Are Citrus Candles Good?

Citrus candles are candles that are scented with citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, and bergamot. The citrus oils extracted from the peels of these fruits are used to scent the wax of the candles, providing a fresh, bright, uplifting fragrance. Citrus candle scents are popular for their ability to energize and refresh indoor spaces. The zesty, tangy aroma evokes feelings of sunshine and tropical locales. When burned, citrus candles impart a clean, crisp scent that can help mask stale odors and renew the air. With the popularity of aromatherapy, citrus candles are appreciated for their invigorating properties and ability to boost mood. Overall, citrus candles offer a refreshing, revitalizing scent experience.

Pros of Citrus Candles

One of the biggest pros of citrus-scented candles is that they provide a pleasant, fresh scent. The zesty citrus fragrances are uplifting and energizing. They evoke feelings of sunshine and summer. Citrus scents like lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, and bergamot have a bright, clean aroma that can instantly lift your mood.

The tangy citrus smells are also often associated with cleanliness. Some people like using citrus candles in kitchens or bathrooms to give the impression of a freshly cleaned space. The scents are reminiscent of household citrus cleaners and can help mask unwanted odors.

Citrus candles are popular year-round, but they may be especially nice to burn in colder months when people are missing the freshness of summer. The bright scents provide a pick-me-up when spirits and energy levels tend to drop. Burning a lemon or orange candle can rejuvenate and refresh.

Cons of Citrus Candles

While citrus candles can fill a room with an uplifting and refreshing scent, they do come with some potential downsides to consider.

The most significant issue with citrus candles is that the strong scents can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people. Citrus oils contain limonene, which is a common irritant. Exposure to concentrated citrus oils can cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and skin rashes in those with sensitivities.

People prone to migraines may also find citrus scents to be a trigger. The strong aroma can overwhelm some individuals and make existing headaches worse. Those with asthma may experience breathing issues or asthma attacks from inhaling the fumes.

If someone in your home suffers from allergies, migraines, asthma, or scent sensitivities, it’s best to avoid citrus candles entirely. The risks outweigh any potential benefits. Opt for unscented candles as a safer alternative.

Types of Citrus Used

When it comes to citrus-scented candles, there are three main types of citrus fruits commonly used:

Lemon

Lemon is one of the most popular citrus scents for candles. The bright, zesty fragrance is uplifting and energizing. Lemon essential oil is extracted from the rind of the lemon fruit.

Orange

Orange is another top choice for citrus candles. Sweet and tangy orange essential oil is extracted from the rind of oranges. It has a fresh, cheerful scent that many find relaxing.

Grapefruit

With its crisp, tart aroma, grapefruit makes for an invigorating candle scent. Grapefruit essential oil comes from the rind of the grapefruit and provides a clean, citrusy fragrance.

So whether you’re looking for a scent that’s fruity and sweet like orange, bright and refreshing like lemon, or brisk and tangy like grapefruit, citrus candles offer a wide range of zippy, mood-boosting aromas to choose from.

Candle Wax Types

There are three main types of wax that are commonly used for citrus candles:

Soy Wax – Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It’s becoming increasingly popular because it’s made from a renewable resource. Soy wax burns cleanly and has very little scent of its own, allowing the citrus fragrance to shine through. Soy wax also holds scent very well. The drawbacks are that soy wax is softer than other waxes, so can lose its shape in warmer environments.

Paraffin Wax – Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct. It’s the most commonly used candle wax due to its low cost. Paraffin wax is hard and durable, and allows citrus scents to throw nicely. However, paraffin wax produces more soot than other waxes when burned.

Beeswax – Beeswax is all-natural wax made by honey bees. It has a pleasant natural honey aroma that blends well with citrus scents. Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than most other waxes. The downside is that beeswax is very expensive compared to other waxes.

