A beautifully presented choice infused with the soothing scent of ylang ylang. As pleasing to the eye as it is to the nose.
A high quality choice made with perfume grade fragrance oils, pure cotton wicks, and 100% soy wax. Notes of ylang ylang, jasmine, chamomile, and musk work together to relax and revitalize tired minds. Comes in an elegant rose gold holder, making it a gift-worthy option. Long burning time of 60 to 80 hours.
Some users felt the scent was a bit too intense and floral.
High quality, non-toxic product that is beautifully packaged and comes with 4 options in different scents, making it a great option for gifting as a set or individually.
Comes in an attractive box with each one in a unique decorative tin holder. Food grade soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks are non-toxic and long lasting. 4 different scents offer an experience for every mood. Ribbon and blank gift card are a nice touch.
On the smaller side, but that's only to be expected of a gift set.
Whether you're looking to freshen up your home or simply want to treat your fur baby to a soothing experience, this vet-approved option is a solid choice.
Effectively cancels permeating pet odors without being overwhelming. Each unit is infused with a blend of soothing scents, carefully selected to calm anxious or energetic pets. Made with soy wax, cotton wicks, and natural extracts. Safe for animals. Comes in a wide variety of fragrances.
Rather expensive, given the size.
This French lavender scent packs a powerful calming vibe with 3 wicks, premium essential oils, and an impressive burn time of up to 80 hours.
Made with natural essential oils, soy wax, and cotton wicks. Both lavender and vanilla are renowned for their calming properties. 3 wicks deliver triple the scent. Users rave about the natural aroma. Generous size with an excellent burning time. Well presented and nicely packaged.
Some wish the scent was stronger.
If you're tired of products with barely-there scents, this potent option won't disappoint. Ideal for large rooms or a whole-house effect.
A concentrated blend of eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils deliver a powerful, stress-relieving aroma that fills the whole room and beyond. Soy-based wax construction is long-burning and non-toxic. Comes in a transparent glass holder with a lid.
If you have a sensitive nose, this one might be too strong.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
An aromatherapy candle can bring a warm glow and pleasant ambiance to your space. With the right scent, it may even alter your mood. Aromatherapy candles contain natural oils with fragrances that may calm, invigorate, soothe, motivate, or affect your spirit in a number of positive ways.
Fragrance can trigger positive sense memories, and those responses vary based on aroma, potency, and person. You can keep several different aromatherapy candle scents on hand so they're available whenever your mood needs a little pick-me-up.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular aromatherapy candle fragrances. Note that some candles incorporate a mix of the following and that this is by no means a comprehensive list.
Lavender: Among the most sought-after scents, lavender helps soothe, calm, and relax. It’s an ideal scent for unwinding at the end of the day or enjoying a bath.
Lemongrass: Uplifting and motivating, lemongrass is a worthy scent for morning or afternoon use. Other citrus scents, like orange and grapefruit, have similar properties.
Peppermint: This scent is known to have restorative properties, relieving stress and aches. Peppermint is also used frequently in the winter to conjure a festive spirit.
Eucalyptus: Another calming scent, eucalyptus can act as a decongestant, relieving head, nose, and throat stuffiness.
Jasmine: Like lavender, jasmine is a popular scent that helps to decompress and relax. Use this one after a long day at work.
Vanilla: A stress-relief scent, the sweet aroma of vanilla warms the spirit and mind and offers comfort.
Cinnamon: Similar to vanilla, cinnamon has a welcoming, comforting presence, aiding in exhaustion and fatigue.
Rosemary: For those working long and hard, rosemary is a worthy and embraceable scent. It’s known to help with memory and focus.
There are three main types of wax used in candles: soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax
Soy: Most aromatherapy candles are made from soy, a nontoxic, sustainable, natural resource. While these may be more expensive, they tend to last longer. When properly used, they don’t smoke or release any residue.
Beeswax: Another natural and sustainable source, beeswax has air-purifying qualities that make it beneficial for aromatherapy. Beeswax candles also offer a brighter burn than soy candles.
