Is Vanilla A Good Candle Scent?
The Popularity of Vanilla Candle Scents
Vanilla is one of the most popular and beloved candle scents today. In fact, research shows that vanilla typically edges out other popular scents like pumpkin and apple cinnamon to be the most purchased candle fragrance overall. The mass appeal of vanilla makes it a safe, crowd-pleasing scent that candle makers continue to produce year after year.
There are several reasons why vanilla has maintained its number one spot in the world of candle scents. First, vanilla has a universally-liked scent that is considered calming and soothing by many [1]. It is a warm, sweet aroma that reminds people of home and childhood. Additionally, vanilla works well when blended with other fragrances like sugar, spice, and citrus. This allows candle makers to create unique, yet still familiar scents featuring vanilla [1]. Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed with complementary scents, it’s no surprise that vanilla remains one of the most popular candle fragrances today.
The Science Behind Vanilla’s Appeal
Vanilla has an almost universally appealing scent that can trigger nostalgia. According to Glossy, recent data shows vanilla is the number one favorite fragrance among Gen Z consumers, beating out rose, fruit, and other popular scents (source). Vanilla is often associated with childhood memories and comfort due to its common use in sweet foods and baked goods. The scent triggers receptors in the brain that make us feel happy and relaxed.
The nostalgic appeal of vanilla comes from its rich history as a coveted spice and flavoring. Vanilla was originally cultivated in Mexico and valued by the Aztec civilization. Spanish explorers introduced it to Europe in the 16th century, where the unique scent became immensely popular. Vanilla remained an exotic, expensive ingredient until the 19th century. Today, it is one of the most recognized and widely used scents in candles, perfumes, and other fragrance products.
On a scientific level, vanilla contains over 200 aromatic compounds that provide its distinctive scent and flavor. The primary component is vanillin, the signature molecule responsible for vanilla’s sweet, creamy character. When inhaled, vanillin interacts with receptors in the nose and stimulates the brain’s emotional center. This can induce feelings of comfort, happiness, and relaxation – precisely the nostalgic response many people experience from vanilla candles.
Vanilla Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress
Studies have shown that vanilla can have a calming and mood-enhancing effect. In one study published in the journal PMC, researchers found that vanilla extract exhibited antidepressant effects in mice (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3660925/). Mice that ingested vanilla showed improved symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Another study published in Flavour Journal looked at the effects of ambient vanilla and citrus scents on mood (https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-1-24). The researchers found that exposure to vanilla aroma increased positive moods and introvert emotions compared to exposure to citrus aroma or no aroma.
The calming properties of vanilla are believed to come from vanillin, the main component that gives vanilla its distinctive flavor and smell. Vanillin may have sedative effects that can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep.
Vanilla Masks Unpleasant Smells
One of the biggest benefits of vanilla candles is their ability to mask unpleasant odors in the home. The sweet, warm scent of vanilla can overpower and cover up bad smells from pets, smoke, cooking, and more. According to Diannes Custom Candles, their vanilla scented candles can eliminate 95% of pet, smoke, food, and other odors quickly (source). Goose Creek Candle also says their cotton vanilla breeze candle helps eliminate odors while filling a room with the delicate vanilla scent (source).
The reason vanilla is so effective at masking odors is because of the way our sense of smell works. When we smell vanilla, it activates receptors in our noses that detect vanillin, the compound that gives vanilla its distinctive scent. This blocks other scent receptors from being activated by bad smells in the environment. So while a vanilla candle is burning, the pleasant vanilla aroma dominates over other odors, essentially hiding them from our noses.
If you have issues with lingering pet, smoke, cooking, or other unpleasant smells in your home, burning a vanilla scented candle can provide an easy and effective way to cover them up.
Potential Downsides of Vanilla Candles
While vanilla is undeniably a popular candle scent, some people find it to be too sweet or overpowering. The vanilla fragrance can be quite strong and rich, which may cause olfactory fatigue or even headaches for those sensitive to strong smells.
As one Reddit user commented, “I want a nice, soft vanilla that’s comforting, but not too sweet. For instance, I really like the sugarcane note of Sugared Lemon Zest. What do you suggest?” (source).
Others find that vanilla can be too one-dimensional on its own. Smoky or woodsy vanilla scents are popular for toning down the sweetness, like the Smoked Vanilla candle from WoodWick (source).
So while vanilla remains a candle favorite for its warm, comforting scent, it may be overpowering for some noses. Many prefer to temper vanilla with complementary scents.
Complementary Scents for Vanilla Candles
Vanilla blends well with a variety of other scents that can create different ambiences and effects. Some popular complementary scents for vanilla candles are:
Wood scents like sandalwood, cedarwood, and amber – the rich, woody notes pair beautifully with vanilla’s sweetness and enhance its soothing qualities. Boondocks Candle Co. combines vanilla with cedarwood for a “wildly vanilla” scent.
