What Are The Most Popular Candle Scents?
Scented candles have become extremely popular home decor and aromatherapy items over the past few decades. The purpose of adding fragrance to candles is mainly to create an appealing aroma and pleasant ambiance. However, scented candles also have a long history of ceremonial, spiritual, and medicinal uses across many cultures.
The earliest known use of candles dates back to around 3500 BC in Egypt and the Middle East, where candles were primarily made from animal fat and beeswax (Wikipedia, 2022). Scented candles emerged around the 11th century in regions like China and Japan, where aromatic plant materials were added to candle wax. In Europe, early scented candles were often used in religious ceremonies.
Modern scented candles became popular in the late 19th century as advancements allowed for better scent throw and variety. Today, there is an enormous range of scented candle options to suit different tastes and purposes. Despite the competition from other home fragrance methods like essential oil diffusers, scented candles remain a top choice for their classic ambiance and multifunctionality.
Most Popular Scents
When it comes to the most popular candle scents, there are a few that consistently top the charts. According to sales data from major candle retailers like Candle Delirium, the top 5 best-selling candle scents are:
1. Pumpkin Spice
A warm, spicy scent that evokes cozy autumn vibes. The aroma typically includes notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla. Pumpkin spice has been the #1 candle scent in the U.S. for years according to Candle Delirium’s bestseller list. Its popularity stems from being a signature scent of fall.
2. Lavender
A calming floral scent that is widely used in aromatherapy. True lavender essential oil comes from the flowers of the lavender plant. It has a light and soothing herbal aroma. Lavender is popular for its relaxing properties and ability to promote tranquility.
3. Fresh Linen
A clean, crisp scent evocative of freshly laundered sheets and towels. Usually contains notes like lemon, lily of the valley, and jasmine. The refreshing powdery aroma reminds people of doing laundry. It’s a universally appealing clean scent.
4. Vanilla
A sweet, decadent scent redolent of the vanilla bean. Vanilla candles often include hints of caramel, sugar, or musk. The warm aroma is soothing and attractive to most noses. Vanilla’s comforting familiarity makes it a top seller.
5. Apple Cinnamon
A fruity autumnal scent pairing tart apple with aromatic cinnamon. May include extra spice notes like nutmeg or clove. It’s a quintessential fall fragrance that evokes coziness. Another reason for its popularity is being reminiscent of baked apple treats.
Fruity Scents
Some of the most popular fruity candle scents include apple, strawberry, citrus fruits like lemon and orange, cherry, peach, and tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, coconut, and banana. Fruity scents are bright, sweet, and reminiscent of summertime. They often have a tangy, tart aroma along with sweet juicy notes. Fruity candles can smell just like fresh sliced fruit or fruit candy. These sweet, playful scents remind people of fruit desserts, fruit smoothies, and other enjoyable treats.
Fruity scents are popular for their ability to uplift mood and energize. The sweet, juicy aromas are simply pleasing to many people. Fruity scents also remind people of warmer weather and can conjure a tropical vacation vibe even in the dead of winter. Candles with fruity scents create a fun, casual ambiance perfect for gatherings with friends or adding vibrance to any room. Their succulent sweetness makes them crowd-pleasers for all ages.
Floral Scents
Some of the most popular floral scents for candles include lavender, jasmine, rose, gardenia, and lilac (Source). These fragrances capture the sweet, delicate aromas of flowers and blossoms. Lavender is known for its relaxing and soothing herbal scent. Jasmine has an exotic, rich floral aroma. Roses are associated with romance and femininity, and give off a soft floral bouquet. Gardenia and lilac have gentle, sweet, floral scents reminiscent of spring.
Floral fragrances are ubiquitous in candle scents because they provide a fresh, natural aroma that is universally appealing. The sweetness and delicacy of floral scents creates an ambient scent that is pleasant without being overpowering. Floral scents are especially popular for relaxation, aromatherapy, and creating a soothing or romantic ambiance. They remind us of the beauty and wonder of nature. These fragrances are liked by women and men alike due to their soft, balanced floral notes (Source). Overall, floral scents like lavender, jasmine and rose dominate the candle fragrance market because their aromas have broad appeal and the ability to transform a space.
Herbal Scents
Some of the most popular herbal scents for candles include eucalyptus, chamomile, mint, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage (“Herbal Scents – Fragrance Oils”). Herbal scents are derived from plants and herbs and provide fresh, earthy, and aromatic fragrances. Eucalyptus has a strong menthol aroma that is invigorating. Chamomile offers a sweet, floral scent that is soothing. Mint is crisp and energizing. Lavender is floral and relaxing. Rosemary has a piney, herbaceous scent. Thyme smells savory and herbaceous. Sage has an earthy, herbal aroma.
