8 best scented candles

*Review of the best according to the editorial board. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. You should consult with a professional before buying.

Scented Candles – it’s the same, at first glance unimportant detail of the interior, which creates a special atmosphere and fills a space with your favorite scents. For many centuries, people associate candles with warmth, romance and comfort. In addition, it is scientifically proven that the scents have a significant impact on mood and well-being. Qualitative aromatic candles from natural components will help you to create a unique atmosphere for a romantic dinner, tranquil meditation, cozy family gatherings and other “special” moments of your life. But it is not easy to choose the best fragranced compositions from the huge variety of products on the market today. The Expertology team’s experienced specialists can help you do just that.

How to choose aromatic candles?

Doctors and environmentalists recommend choosing scented candles as responsibly as possible. This is due to the fact that low-quality compositions not only can fail to meet consumer expectations, but also cause serious harm to health. For example, candles made on the basis of crude paraffin, in the process of burning emit harmful gaseous substances – toluene and benzene. Trapped in the air, these toxic components can have a negative impact on the nervous system, disturb sleep, and act as active carcinogens. In a study at the University of South Florida, it was proved that the products of burning paraffin candles are harmful to health, comparable to the inhalation of diesel exhaust. The lungs and heart are the first to suffer. No less harmful are synthetic fragrances and cheap dyes, which are often used by unscrupulous manufacturers.

To avoid negative effects on health and to enjoy the natural fragrance for a long time, experts recommend paying attention to the following features when choosing scented candles:

1. Basics. As mentioned above, paraffin is not the best base for a quality candle. As an end product of petroleum refining, this substance can release toxic compounds during the melting process. The least harmful are variants made of highly purified paraffin, but experts consider soy wax to be the safest, most natural and convenient base for candles. The substance is sufficiently hard and retains its shape perfectly regardless of the room temperature. Today’s manufacturers also produce high-quality coconut wax and beeswax scented candles. Formulations are completely safe for human health and the environment.
2. The source of the fragrance. The smell that exudes from cheaply fragranced compositions is due to the presence of synthetic fragrances in their composition. A recent study at the University of Maryland found that about 90 percent of such fragrances are based on dangerous toxic substances such as acetone, toluene, limonene, etc.d. Quality premium products should contain all-natural essential oils or expensive purified perfume compositions.
3. Composition of the wick.The wick must be placed strictly vertically. To achieve this, some manufacturers use a metal core represented by thin lead or zinc thread. Experts say it’s not safe. While the wick is burning, the metal heats up, releasing toxic substances into the air, which have a negative effect on the central nervous system. It is relatively easy to check if there is metal in the core of the wick. Simply fan the tip of the wick across the surface of the sheet of paper. If a dark trace remains on the paper, you’d better refrain from using a candle.
4. Color. Too bright colors of paraffin or wax base indicate the presence of synthetic dyes in the composition, which often emit toxic components when heated as well. Experts advise to choose candles in calmer pastel colors.
5. Burning time.Most manufacturers indicate on the packaging the burning time of the candle, which depends on the type of base, weight and size of the product. It should be taken into account that wax candles burn longer than wax candles, so their higher price is often justified.
6. Aroma Composition Type. Choosing a candle flavor, should be based not only on personal preferences, but also on the purpose of purchase. For example, to create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation in the bedroom, help warm patchouli and sandalwood notes, while invigorating citrus compositions will be more appropriate in the bathroom. You should be especially careful when choosing candles for a romantic dinner, since not all scents are compatible with food scents. The optimal solution in this case would be compositions with light “edible” notes of vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate.

A warm and cozy atmosphere in the house consists of many factors, among which the aroma is not the last. Fill the space with your favorite scents can help qualitative aromatic candles, which contain only safe natural ingredients. These are the products that made it to the top of the best scented candles from the experts site Expertology.

The best aromatic candles

YANKEE CANDLE Warm Cashmere

Rating: 4.9

American brand YANKEE CANDLE is successfully sold in 20 countries all over the world including Russia. The brand assortment has over 150 unique fragrance compositions based on natural waxes and natural plant extracts. Warm Cashmere” Warm Cashmere fragrance is sure to win the fans of subtle spicy and woody scents. Sandalwood, musk and patchouli are the base notes of the formula. The middle note revealing the very essence of the composition, is given to a soft velvety aroma of cashmere wood and sweet-scented cardamom. The top note from the producer is mature orange, but users note that the citrus line of the candle is very delicate and doesn’t drown out the sweetly spicy base.

YANKEE CANDLE Warm Cashmere candles are available in miniatures of 49 and 104 grams, as well as in large format of 411 and 623 grams. The full-size version comes in a stylish glass jar with a weighty lid and provides 150 hours of continuous burning. The candle has a pleasant beige-pink color, which allows it to fit harmoniously into almost any interior. Users note that the delicate sweet flavor composition does not strain and does not cause a headache, even with prolonged burning candles. Ideal for creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.

