Understanding scent throw is essential in crafting exceptional candles and wax melts. At
its core, scent throw is divided into two categories: Cold Throw & Hot Throw. These two elements work together to define the overall fragrance experience, but they also have distinct characteristics that play a significant role in how a candle performs from the
shelf to your home.
Cold throw refers to the fragrance’s strength when the candle is unlit. It’s the moment when a customer picks up the candle, takes in its scent, and decides whether or not to make a purchase. This is the product’s first impression—its point of purchase—and it must captivate instantly. Think of cold throw as the spark of a new relationship. A strong, inviting cold throw can make the difference between a customer leaving empty-handed or falling in love with the product right in the store. In fact, cold throw is often key to setting the tone for the product’s success.
Hot throw, on the other hand, is the fragrance that fills the room when the candle is burning. This is where the true test lies. A candle with an exceptional hot throw will not only disperse the fragrance beautifully throughout the space, but it will also maintain the balanced, harmonious scent that drew the customer in with the cold throw. A well-crafted hot throw ensures customer satisfaction and repeat purchase. However, a weak or inconsistent hot throw can have the opposite effect, leading to disappointment. Consumers expect the same luxurious experience at home as they experienced in store—and when a candle fails to deliver, it can impact future sales.
What many don’t realize is that achieving a strong hot throw is far more complex than
creating a good cold throw. Most waxes today are gentle on fragrances, allowing for the
creation of a captivating cold throw. However, hot throw presents a unique challenge.
The heat from the candle flame can interfere with certain fragrance materials, leading to
incomplete scent diffusion or altering the fragrance’s character. A candle that doesn’t
burn properly or fails to create a sufficient melt pool will struggle to deliver a satisfying
hot throw. In addition, some materials that work beautifully in cold throw may not lift as
well into the air when heated, resulting in a shift in the fragrance’s overall balance.
The science behind scent throw in candles is complex, requiring careful attention to
several factors that must work in harmony for optimal fragrance performance. Crafting a
well-performing candle involves selecting the right type of wax, wick, and fragrance
materials, and ensuring that all these components are compatible with one another.
Fragrance molecules evaporate at different rates and temperatures. This process
occurs slowly when the candle is unlit, creating the cold throw, but accelerates when
heat is applied, producing the hot throw. These molecules are categorized into top,
middle, and base notes, each contributing to the scent profile in distinct ways. The
balance between these elements is crucial for achieving a harmonious, satisfying scent
throw that performs well both in-store and at home.
This is where the expertise of a skilled perfumer comes into play. Crafting a candle that
performs equally well in both cold and hot throws requires a deep understanding of the
fragrance’s raw materials, how they interact with heat, and how they can be optimized
for each stage of the scent experience. It’s a delicate balancing act—one that
transforms a simple candle into an extraordinary experience for the senses.
At French Color & Fragrance, we take pride in understanding the intricacies of scent
throw and how to craft candles that exceed expectations. If you’re looking to enhance
your product line or simply want to dive deeper into the world of fragrance performance,
we’re here to help. Reach out to us for personalized insights and let us guide you
toward creating products that leave a lasting impression, both in-store and in the
consumer’s home.
Written by Ketrin Leka and Devon Sabo