Paraffin: This wax is derived from oil, and while it’s an inexpensive and popular option for many candles, it does not provide aromatherapeutic qualities. Paraffin wax candles may release soot and smoke and are not made from natural ingredients. While some such candles may masquerade as aromatherapy candles, they are often of substandard quality, so use caution.
Blends: You may come across waxes described as “blends.” A blend can be a combination of soy, beeswax, vegetable wax, or other ingredients. Provided they are all-natural and not synthetic, these blends are suitable for aromatherapy purposes.
Scents are derived from oils that are blended into the wax of the candle. Aromatherapy candles use natural oils to achieve their positive traits. Those that contain synthetic oils may produce a familiar smell but are unlikely to possess the therapeutic properties you’re looking for.
The size of the candle informs how long it can potentially burn. Notably, smaller candles burn at a slower rate than larger ones and may be more economical. That’s because candles with smaller wicks take longer to heat up and burn down.
Candles that weigh under 10 ounces typically burn for six to seven hours per ounce of wax. Candles larger than that may only burn for four or five hours per ounce of wax. Note that listed burn times are for optimal conditions and require regular candle maintenance. Burn time may shorten significantly if the wick or wax is dirty or damaged.
Aromatherapy can work on pets as well as people. Some candles are specifically designed for dogs or cats to help with stress or anxiety. However, if your pet suffers from separation anxiety, use the candle before you leave, and be sure to put out the flame before leaving your pet alone.
While most aromatherapy candles have a single wick, some feature two or three wicks, which can create a unique aesthetic appeal. Extra wicks don’t necessarily mean the candle is more potent or will burn longer, however. Note that all wicks should be lit at the same time to avoid an uneven burn.
Most aromatherapy candles come in a jar or other container that may be simple or decorative. Some containers, especially the fancier ones, can be repurposed as gift boxes or other items after the candle is used up.
Bath caddy: Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bath Tray
Enjoy your relaxing aromatherapy candle in the bath with a handy bath tray. This elegant model from Royal Craft Wood is perfect for setting up a soak with a candle, book, and drink.
Bath bombs: Beauty by Earth Natural Bath Bomb Set
Those who love aromatherapy may wish to harness the diverse power of the bath bomb. This Beauty by Earth set offers six charming bath bombs to enhance your mood and soften your skin.
For under $15, you will find some small aromatherapy candles that can burn for five or ten hours.
Most aromatherapy candles cost between $15 and $30. You’ll find items with long burn times and a range of scents here.
Aromatherapy candles that cost over $30 are larger items that often come in decorative jars or gift sets.
A. Before lighting the candle, trim the wick so it's only about a quarter of an inch long. This will prevent smoking and allow for an even burn. The first burn should run for at least three or four hours, or enough time that the entire surface has had a chance to melt. Subsequently, burn for an hour or two at a time to avoid tunneling.
When putting out the flame, avoid blowing on the candle, as that could damage the wick or cause the flame to smoke. It’s best to use a candle snuffer. Alternatively, you could use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax. If you don’t have either of these tools, you could use the lid on the jar to smother the flame, although it may blacken the lid. Lastly, when not in use, cover the candle so it doesn’t attract dust or dirt, which could dampen the scent or ruin the wax.
A. Pets can be particularly sensitive to certain scents and oils, especially cats. Aromatherapy candles are typically safer than diffusing essential oils, but it’s important to note that not all oils, even when mixed with candle wax, are safe for dogs and cats. For example, eucalyptus and tea tree oil can be harmful to dogs.
Consult your veterinarian and research essential oil-based candles before selecting them. Monitor your pets for adverse reactions when using aromatherapy candles, especially the first time. Light your candles in a spacious, well-ventilated area. It may be wise to invest in exclusively pet-approved candles.
A. Tunnelling occurs when candle wax burns unevenly, resulting in a portion along the sides that stays solid while the center melts away. This can happen with any candle. To fix it, leave the wick longer than normal to promote a higher flame that will burn the edges. Burn the candle longer than usual so the top layers can melt. You may also need to cut down the sides, either removing them or spreading them across the top of the candle so they can melt anew.