Cold Throw
Cold throw is the intensity of a fragrance when the product is at room temperature. When you pop the lid off a candle or smell a box of incense, you are experiencing the cold throw.
Hot Throw
Hot throw is the fragrance emitted when the wax is molten or the incense is burning. This is where the chemistry happens.
For a scent to the fill a room, the fragrance molecules must transition from liquid (in the wax pool) to a gas. This transition is governed by Molecular Weight.
The Science: Top Notes vs Base Notes
Have you ever noticed that a scent smells different a few minutes after you light it? or that the scent that lingers in the morning after is different from the intial burst? This is because every fragrance is built in 3 layers, known as notes.
Top Notes:
These are the light airy molecules that hit your nose the second you open a jar or light a stick.
Common Scents: Citrus, Light Herbs and airy florals.
The job: To give an immmediate and burst of energy and create a great first impression.
The lifespan: These evaporate quickly (usually within 15-20 mins)
Heart Notes:
As the top notes fade the middle note emerges. This is the true character of the fragrance.
Common scents: Heavy lorals (Rose, Jasmine), Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom) and Fruits (Peach and Berries).
The Job: To create a smooth transition and provide the main body of the scent.
The Lifespan: These last for several hours and form the mood for your space.
Base Notes:
These are the heavy hitters. Base notes are made of dense molecules that take a long time to evaporate.
Common Scents: Woods (Sandalwood and Cedar) Resins (Amber and Frankincense), Lactones (Oat milk and Vanilla cream )
The Job: To anchor the lighter notes and provide that beautifuk scent that lingers in your home long after the flame is out.
Life Span: Can last up to 24 hours or more
A balanced fragrance needs all three. If you only use top notes, your candle will smell great for ten miuntes then disappear.