The formula
Total fill = fill weight × number of clamshells × (1 + extra %)
Wax = total fill ÷ (1 + load) · Fragrance oil = wax × load
Wax = total fill ÷ (1 + load) · Fragrance oil = wax × load
Wax melts have no wick, so they are usually made with more fragrance than candles. CandleScience’s clamshell wax-melt guide uses 9% fragrance (1.5 oz per pound of wax) in CocoSol, a wax rated for up to 25%. Other melt waxes are rated lower — check your wax’s published maximum.
Fragrance per pound of wax
| Load | Per 1 lb (16 oz) wax | Per 1 kg wax | Per 6-cavity clamshell (3 oz fill) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6% | 0.96 oz | 60 g | 4.8 g oil + 80 g wax |
| 8% | 1.28 oz | 80 g | 6.3 g oil + 79 g wax |
| 9% | 1.44 oz | 90 g | 7.0 g oil + 78 g wax |
| 10% | 1.60 oz | 100 g | 7.7 g oil + 77 g wax |
| 12% | 1.92 oz | 120 g | 9.1 g oil + 76 g wax |
| 15% | 2.40 oz | 150 g | 11.1 g oil + 74 g wax |
Waxes used for melts
| Wax | Published maximum fragrance load |
|---|---|
| Golden Brands 464 (soy) | 10% |
| Golden Brands 444 (soy) | 10% |
| EcoSoya CB-Advanced (soy) | 12% |
| IGI 6006 (paraffin blend) | 10% |
| IGI 6046 (paraffin blend) | 12% |
| IGI 4630 Parafflex | 10% |
| IGI 4786 Parafflex | 15% |
| CandleScience Coconut Apricot | 10% |
| CocoSol (melt / pillar) | 25% |
Melts need a wax firm enough to release from the mould and hold its shape in the clamshell: paraffin blends, soy and coconut blends made for melts or pillars, or blends like CocoSol. Very soft container waxes can stick or sweat.
Tips for consistent melts
- Weigh one finished clamshell rather than relying on the listed capacity — fill levels vary.
- Mix fragrance at the temperature your wax supplier recommends and stir for two minutes.
- Let the melts rest before testing — at least a day, longer for soy blends.
- Label correctly. If you sell melts, fragrance oils come with safety data and label requirements; follow your supplier’s documents.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 · Disclaimer