Advantages

• safe for health natural composition;
• A harmonious combination of natural spice and woody notes;
• High-quality and well-thought-out packaging;
• more than 150 hours of continuous use;
• preservation of fragrance in the room for up to 24 hours;
• stylish design;
• opportunity to buy a miniature version for testing.

Disadvantages

• Very fine aromatic composition, which requires 2-3 hours of burning for full disclosure.

TIZIANA TERENZI Andromeda

Rating: 4.8

Perfumers of the world-famous Italian brand Tiziana Terenzi have taken care of that the delightful aromas of their Moon collection can be heard not only on the body, but also fill the space around. To this end, the company has released a line of unique perfumed candles based on purified hydrogenated wax. Andromeda fragrance is a fresh floral and citrus composition, which begins to open with a combination of a tart note of bergamot and a sweet accent of ylang-ylang. The heart of the composition is represented by a fruity-floral symphony. It has sensual notes of damask rose and lily, harmoniously intertwined with the sweetness of peach and pear nectar. Subtle hints of coconut, ambergris and vanilla complete the composition. A refined melody that leaves no one indifferent.

The composition of the candle contains 20% of natural fragrance essences of the highest quality. This makes it possible to achieve such a bright, and at the same time natural fragrance. Another distinctive feature of the product is the wooden wick, made of two types of wood. During burning the wick crackles pleasantly, imitating the sounds of the fireplace. This allows you to complete the atmosphere of warmth and coziness. The candle is sold in a golden glass container decorated with the brand’s signature emblem. Moreover, thanks to the use of Air Therapy technology the candle emits large quantities of pure water vapour as it burns, which contributes to the correct and balanced humidification of the air in the room. Through negative space ionization, dust particles settle and the air becomes cleaner.

Advantages

• a safe base of purified hydrogenated wax;
• Unique floral and citrus composition, which has no analogues;
• 20% of the highest quality natural fragrance essences in the composition;
• The crackling effect is achieved thanks to the wooden wick;
• luxurious design;
• Air Therapy humidification and air purification technology;
• Long preservation of fragrance.

Disadvantages

• high price.

WOODWICK Fireside

Rating: 4.8

American manufacturer of scented candles WoodWick offers its customers to appreciate the fantastic novelties that give a multi-sensory experience. The combination of a natural woody fragrance and the distinctive crackling sound of a burning fireplace immerse you in an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and homeliness. Sweetish-tart notes of Italian bergamot and apple peel are the first to open in the aromatic composition of Fireside. In just a few minutes the user can appreciate the medium velvety notes of golden amber and black oak. The last to open are the deep woody aromas of vetiver, mahogany and musk. Fusing into a single composition, these scents relax and create a calming atmosphere.

A characteristic feature of this brand candles – wide wooden wick, which creates a long dancing flame. A special patented construction provides the wick with a pleasant crackling sound during burning. The manufacturer uses natural soy wax as the base for the WoodWick Fireside candle, which is completely safe for human health. The range includes candles of different weight – 31, 85, 275, 453, 609 grams. Listed variants guarantee from 8 to 160 hours of continuous burning. Thanks to the fact that the candles are placed in stylish glass vessels with a lid, they are worthy of decorating the interior and help to create a unique atmosphere at home.

Advantages

• A delicate oriental woody fragrance;
• safe base of natural soy wax;
• Unique brand patented wooden wick design;
• Beautiful glass container;
• The sound of crackling wood in the fireplace;
• A dimensional line of 5 candle options;
• Convenient cover for proper extinguishing of the flame.

Disadvantages

• Hard to find in offline stores.

Laboratorium passion fruit cream

Rating: 4.8

Russian organic cosmetics brand Laboratorium presents its line of scented candles based on natural soy and coconut wax. Laboratorium Maracuja Cream candle contains no animal products, and the fragrance is due exclusively to natural fragrance oils. The main note of the composition is a bright sour-sweet scent of exotic passion fruit. However, after just a few minutes of candle burning, the fruit note begins to sink into a soft, creamy “fog”, creating an exotic milkshake with vanilla notes. Lovers of “edible” aromatic compositions will especially appreciate this scent. The aroma fills the space quickly, without being too bright and intrusive.

All Laboratorium brand candles are handmade, which is especially good to realize in the era of mass automation. Producer offers two versions of passion fruit cream candle – in 100 ml volume (12 hours of burning) and 380 ml volume (35 hours of burning). Unlike paraffin candles, soy wax based formulations burn for a very long time and are economical to use. Users also note the laconic design of the products and the convenient lid for properly extinguishing the flame.

Advantages

• 100% natural organic candle composition;
• Nice fruity and creamy fragrance;
• handmade;
• No animal products;
• domestic manufacturer;
• unlimited shelf life;
• the ability to choose the optimal volume;
• 2 wicks at once in the large version;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages

• simple design.

