Uncut fragrance oils in scented candles are quite popular among candle makers and enthusiasts, also referred to as aroma oil, perfume oil, or scented oil. This type of oil is a blend of synthetic aroma compounds that vary in molecular structure to alter their scent. There are also variants of fragrance oils that include natural essential oils diluted with a carrier. Common fragrance oil carriers are vegetable oil, propylene glycol or mineral oil. These carriers are necessary since, without the carrier, the fragrance, itself, would be incredibly concentrated and harmful in most applications. Aromatic oils are basically used in candle-making as well as perfumery, soaps and other skin care products and cosmetics among others.
Fragrance Oils Overview
Fragrance oils are synthetic oil variations that are created using man made ingredients. Contrary to misconceptions, most synthetic ingredients are perfectly safe, according to the Research Institute For Fragrance Materials, and they are used in many products in low percentages. Fragrance oils are not only used in manufacturing candles, but they’re also used in many bath and body products. Fragrance oils are used in the formulation of shampoo, hair conditioner, shower gel, antiperspirants, lotions and many other items that consumers use on a daily basis. In fact, unless labeled, ‘fragrance free,’ many of the very products that we wash our clothes, our dishes, and clean our bodies with contain some sense of fragrance which is either synthetic fragrance oil or natural essential oils.
The Uncut Version of Fragrance Oils
Now that we’ve covered the basics of fragrance oils, let’s talk a bit about the term “uncut.” It’s a word that is very frequently tossed around by fragrance oil carriers, much like the candle maker’s usage of ‘triple scented.’ However, the term ‘uncut’ is often used to denote a specific variant of fragrance oils. These so claimed uncut versions of aromatic oils are highly promoted in the market as the better, even the best scented oils to buy. You may also find these oils termed as pure or unadulterated. Whichever term you may have run across, it is only a more complicated way of identifying a particular fragrance oil as being undiluted with other compounds or chemicals to weaken its strength. For candle-makers, this type of scented oil is preferred in making candles to ensure quality results and high standards for the end product.
The mentions of “uncut” fragrance by many manufacturers are claims that are particularly made to distinguish themselves from those who take the original, manufactured product and further dilute it to make more profit. Here’s how that works. Manufacturer creates a concentrated oil and uses a vegetable oil carrier to make it safe to use in applications. The oil from the manufacturer is as concentrated as it can be safe for use. Company A buys fragrance from the manufacturer to bottle it up with their label on it. However, Company A is only filling their bottle half way with the manufacturer grade oil. The rest of the bottle is filled with more oil for dilution. This way, Company A can sell their bottled version of the fragrance oil for a competitive price, but their profit is much higher than the other company (Company B) who sells the manufacturer grade fragrance.
How to determine that the fragrance oil is uncut?
Fragrance oils are considered uncut or pure if they have not been diluted with other solvents. As I mentioned, the dilution process is with the intent to weaken the strength of the oil. In fact, you may be surprised how many fragrance oil distributors use the term ‘uncut’ oil for marketing and business reasons. However, most fragrance oils are, indeed, cut because it helps create extra profit. It’s no secret to fragrance oil enthusiasts, the term “uncut” in fragrance oils is no more than just a marketing term or verbiage. Although it sounds good, it has very little to no meaning.
How to know you're getting quality uncut fragrance oils?
To better understand the quality of uncut fragrance oils, we have to first determine how the products are purchased. Fragrance oils are provided with an outline of product requirements or description along with a budget for production when bought from a manufacturer. For low budget fragrance oils, it is most likely the product will be manufactured with weaker strength. Higher amounts of solvent will be used, diluting the strength of the oil as well as keeping the price cheaper. More expensive fragrance oils have lower solvents blended with much higher amounts of natural ingredients.
Determining if fragrance oil providers are cutting their product can be a difficult task that, many times results in the matter of trusting the word of the provider. However, there are several things that you can look for that may help you to better assess whether fragrance is truly uncut. Here are a few of those things:
If the fragrance provider manufactures their own scent. This would mean that the very place that you purchase your oils from is the same place that actually, chemically produced the fragrance. If a manufacturer is the provider, chances are you have an uncut fragrance.
Rather than look for the word ‘uncut,’ try looking for the term ‘concentrated.’ Candle makers should look for the word ‘concentrated’ to be stated on the website or marketing material of the fragrance oil seller or manufacturer they purchase from.
Look for shipping prices to be more for diluted fragrance oils since the weight of the fragrance oil will be more than concentrated fragrance will be.
At the least, make sure that the provider of your fragrance oil actually tests the oils, themselves, prior to selling them to you. If they don't mention it on their site, ask them if they test. Brambleberryis one brand that holds to testing their fragrance oils to ensure that they're selling quality oils to their customers.
It is essential to get concentrated fragrance oils from trusted manufacturers. Top quality and premium uncut fragrance oils have guaranteed strength and scent accuracy needed for candle-making.