dyes slowly move toward a candle’s surface over time, which can affect appearance and performance.

Wax Cooling Gradient

The rate at which molten wax cools to a solid state, influencing crystal formation and the final finish of a candle.

Wax Polymerisation

A chemical process during candle making where wax molecules partially bond, impacting the product’s hardness, clarity, and burn properties.

Wicks (Multiple)

A term referring to candles designed with several wicks to achieve an even burn and improved scent dispersal.

Yellowing

The gradual change to a yellow hue in candles or containers, commonly due to prolonged heat or sunlight exposure.

Zinc Oxide

A naturally occurring mineral sometimes used as an additive in formulations for its stabilising and UV protection properties.

Zone of Flame

The immediate area surrounding a candle’s flame where heat concentration is highest, directly influencing burn characteristics.