Ambientair The Olphactory Black Pause Cashmere

Rating: 4.7

For 20 years, the famous Spanish brand Ambientair maintains its leading position on the European home fragrance market. The Olphactory Black Pause “Cashmere” candle is based on natural plant wax, which is not harmful to human health. The soft and warm fragrance of “cashmere wood” is due to the content of natural plant extracts and high-quality perfumed components. The main notes of the composition are velvety-woody and powdery-fruity. Users describe this scent as both sweet and fresh, gently filling the entire space of the room.

Ambientair brand candles contain no alcohol and toxic ingredients. They can be used both for home or office aromatization and as an addition to any SPA-procedures. The total continuous candle burn time reaches 40 hours. The manufacturer recommends trimming the edge of the textile wick after each use of the candle. Among the benefits of The Olphactory Black Pause Cashmere candle, you can’t help but notice the stylish aged design, versatility of use and even burnout.

Advantages

• soft sweet and woody aroma;
• Organic base of vegetable wax;
• The absence of alcohol and toxic ingredients in the composition;
• 40 hours of continuous candle burning;
• laconic Scandinavian design;
• perfect European quality of the production.

Disadvantages

• very simple scent composition.

Russian candle manufactory “Yabloko”

Rating: 4.7

Russian candle manufactory for many years, produces scented compositions for every taste. Apple” candle has a bright sweetish-fruity odor and a pleasant green hue. Its flavor is intense. The manufacturer claims that the aromatic composition has an invigorating and restorative effect on the human body. However, the presence of synthetic fragrances and dyes makes experts treat such claims with caution.

The base of the candle is a combination of paraffin and wax. The composition is sold in a small glass jar with a lid that allows you to properly extinguish the flame after use. The candle burns quickly and easily and has a total burning time of 13 hours. Many users have noticed that the scent of the candle before use sounds brighter and richer than while burning the wick.

Advantages

• pleasant and invigorating apple scent;
• handy glass jar;
• total burning time 13 hours;
• domestic manufacturer;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• paraffin as a base;
• Artificial colors and fragrances in the composition;
• scent during combustion is not bright enough.

CandleKraft Sandalwood Aroma

Rating: 4.7

Russian studio CandleKraft produces a line of magnificent designer scented candles based on 100% soy wax. When creating CandleKraft Sandalwood Aroma, the manufacturer uses only premium perfumed components of English manufacture. The aroma composition has a soft, woody scent that combines notes of sandalwood, musk, ylang-ylang and cedar. This combination allows to get a light relaxing flavor without intrusive chemise shades. The aroma unfolds beautifully in the process of burning the candle, filling the entire space of the room for a long time. Most users say that CandleKraft products are a real find for creating a warm romantic atmosphere.

Unlike most competitors, the CandleKraft Sandalwood Aroma candle is handmade. Thanks to the attractive design of the frosted glass container and the unique wooden lid, the products of this young brand is worthy to decorate any interior. Economical consumption and uniform burnout will allow for a long time to enjoy a sophisticated combination of silky wood aromas that fill the home with warmth and comfort.

Advantages

• unique author’s scent, created on the basis of English perfumed components;
• 100% pure soy wax base
• economical consumption and even burnout;
• handmade by artisans;
• safety for health and the environment;
• affordable price for a premium product
• Attractive design and beautiful gift wrapping.

Disadvantages

• not revealed.

Stella Fragrance MACAROON YUZU

Rating: 4.7

Stella Fragrance is another Russian manufacturer of handmade scented candles that definitely deserves attention. Enchanting and alluring MACAROON YUZU fragrance is a complex multi-faceted composition of natural essential oils of high quality. The fragrance combines the bright citrus notes of yuzu, grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin with the calmer, nutty scents of almonds, pistachio, and ginger. Vanilla and musk “canvas” completes this fantastic combination. The base for such an original and powerful combination is natural soy wax, which holds its shape beautifully and burns relatively slowly.

The candle is sold in a stylish brown glass jar. A playful, even flame creates a shimmering light that will decorate a romantic dinner, family gatherings or a relaxing meditation. To achieve the optimum level of aromatization of the room, experts advise to sustain a minimum of 20 minutes of continuous burning. This time allows fragrances to fully open and fill the space. Taking into account the democratic price policy of the brand, the Stella Fragrance MACAROON YUZU candle can be considered the best option in terms of quality-price ratio.

Advantages

• natural soy wax in the composition
• complex multi-component composition of flavors;
• the use of high quality natural raw materials;
• beautiful brown glass jar;
• handmade;
• The economical consumption of the composition;
• affordable prices.

Disadvantages

• relatively slow deployment and spread of fragrance.

Qualitative aromatic candles help to make the bright moments of life more joyful and exciting, and create an atmosphere of harmony and peace in your home. Once you use this original interior piece it’s impossible to deny yourself and your family the pleasure of enjoying the sensual fragrances every day.