Herbal fragrances are popular for several reasons. Many herbal scents are associated with aromatherapy benefits. For example, lavender and chamomile can promote relaxation, while eucalyptus and rosemary can provide an energizing effect. Herbal scents are often reminiscent of nature, gardens, and the great outdoors. They provide fresh, clean, and natural aromas that people find pleasing. Herbal fragrances are also quite versatile – they can be relaxing, invigorating, romantic, or nostalgic. Lastly, herbal scents pair nicely with other fragrance notes like florals, fruits, and woods.
Spice Scents
Some of the most popular spice candle scents include cinnamon, clove, vanilla, ginger, and nutmeg (Archipelago). Spice scents often evoke aromas of warmth, comfort, and the holidays. The scent of cinnamon can be sweet and spicy, often reminiscent of baked goods. Clove has an earthy, pungent aroma commonly used in potpourri. Vanilla is a sweet, rich, creamy scent that is soothing and relaxing. Ginger can be spicy, zesty, and invigorating. Nutmeg has a sweet yet spicy aroma, often used in holiday scents.
There are many reasons why spice scents are so popular for candles. During the fall and winter months, spice scents remind people of the holidays, cozy homes, family gatherings, and seasonal desserts. The aromas transport people back to cherished memories and experiences (Simply Curated). The warm, rich notes create a comforting ambiance and help people unwind. Spices like cinnamon and cloves are associated with the holidays and have a nostalgic appeal. Overall, spice scents create a welcoming environment and positive mood.
Woodsy Scents
Some of the most popular woodsy candle scents include cedar, pine, sandalwood, and fir tree. These earthy, botanical scents evoke the great outdoors and natural settings. According to Effing Candle Co, popular woodsy candle scents include Palo Santo, Sage, Cedarwood, Ginger Wood, Camphor Wood, and Fir (https://effingcandleco.com/collections/woodsy-scents).
Woodsy scents like cedar and pine have an earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet aroma. Sandalwood is known for its rich, woodsy, slightly spicy scent. Fir tree and pine scents are fresh and evoke the crisp smell of an evergreen forest. These natural scents are reminiscent of hiking through the woods or sitting around a campfire.
Woodsy scents are popular because they create an inviting, cozy atmosphere. Their earthy aromas are relaxing and remind people of being in nature. Woodsy scents are especially popular for fall and winter candles, when people want to bring the essence of the outdoors inside. The aromas of cedar, pine, and fir provide a sense of warmth and comfort during the colder months.
Seasonal Trends
Certain scents tend to peak in popularity during specific seasons and holidays throughout the year. For example, pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon candles are hugely popular in the fall, while pine, balsam fir, and other evergreen scents are go-to options for winter holidays like Christmas. Scents invoking summertime like coconut, mango, ocean breeze, and tropical fruit are in demand during warmer months.
Around major holidays, candles featuring notes connected to the occasion see an uptick in sales. Pumpkin pie, cranberry, and spices are ubiquitous during Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. Valentines Day brings lots of sweet candy and floral aromas. Citrus and herb scents evocative of spring take center stage around Easter.
No matter the time of year, consumers love incorporating seasonal scents into their home fragrance routines as a way to mark holidays and transitions between seasons.
Gender Differences
Research suggests there are some differences between men’s and women’s scent preferences, though these are not absolute. According to Scents are Genderless: The Masculine vs. Feminine Debate, women tend to prefer lighter, floral fragrances like rose, jasmine, and lilac. Men often gravitate toward woodsy scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, and pine as well as herbaceous smells like sage, basil, and thyme.
However, preferences vary by individual and are influenced by factors like culture, memories, and marketing. So while broad trends exist, no scent is inherently feminine or masculine. Both men and women may enjoy fruity aromas like apple, citrus, or coconut as well as spicy scents like cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. Ultimately, the gendering of fragrance is a social construct, and people should feel free to choose scents based on personal preference rather than gender norms.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the most popular candle scents include fruity fragrances like apple, citrus, and berry, as well as floral scents like lavender, rose, and jasmine. Herbal favorites include eucalyptus, sage, and chamomile, while popular spice scents include cinnamon, clove, and pumpkin spice. Woodsy and earthy candles like pine, cedar, and sandalwood are also in demand year-round.
Scent is one of the most important factors for consumers when choosing a candle. The fragrance sets the mood and ambiance. It’s no wonder fruity, floral, herbal, and woodsy natural scents remain the most popular year after year. As more specialty candle brands emerge, we may see more unique or novelty scents gain traction. However, the classics will likely always have appeal.
Looking ahead, seasonal scents will continue to align with the holidays and changing seasons. We can expect even more gourmand food-inspired scents in 2023 and beyond, as the candle industry expands. Scent preferences may shift with trends, but the demand for scented candles with beautiful, evocative fragrances will remain strong.
