Whether you're new to the world of wax melts or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the terminology can enhance your experience and help you make informed choices. So we’ve put together this glossary that provides definitions and insights for the most commonly used terms in the wax melt industry. From understanding the difference between hot throw and cold throw to learning about various wax types and fragrance loads, this glossary covers it all!

A

Add-Ins - Add-ins refers to little adornments such as glitters, dried flowers, tea leaves, coffee beans, even crystals., that are added into wax melts purely for theming or aesthetics. 

Additives - Additives are substances added to wax melts to enhance their properties, such as improving scent throw, reducing frosting, or increasing the hardness of the wax. Common additives include stearic acid, Vybar, and beeswax. These additives help create a consistent and high-quality wax melt.

 

B

Blending Temperature - Blending temperature is the optimal temperature at which fragrance oil should be mixed into the melted wax. It ensures that the fragrance binds well with the wax, providing a consistent scent throw. If the temperature is too high, the fragrance may evaporate; if too low, it may not bind properly.

Brittle - Brittle is a type of wax melt that comes in thin, broken pieces, similar to shards of candy brittle. It allows users to break off or add as much or as little pieces of wax as needed, providing flexibility in scent intensity and usage. Wax brittle often comes in larger bags, offering more value for customers.

Burn Time - Burn time refers to the total time a wax melt (or candle) can release fragrance before the scent fades completely. It depends on factors like wax type, fragrance load, and the type of warmer used. Soy wax melts often have a longer burn time compared to paraffin. On average, one of our wax melt bars can last anywhere from 30-40 hours. 

 

C

Clamshell - A clamshell is a plastic or biodegradable container commonly used to hold wax melts. It typically has multiple compartments, allowing for easy portioning. These containers protect and preserve the melts and allow customers to snap off and use individual pieces as needed. The most common types are 6 segment ice cube trays or longer 5 or 10 cavity snap bars that look almost like a confectionary treat. We love the aesthetic of the 5 cavity clamshell and our clamshells are rated PET 1 and are fully  recyclable.

Clean Label - This term is used in conjunction with the fragrance and essential oils that we use in our scent blends. The term Clean Label refers to a fragrance oil that is formulated without any of the ingredients on California’s Prop 65 list, as such, our fragrance blends are phthalate-free, carcinogen-free, mutagen-free and free from known toxins that can cause organ, reproductive or acute harm.

Cure Time - Cure time refers to the period a wax melt needs to rest after being poured, allowing the fragrance to properly and completely bind with the wax for maximum scent release. Here at Krafty Kitty Studios we cure our melts for 1-2 weeks depending on the blend.

Fun Fact! - Other wax products like candles can require as much as a month’s time to cure! 

 

D

Double Boiler - also known as a Bain Marie consisting of two vessels, usually a pot and a wax melting jug. The pot contains a few inches of water and the melting jug is placed into the pot so that it sits nestled in the boiling water. A double boiler uses steam to gently melt the wax in the jug and this indirect way of heating ensures the wax’s temperature is controlled and that the melt is even.

Double Pour - Double pour is a technique used when making wax melts or candles to minimize frosting or imperfections. The wax is poured in two stages: first, filling the mold partially, and then topping it off once the wax has cooled slightly. This method helps create a smooth and even surface.

 

E

Embeds - Embeds are small decorative elements or pieces that are added to wax melts or candles to enhance their visual appeal. Typically they are made of wax that has been poured into a silicone mold of whatever shape is needed and then embedded within the main wax or placed on top for a decorative touch.

Essential Oils - Essential oils are natural extracts derived from plants and are used to scent wax melts. They are a great alternative to synthetic fragrances for those looking for a natural aroma. However, they may not produce as strong a scent throw as fragrance oils.

Fun Fact! Many of our fragrance blends contain and are enhanced with fragrance oils!

 

F

Flashpoint - The flashpoint is the temperature at which fragrance oil can become volatile and “flash” or ignite if exposed to a flame. Flash points are typically only relevant to wax melt and candle makers who are working with the oils, and it’s why we have to  be mindful of the temperatures at which we add our fragrances at. For the end consumer of wax melts, flashpoints aren’t typically anything to be concerned about. 

Fragrance Load - The fragrance load also known as Scent Load is the percentage of fragrance oil used in the wax melt. It determines the intensity of the scent. A higher fragrance load can produce a stronger scent, but too much can cause the wax to become unstable or create an unpleasant burning smell when melted. The ideal fragrance load is usually between 6% and 12%, depending on the type of wax used. For our melts, we use a 10% fragrance load to give you the best throw and strongest scent.

Fragrance Notes - Fragrance notes refers to the various scents that make up the wax melt’s fragrance. For example, our Falling Stars wax melt features notes of Citrus, Cherry, Vanilla and Sandalwood.

Fragrance Oils - Fragrance oils are synthetic or blended oils designed to create a wide range of scents. They are commonly used in wax melts because they provide a strong hot throw and come in diverse options. Fragrance oils often contain a mix of natural (mainly essential oils) and synthetic ingredients to achieve a consistent and long-lasting scent. Many fragrance oils can be bought as blends (meaning they contain various fragrance notes in them) or as single note fragrances.

