Scented candles come in all shapes, sizes and, of course, aromas. They’re often used for relaxation, mood enhancement and aromatherapy in the home, office or yoga studio. But which type of candle is best for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing a scent.
Here’s what you need to know about scented candles
There are many different scents and perfumes used in the manufacturing process. Broadly speaking these are divided into two types—synthetic scents and natural scents.
Naturally-sourced scents are generally more expensive than synthetics. However, they also tend to last longer. Synthetic scents are cheaper, but they burn out quickly. If you prefer a clean scent, opt for a fragrance-free option. Burning an unscented candle can give your room a cosy ambience with a very subtle, clean scent—particularly if the candle or melt is made from a natural product like soy wax. Some people find this is enough.
Most people prefer a more purposeful scent and there is a vast range available—from softer, nuanced fragrances like Vanilla to more potent and heady perfumes like Black Opium.
Natural scents vs synthetic scents
Naturally-sourced scents are often derived from essential oils. They are extracted from plants and trees and contain chemicals called terpenes. These chemicals give the scent its unique aroma.
Here at Rising Lotus Scented Candles, Ellie uses 100% concentrated fragrance oils derived from natural, plant-based ingredients. As a result they are environmentally-friendly and non-toxic.
Synthetic scents on the other hand are usually based on petroleum byproducts. They are less expensive than natural scents and are easier to produce. However they come at a greater environmental cost. As a byproduct from the petrochemical industry, synthetic petroleum-based scents are not sustainable and contribute to pollution.
We do not use petroleum-based fragrances in any of our products.
Candle types
Natural candles are made with plant oils and waxes. They tend to burn longer than other types of candles. Our candles and wax melts are made from soy wax. We also use wooden or cotton wicks, so the entire product is made from plant-based, natural materials.
Synthetic candles are often made with paraffin wax and contain chemicals such as phthalates. These candles will not last as long as natural candles. Paraffin is another petroleum-based product which is not sustainable or kind to the environment.
Buying tips
We always recommend using candles and wax melts made from naturally-sourced and sustainable materials like soy wax. Not only is this kinder to the environment but is also better for your health and wellbeing—and for those around you, especially children and pets.
If you are looking for a candle that smells good without being too strong, try buying unscented candles. However scented candles will have a more profound and noticeable effect on the ambience and mood.
Look for scented candles made with concentrated essential oils. Fragrances can be divided into four broad categories. Think about the sort of mood you wish to create and the scents that you like, then choose accordingly.
Floral
Floral fragrances are derived from flowers and flowering plants and include the headier scents like Jasmine and Lily as well as lighter aromas such as cotton and linen. Also included are fruit fragrances like pineapple, mango and peach.
Fresh
Fragrances classified as fresh include the light fruit scents such as cucumber, apple and coconut as well as citrus scents and the herbals like lavender, rosemary and thyme. Other water-inspired fragrances fall here as well—think ocean scents, rain and ozone.
Woody
Woody scents include the obvious wood fragrances like sandalwood, pine and cedar, but also related darker scents like tobacco and leather. Herbals can also come under this heading. One such example ofis the stronger lavenders.
Exotic
Scents that are classified as exotic include the spicier aromas like cinnamon, vanilla and of course musk. Softer exotics include florals and there is some crossover with the woody scents—like sandalwood and patchouli.
Over to you
Fragrances can be complex and will often combine notes from a number of different categories. Scent is also very subjective. The same fragrance can be perceived quite differently by different people.
Our sense of smell can also be affected by other environmental factors and even by other smells we have recently experienced. So a fragrance that does nothing for you today might smell great tomorrow.
If you don’t already have your favourite fragrances then it won’t be long before you do. Don’t be afraid to try something new—enjoy the adventure!