Burn Time

The burn time of citrus candles can vary greatly depending on the size of the candle, type of wax used, and other factors. In general, here are some burn time estimates for citrus candles:

• Small votive or tea light citrus candles – Up to 6 hours
• Standard 8-10oz jar or tin container candles – 30-45 hours
• Large pillar or decorative candles – 50-80 hours

Soy wax blends infused with citrus oils tend to burn slower and longer than paraffin wax. Beeswax and coconut wax citrus candles also have excellent burn times. Pillar candles and candles with thicker diameter wicks also tend to burn slower than thinner container candles.

No matter what the burn time, it’s important to keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch as the candle burns down. This will prevent excess smoking and uneven burning. Citrus scents may burn quicker than non-fruit scented candles due to the volatility of the citrus oils. But overall, citrus candles are known for their long lasting fragrance and burn time when properly made.

Price Range

Citrus candles vary quite a bit in price depending on factors like scent, wax, wick type, container, and brand. Here’s an overview of the price range you can expect:

Budget: Basic citrus candles from mass-market brands like Yankee Candle can cost between $10-$20 for a medium 14-22oz jar candle. These provide a nice citrus scent at an affordable price point. Good for gifting or everyday use.

Mid-Range: Small-batch and boutique citrus candle brands like Homesick, Voluspa, and Nest generally range from $20-$35. These offer higher quality wax, unique custom scents, and stylish packaging. Great for candle enthusiasts.

Luxury: High-end designers like Jo Malone, Diptyque, and Byredo offer signature citrus candles from $50 up to $100+. These feature rare, exotic citrus scents, premium ingredients, and beautifully designed vessels. A luxurious splurge for citrus candle aficionados.

Overall the price range spans basic budget-friendly options all the way up to high-end luxury depending on your preferences and budget.

Safety Tips

When burning citrus candles, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips to prevent issues like soot buildup, tunneling, and fire hazards.

Properly trimming the wick before each use is crucial. Use scissors or nail clippers to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. This helps prevent overly large flames which produce excess soot. Only leave the recommended 1⁄4 inch wick when the candle is not being burned.

Pay attention to the candle’s recommended burn time and do not burn it for longer. Citrus candles contain essential oils and fragrances that can cause the wax to liquefy too quickly if burned for too long. This leads to tunneling and an uneven burn.

Always place citrus candles on a stable, heat resistant surface away from drafts. Trim wicks before each use to avoid excess soot. Keep the candle away from flammable materials like curtains. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Top Brands

When looking for a high-quality citrus scented candle, certain brands stand out for their exceptional products. Here are some of the top brands for citrus candles:

Yankee Candle

With decades of candle making expertise, Yankee Candle offers a wide selection of citrus scents like Lemon Lavender, Orange Clove, and Pink Grapefruit. Their candles use natural ingredients and premium waxes for excellent fragrance throw and clean burning.

Nest Fragrances

Nest Fragrances specializes in home fragrances including their signature citrus scents like Sicilian Tangerine and Grapefruit. Their luxury candles feature sophisticated packaging, complex fragrances, and long-lasting burns.

Voluspa

Voluspa is known for their creative blends and vessel designs. Their citrus options include Orange Bloom and Mandarin Rose absolut. The candles use coconut wax for a clean burn and plenty of fragrance.

Jo Malone

Jo Malone London offers a scent collection of sophisticated citrus candles like Lime Basil & Mandarin and Grapefruit. Their minimalist branding and unique fragrance combinations have made them popular among luxury candle lovers.

When choosing among the top brands of citrus candles, consider your personal fragrance preferences along with factors like burn time, price, and branding. Testing out samples can help discover your perfect citrus scent and brand.

Summary

In summary, citrus scented candles have both advantages and disadvantages compared to other candle scents. On the plus side, citrus candles fill a room with a refreshing, uplifting fragrance that can boost mood and increase alertness. The citrusy aroma also helps mask unpleasant odors. However, some find citrus scents too strong or synthetic smelling. Citrus candles may also trigger allergies, headaches or breathing issues for those sensitive. When it comes to safety, follow general candle precautions like keeping away from flammables and not leaving unattended. Look for quality ingredients from reputable brands. Test different citrus varieties to find your favorite. With proper care, citrus candles can provide enjoyable ambiance. But consider potential drawbacks for you or those sharing the space.