Frosting - Frosting is a natural occurrence of soy wax. It happens when small crystals form on the surface of soy wax melts, giving them a frosted appearance. This doesn’t affect the performance or fragrance of the melt; it’s simply a cosmetic feature common in natural waxes like soy.

 

L

Load Capacity - Load capacity is a term similar to Fragrance Load, the only difference is that it is a term that is wax specific. It refers to the maximum amount of fragrance oil a wax type can hold before it becomes unstable or greasy. Exceeding the load capacity can result in a poor hot throw, sweating (when excess oil leaks out of the wax), or improper melting.

 

M

Melt Pool - The melt pool is the layer of melted wax that forms when a wax melt is heated. A proper melt pool is essential for releasing fragrance effectively, as it allows the scent to evaporate and disperse into the air. A deep and even melt pool is an indicator of a well-formulated wax melt. Melt pools can vary depending on the size of your wax warmer’s dish so it’s important to use enough wax in your warmer to have the optimal melt pool but not too much so that the melted wax overflows. 

Mica Powder - Mica powder is a mineral-based coloring agent often used in wax melts to create a magical shimmering, glittery effect that we think gives our melts that extra theming and special kick.

While mica itself is a natural off-white substrate that gets ground into a fine powder, colored mica powder gains their hues from lab-created pigments. And while this might sound scary, it's a good thing since natural sources of mined pigments often contain unhealthy levels of lead, arsenic and mercury while their lab-made counterparts do not. 

Melt Temperature - The melt temperature also known as Melt Point refers to the temperature at which the wax melts in the warmer. Different waxes have different melting points, so it’s important to use a warmer that matches the wax's melt temperature to ensure a consistent and effective scent release. Our wax melts perform best when melted to 160°F - 175°F. Since our melts are made with soy wax, we recommend not letting the temperature of your melted wax exceed 200°F

 

P

Pour Temperature - This is a term seen in the manufacturing process of melts and candles and it refers to the temperature at which you pour your wax into your container or mold. Various waxes have different pour temperature requirements to ensure the best set and cure to deliver the best and most lasting product to the customer.

 

R

Resin - Resin is a natural or synthetic material sometimes added to wax melts for unique scent effects, like those found in frankincense and myrrh. Resins provide a deeper, earthy aroma and can add complexity to scent blends, especially in Christmas or mystical-themed wax melts. 

 

S

Scent Blend - A scent blend refers to the combination of fragrance notes used in a wax melt. It can range from simple, single-note scents (such as  lavender) to more complex blends that include multiple layers of fragrance from the top note to the  (e.g., balsam, berries, and oakmoss). The art of creating a well-balanced scent blend is key to making a unique and appealing wax melt.

Scent Layer - There are three layers to any scent blend, they include the:

Top Note - The top note is the first scent you detect when you smell a wax melt, both when it’s solid and when it’s first melted. These notes are usually light, fresh, and evaporate quickly, giving the initial impression of the fragrance. Common top notes include citrus, herbal, and green scents like lemon, mint, and eucalyptus.

Middle Note (Heart Note) - The middle note, also known as the heart note, forms the core of the fragrance and emerges once the top notes begin to fade. These notes provide the main body of the scent and are usually well-rounded, lasting longer than the top notes. Florals, spices, and fruits like rose, lavender, or cinnamon often serve as middle notes, creating depth and character.

Base Note - The base note is the foundation of the fragrance and the longest-lasting part of a wax melt's scent profile. It typically emerges once the top and middle notes start to dissipate. Base notes are often rich, deep, and grounding, providing a lingering scent that remains even after the wax has been melted for a while. Common base notes include musk, amber, sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli.

Scent Throw - Scent throw refers to the overall ability of the wax melt to disperse fragrance and the range in which that fragrance is able to reach. It includes both hot throw and cold throw, and it indicates how well the scent fills the room, regardless of whether the wax is melted or solid.

Scoopable Wax / Scoopies - Scoopable wax melts, often referred to simply as scoopables or scoopies, are a softer, creamier version of traditional wax melts. They come in jars or tubs, allowing you to scoop out the desired amount of wax to place in a warmer. The softer texture is achieved by blending wax with other ingredients like oils or additives to make it pliable or by using a wax blend such as those continuing coconut wax which is on the softer side..

Shrink - Shrink refers to the natural process whereby hot or liquid wax will shrink down or back a bit as it cools and solidifies. This can cause it to pull away from the sides of the container or can cause an uneven surface or dip on the wax melt.

Single Note - A single note wax melt is one that features only one fragrance, such as lavender or eucalyptus. These melts are great for those who prefer simple, classic scents or for blending with other melts to create their own custom fragrance combinations.

Snap Bars - Snap bars are a type of wax melt that comes in a bar shape, segmented into smaller pieces. These pieces are designed to be "snapped" off and used individually, allowing users to control the amount of wax they melt at once. Snap bars are convenient and versatile for fragrance enthusiasts who like to mix and match scents.