Spice scents like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom add warmth. Nomad Noé candles suggest pairing vanilla and cardamom.
Citrus scents like lemon, orange, and bergamot create an energizing effect. Sojourn Company recommends blending vanilla with bergamot.
Experts suggest combining vanilla with lighter or crisper scents so the vanilla doesn’t overpower. But vanilla’s versatility allows for many possibilities to create the perfect custom scent for your space and mood.
High-Quality Vanilla Candle Options
When looking for a high-quality vanilla candle, there are several top brands to consider:
Yankee Candle is known for their wide range of vanilla candle options, including Vanilla Cupcake and Home Sweet Home. Their candles use a natural blend of vanilla extracts and fragrance oils for an authentic, long-lasting vanilla scent (source).
Bath & Body Works is another popular brand with beloved vanilla candles like Vanilla Bean and Vanilla Birch. They use essential oils in their fragrance blends to create authentic vanilla scents that fill the room (source).
Voluspa is a luxury candle brand that makes beautifully packaged soy candles with exotic vanilla scents like Vanilla Orchid and Vanilla Bourbon. Their quality ingredients like coconut wax and fine fragrance oils produce an indulgent, sophisticated vanilla aroma (source).
For candles with subtle, soothing vanilla notes, brands like Nest and Jo Malone are excellent choices. Nest’s Cashmere Vanilla candle combines vanilla with jasmine and sandalwood for a creamy, enveloping scent (source).
Making Your Own Vanilla Candle
Making your own vanilla scented candle at home is easy, fun, and cost-effective. There are a few simple DIY vanilla candle recipes you can follow using basic ingredients like wax, vanilla essential oil or extract, wicks, and jars. Here are step-by-step instructions for an easy DIY vanilla candle:
You’ll need:
- Wax – Use soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax. Soy wax is a great natural option.
- Vanilla Fragrance – Pure vanilla extract or vanilla essential oils are best. Use about 1-2 teaspoons per pound of wax.
- Wick – Pre-tabbed or regular wicks work. Follow thickness guidelines based on your jar size.
- Jars – Small mason jars, votive holders, or any heat-safe glass container.
- Double boiler – This evenly melts the wax.
Instructions:
- Set up your double boiler and melt wax completely. Pour into a heat safe pitcher or measuring cup.
- Add vanilla and stir well to fully incorporate. Pour quickly into jars before it starts to harden.
- Carefully center wicks in each jar and straighten. Allow candles to fully set and cool overnight.
- Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before burning. Enjoy your homemade vanilla scented candles!
For a more decorative touch, add vanilla beans, coffee beans, or dried flowers inside the jars before pouring in wax. Get creative with different jar shapes and designs. Refer to this guide for more vanilla candle making tips.
Uses for Vanilla Candles
Vanilla candles can be used in a variety of ways to create a relaxing and inviting environment. One of the main uses of vanilla candles is to set a calm and soothing mood. The sweet vanilla fragrance is known for its relaxing properties that can lower stress levels and promote feelings of comfort (https://rusticcharmcandles.com/blogs/candles/scented-candles-and-mood). Lighting a vanilla candle in the bedroom, living room, or bathroom can help create a space that feels warm, peaceful, and tranquil.
Another great use for vanilla scented candles is masking unpleasant odors in the home. Vanilla has a strong, sweet smell that can overpower and neutralize bad scents from cooking, pets, smoke, and musty odors. Burning a vanilla candle for a couple hours can clear the air and leave your space smelling fresh and pleasant.
Vanilla candles also make wonderful gifts. Vanilla is a universally enjoyed scent that most people find comforting. Giving a friend or loved one a vanilla scented candle shows you care about helping them relax and making their home welcoming. Vanilla candles pair nicely with self-care themed gifts like lotions, slippers, robes, and more. The warm vanilla fragrance evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia for many people.
The Verdict: Is Vanilla a Good Candle Scent?
When weighing the pros and cons, vanilla can be considered an excellent candle scent for most people. Here’s a recap of the main benefits and drawbacks of vanilla candles:
Pros:
- Vanilla is one of the most universally enjoyed scents.
- It has a sweet, warm, comforting aroma that enhances mood.
- Vanilla can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- It masks unpleasant odors effectively.
- Vanilla candle fragrances are readily available.
- Vanilla combines nicely with other scents like lavender, citrus, and woods.
Cons:
- Some people find vanilla too sweet or cloying after prolonged exposure.
- Vanilla may seem boring or plain to those who prefer bolder scents.
- Overuse of vanilla can cause olfactory fatigue.
Given its widespread popularity and mood-enhancing abilities, vanilla is an excellent choice for candle scents in most settings. However, those who dislike sweet fragrances or want more novelty may prefer complementing vanilla with other scents or avoiding it altogether. Overall, vanilla remains a safe, crowd-pleasing aroma for candles.
