Like regular candles, scented candles are made from wax. However, with scented candles, natural or synthetic fragrances are added to the wax before it hardens. When you light the candle, the wax melts again, and the fragrance begins to evaporate. As evaporation occurs, a light aroma is produced that fills the area.

Most scented candles use a blend of natural and synthetic fragrances. Both natural and synthetic fragrances should be approved for use in candles.

Approved fragrances are often the same type that are used in perfume and body care products like soap.

• Aromatic

Scented candles can hide unpleasant odors in your home, which makes them ideal for areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or your pets’ favorite spots.

• Create atmosphere

Like all candles, scented candles provide a soft glow that creates a soothing or romantic mood for a party or quiet dinner.

• Boost mood

Scented candles with the right fragrances can improve your mood if you’re feeling a little down.

• Reduce stress

If you’re feeling anxious, burning a scented candle can help you relax and unwind.

• Fight insomnia

The right scented candles are relaxing and can soothe you to sleep.

• Sharpen focus

If you’re working on an important project, invigorating scented candles help you concentrate on the task at hand.

• Natural scented candles

Some scented candles are made using natural materials. The base is composed of soy wax, vegetable wax, or beeswax, and the candles use essential oils and perfume-grade fragrances to provide scent. The wicks are usually composed completely of cotton, too.

• Synthetic scented candles

Synthetic scented candles are usually made from waxes that are crude oil by-products like paraffin. They get their scent and color from synthetic fragrances and dyes, and they may produce smoke that is darker and contains chemicals.

Scented candles come in a variety of sizes from as small as half an ounce to as large as 25 ounces. In general, you should choose a candle size based on the size of the room that you’re going to burn it in.

For a small room like a bathroom, a five- to eight-ounce scented candle is usually sufficient. In a larger space like a living room, a 14- to 25-ounce candle typically works better.

If you’re trying out a scent for the first time, though, you’re better off purchasing a smaller candle. That way, if you don’t like the fragrance, you won’t be out too much money on a candle that’s not to your liking.

Scented candles typically have flat, square, or cored wicks.

• Flat wicks: Flat wicks are composed of flat plaited or knitted bundles of fibers, and they tend to burn very consistently. They are known for curling in as they burn, so they’re often described as self-trimming.

• Square wicks: Square wicks also curl as they burn for self-trimming, but they have a more rounded, braided shape. They’re often used in beeswax candles.

• Cored wicks: Cored wicks also feature a braided or knitted design, but they tend to stay straight as they burn. That’s because they have a core material inside the wick that provides stiffness. Paper, tin, or zinc are commonly used as core materials.
   

Consider the number of wicks when you’re buying a scented candle, too. Most candles have a single wick, but some have two or three.

Multiple wicks are often better for scented candles because they can be more effective in dispersing the fragrance throughout your home. They also offer a warmer, more radiant glow than single-wick candles.

For most people, the most important feature of a scented candle is the fragrance it produces. Choosing a scent is purely a matter of personal preference, but it helps to know what notes to look for in candles that you’re considering.

If you like —

• Floral: Choose candles with lilac, rose, jasmine, or lavender notes.

• Green: Choose candles with grass, green tea, bamboo, or bay leaf notes.

• Woody: Choose candles with sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, or moss notes.

• Fruity: Choose candles with peach, raspberry, or fig notes.

• Citrus: Choose candles with lemon, orange, grapefruit, or bergamot notes.

• Sweet: Choose candles with vanilla or almond notes.

• Spicy: Choose candles with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, or clove notes.

• Fresh: Choose candles with light notes that are described as linen-, cotton-, or laundry-inspired.
   

The season can also help you choose the right scented candle. In the spring and summer, light fragrances, such as fresh, fruity, or citrus scents, work well. In cooler months, woody, green, and spicy scents are more pleasing.

Scented candles range in price based on their size, type of wax, and fragrances. In general, you’ll usually pay between $5 and $65.

• Inexpensive

Small to medium scented candles that are five to 13 ounces in size and contain synthetic wax and fragrances typically cost between $5 and $12. Small scented candles that are five to eight ounces in size and made with natural wax and fragrances typically run $10 to $18.

• Mid-range

Medium scented candles that are eight to 13 ounces in size and made with natural wax and fragrances typically cost $15 to $30. Large scented candles that are 13 to 25 ounces in size and made with synthetic wax and fragrances usually run between $20 and $30.

• Expensive

Large scented candles that are 13 to 25 ounces in size and made with natural wax and fragrances typically cost $35 to $65.

• Never leave a scented candle unattended once it’s burning. It can be a serious fire hazard.

• Always place a scented candle on a heat-resistant surface before lighting it, and make sure that it isn’t in the path of any drafts.

• For most scented candles, you should keep the wick trimmed to approximately 1/8 inch.

• To get the most powerful fragrance for your home, allow the wax to pool at the top of the candle as it burns. The entire top layer should liquefy for the strongest scent.

• Most scented candles shouldn’t be burned for more than four hours at a time, and always allow the candle to cool for at least two hours before relighting it.

• When your scented candle only has a half-inch of wax left, it’s time to replace it.

• If you don’t have a wick trimmer to trim the wicks of your scented candles, a small pair of nail scissors works well.

Q. Are scented candles safe to burn?

A. Burning scented candles is as safe as burning unscented candles. Because candles have open flames, they are a fire hazard and must be watched carefully. However, if you’re concerned about a scented candle giving off possible toxic fumes, there’s no need. The fragrances used are approved for burning in candles, and only a safe amount is added to each candle.

Q. Can I use scented candles if I have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues?

A. Scented candles usually aren’t an issue for most people, but there is a chance that a certain fragrance or essential oil may trigger a reaction if you are sensitive to scents. If you have a reaction to a specific fragrance, avoid any scented candles that feature those notes. It’s also important to burn your scented candle in a well-ventilated space.

Q. Are scented candles made with natural wax better than those made with synthetic wax?

A. All waxes used for candles are non-toxic, so both natural and synthetic waxes are perfectly safe to burn in your home. However, natural waxes usually offer a cleaner burn than synthetic waxes, so many people prefer scented candles that use natural materials.