Fun Fact: One of our snap bars can give you fragrance for anywhere from 30-40 hours!

Squeezable Wax - Squeezable wax melts are softer, almost liquid-like version of traditional wax melts that come in a squeezable pouch. This type of wax melt is designed for ease of use, allowing users to squeeze out the desired amount directly into a wax warmer. The squeezable formula is often created by blending wax with oils or gels to achieve a smooth, semi-liquid consistency.

Sweating - Sweating occurs when fragrance oil seeps out of the wax. This typically happens if you exceed the recommended fragrance load for the wax, or due to, temperature fluctuations, or an imbalance in the wax formulation. While it doesn't necessarily mean the wax melt is unusable, sweating may reduce the overall scent throw.

 

T

Throw - The throw of a wax melt or candle refers to the range or reach of the fragrance. There are two types of throw you'll commonly come across:

Cold Throw (CT) - The cold throw is the scent that a wax melt gives off when it's solid, unheated, and at room temperature. It’s the first thing you’ll smell when you pop open your clamshell. Your cold throw is often a strong indicator of the wax melt's scent profile before it is warmed, but depending on the melt and the blend, the scent can in some cases actually transform and emit different scent notes when heated which we think is actually quite magical! A strong cold throw may suggest that the hot throw will also be impressive.

Hot Throw (HT) - The hot throw refers to the strength of the fragrance when the wax melt is heated and melted. It's the intensity of the scent that fills the room when the wax is warmed. A good hot throw ensures that the fragrance lingers and spreads well throughout the space.

Throw Tester - A throw tester is a small batch or sample of wax made specifically to test the hot throw of a new scent blend or formulation. These testers help us to determine whether the scent performs well when melted before we add that melt to our line.

 

W

Wax Bloom - Similar to frosting, wax bloom appears as white spots on your wax melt that occurs due to temperature changes or natural wax crystallization. The difference between it and frosting is that a wax bloom has a powdery feel and appearance. It’s most common with natural waxes like soy however it doesn’t affect the scent throw or quality of the wax melt. 

Wax Melt / Wax Tart - A wax melt or wax tart is a scented piece of wax that releases fragrance when melted. Unlike candles, wax melts don’t have a wick. They are typically used with a wax warmer, and they come in various shapes, sizes, colors and scent blends. Wax melts are a great way to enjoy long-lasting fragrance without an open flame.

Wax Types - there are many different kinds of waxes that can be used for making wax melts and candles and each one has their own set of pros and cons to them. Some of the more common ones you’ll come across are:

Beeswax - Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees and is known for its long burn time and clean, subtle scent. It’s often blended with other waxes to improve the scent throw and overall performance in wax melts. Beeswax is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but it may not hold fragrance as strongly as soy or paraffin wax.

Coconut Wax - Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts and is another natural, eco-friendly option for wax melts. It’s often blended with other waxes like soy for a smoother texture and a strong scent throw. Coconut wax melts have a luxurious feel and a creamy appearance.

Coconut Apricot - Coconut apricot wax is made primarily from coconut oil and apricot oil, sometimes combined with other natural plant-based ingredients. It is known for its creamy texture, smooth appearance, and excellent scent throw, making it a popular choice for high-end candles. Because of its properties it tends to have a soft, pliable and creamy texture that isn’t suitable for wax melt snap bars but can instead be used for scoopables or squeezable wax.  

Gel Wax - Gel wax melts are a unique type of wax melt made from gel wax, which is a transparent, jelly-like material composed of mineral oil and a gelling agent such as a polymer resin. Unlike traditional wax melts made from soy or paraffin, gel wax melts are clear and have a rubbery texture, offering a distinctive look and melting experience.

Paraffin Wax - Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based wax that’s commonly used for making wax melts and candles. It holds fragrance well and offers a strong hot throw with little to no frosting issues. However, it may not be as environmentally friendly as other waxes like soy or coconut.

Soy Wax - Soy wax is a natural, vegetable-based wax made from soybeans. It’s a popular choice for wax melts because it is a renewable resource that is biodegradable, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic and also because of its clean and even burn, eco-friendliness, and ability to hold fragrance well. Soy wax melts also tend to have a longer burn time compared to those made with other wax types and it is for these reasons that we opt to use this wax type for our melts!

Soy Wax Blend - A soy wax blend combines soy wax with other waxes like coconut, paraffin (known as para-soy), or beeswax to create a wax that offers both the benefits of soy (e.g., clean burn) and the properties of other waxes (e.g., better scent throw or longer burn time). 

Wax Warmer - A wax warmer is an electric or tea light-powered device used to melt wax melts. Electric warmers may feature a heat source that can be either a hot plate or a light bulb, that can be above or below the warming dish, and they usually provide a consistent temperature, ensuring an even and gradual scent release, while tea light warmers may vary in heat intensity and require you to have an open flame for the tealight candles.

Wickless Candle - A wickless candle is essentially another term for a wax melt. It refers to scented wax that releases fragrance when heated, without the use of a wick or flame. Wax melts offer a safer and flame-free alternative to traditional candles.