What Are The Candle Scents Trending In 2023?

Scented candles have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Rome, and China where they were mainly used for lighting and religious ceremonies. The use of candles evolved over time and by the 18th century, candle making started becoming an artisanal craft in Europe. Candle wicks were braided, and fragrances like lavender, citrus, and pine were added using essential oils and other natural ingredients. The popularity of scented candles as decorative pieces took off more recently, rising notably in the 1980s when consumers began appreciating candles for their aesthetic value, aromatherapy benefits, and as meaningful gifts. Scent trends in candles have continued to evolve with the times, reflecting lifestyle trends and innovations in candle making.

Floral Scents

Floral scents like rose, lavender, jasmine, and lilac are always popular for candles. These delicate, feminine fragrances evoke thoughts of springtime and fresh blossoms. Some of the top floral candle scents trending in 2023 include:

Rose – An elegant, timeless floral. Rose candles often blend different rose notes like damask, white, or red rose. Yankee Candle’s Pink Sands features notes of rose, jasmine, and tropical fruits.

Lavender – A soothing, relaxing scent. Lavender candles are perfect for self-care moments or winding down before bed. WoodWick’s Lavender Chamomile uses essential oils for a more authentic lavender experience.

Jasmine – A rich, exotic floral. Jasmine candles like Nest’s Moroccan Amber have sultry notes of jasmine blended with warm vanilla and patchouli.

Lilac – A fresh, light spring scent. Yankee Candle’s Lilac Blossoms evokes the nostalgia of lilacs blooming in spring. Scented Designs’ April Showers blends lilac with violet and gardenia.

According to Scented Designs, these delicate floral scents are always a go-to for the spring. Their fragile femininity helps create the perfect springtime ambience.

Fruit Scents

Citrus fragrances are expected to be very popular for candles in 2023. Lemon, grapefruit, and orange scents provide an uplifting, energizing aroma perfect for starting your day or brightening your home. Lemon candles have a fresh, clean scent reminiscent of washing dishes or doing laundry. Grapefruit candles have a tart, zesty aroma that’s both sweet and citrusy. Orange candles smell just like fresh orange slices or orange juice, with a sweet, tangy scent that evokes feelings of warmth and sunshine. These bright, cheerful citrus scents create an atmosphere of happiness and positivity. They’re ideal if you want to feel refreshed and motivated. Citrus fragrances pair nicely with foods and make homes smell clean and welcoming. Their popularity is expected to continue rising in 2023 as more people look for energizing scents to lift their mood.

Bakery Scents

Some of the most beloved candle scents evoke the aromas of freshly baked goods. Scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice are trending for 2023. The sweet, warm, comforting smell of vanilla is a top seller. Vanilla scented candles scent a room with the aroma of vanilla extract or fresh vanilla beans. Cinnamon scented candles are also hugely popular, filling any space with a cozy, spicy aroma reminiscent of baked goods like cinnamon buns. Pumpkin spice is a scent blend that contains cinnamon and spices like nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to create a quintessentially autumnal fragrance. It reminds people of pumpkin pies baking in the oven. Bakery inspired scents like these are always crowd-pleasers and are predicted to be very on-trend for 2023.

Woodsy Scents

Woodsy scents like cedar, pine, and sandalwood are emerging as popular candle fragrance trends in 2023. The aroma of trees and forests evokes a natural yet luxurious ambiance. Cedarwood is an evergreen scent that provides crisp and woody notes. Pine candles have an invigorating and cleansing fragrance, ideal for refreshing indoor spaces. Sandalwood is a warm, rich scent with hints of soft floral and milky tones. It has an exotic allure and pairs well with other notes like vanilla. According to fragrance expert brand Nomad Noé, some of the most sought-after woodsy fragrance candles include Cedarwood Vanilla and Rosa Woodsii Sandalwood.

Spice Scents

Spices like peppermint, ginger, and cloves are emerging as popular candle scents in 2023. The warming, cozy aromas of these spices are perfect for the home during the cooler winter months.

Peppermint is a refreshing wintertime scent that invigorates the senses. Peppermint essential oil is known for its ability to boost energy. When burned in a candle, it can provide an awakening experience.

Ginger candle scents are gaining popularity for their sweet, comforting aroma. Ginger adds a touch of the exotic to any space. It also promotes feelings of confidence and empowerment.

Cloves have a warm, nostalgic scent that evokes the flavors of fall and the holidays. Their spicy aroma creates a cozy vibe. Cloves are also thought to encourage positive thinking and clarity.

For those looking to add some spice and warmth to their homes in 2023, keep an eye out for candles featuring invigorating peppermint, empowering ginger, and nostalgic cloves.

Seasonal Scents

Seasonal scents are always popular for candles. According to Village Craft and Candle, seasonal scents allow customers to “relive fond memories with their nose.”

For winter 2023, look for scents like pine, balsam fir, cranberries, frosted berries, and peppermint. CandleScience predicts cranberry and peppermint fragrances will be top sellers for winter candles this year.

Fall scents are warming up with notes of cinnamon, clove, and baked goods like pumpkin bread. Spiced apple, maple, and smoky tobacco fragrances are forecasted to be popular this autumn.

Summer seasonal scents tend to be fruity and fresh. Lemon, watermelon, coconut, and citrus blends are always summer favorites. Herbal scents like basil, rosemary, and sage are also predicted to trend next summer according to NI Candles.

Lifestyle Scents

Lifestyle scents that evoke experiences like a morning cup of coffee, clean laundry, or an evening smoke are rising in popularity for 2023 (https://candles.org/shedding-light-on-the-latest-candle-trends/). Coffee-scented candles allow you to enjoy the aromatic quality of a fresh brewed cup of joe. These invigorating scents are ideal for early mornings. Clean linen scents are crisp and fresh like newly washed sheets drying in the sunshine. These revitalizing fragrances conjure images of household chores and are perfect for yoga studios or spa-like spaces. Tobacco and cedar candles offer a rich, smokey profile that is reminiscent of fine cigars and lounges. These bold, masculine scents create an indulgent ambiance and speak to luxury lifestyles.

Luxury Scents

Luxury candle brands like Diptyque, Jo Malone, and Le Labo have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Luxury candles use higher quality ingredients and complex, refined scents to create an indulgent home fragrance experience.

For 2023, many of the top luxury candle scents feature notes like leather, cashmere, and oud. Leather notes provide a rich, warm sensuality. Diptyque’s Tubereuse candle combines leather with heady white floral tuberose (source). Cashmere gives a soft, cozy feeling. The Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning candle evokes cashmere sweaters and crisp linen sheets (source).

Oud is a trendy scent in luxury fragrance right now. It has a rich, smokey wood aroma. Le Labo’s Santal 26 and Diptyque’s Oud Palao feature this luxury note. These complex scents create an indulgent, sensual fragrance experience.

Conclusion

In summary, the top candle scent trends for 2023 seem to focus on comforting and nostalgic aromas like bakery notes, fruits, and florals. Scents that evoke cozy feelings of home and happiness are expected to rise in popularity, as people seek to infuse their living spaces with joyful fragrances. Looking ahead to 2024, we may see more unique, custom scents emerge as candle companies get creative with new fragrance combinations. Botanical ingredients, clean scents, and evocative aroma experiences catered to mood or activity will likely gain traction as well. Scent trends follow broader consumer preferences, so we can expect to see candle scents mirroring larger cultural shifts – toward authenticity, simplicity, and conscious living. As always, scent is deeply personal, so popular fragrances will cater to diverse tastes. But the overarching emphasis will remain on candles as an affordable yet meaningful lifestyle enhancement.