What Does Bergamot Smell Like In A Candle?

Bergamot is a citrus fruit that grows primarily in the Calabria region of southern Italy. It is about the size of an orange, with yellow or green colored peel. The name “bergamot” comes from the Italian city of Bergamo, where the fruit was first commercially grown and extracted for its aromatic oils. Bergamot has a long history of use in perfumes and foods.

The bergamot tree is the result of cross-breeding bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) with lemon (Citrus limon). It was first cultivated in the Mediterranean region during the 17th century. The essential oil from bergamot rinds was an important component of Eau de Cologne, created in the early 18th century in Germany. Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the fruit peel through cold pressing or steam distillation.

Bergamot has a distinctive sweet and tart citrusy scent. The aroma is often described as a hybrid between grapefruit and orange, with hints of lemon and lime. It has a bright, uplifting quality that makes it popular in the perfume industry as well as aromatherapy. The main chemical constituent that gives bergamot its signature scent is linalool.

Bergamot Fragrance

The fragrance of bergamot is often described as bright, uplifting, and citrusy. It has a refreshing and energizing aroma characterized by citrus notes reminiscent of lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Yet underneath the vibrant citrus there are also floral undertones that give bergamot a sweet, delicate bouquet. The complexity of the fragrance comes from the balance of tangy citrus oils and floral essential oils like neroli and lavender. This creates an inviting scent that is both zesty and floral.

When bergamot essential oil is used in candles, it provides an aromatic profile dominated by the bergamot’s signature citrusy-floral aroma. The tangy citrus notes tend to be most detectable upon first lighting the candle. As the candle burns, the middle notes emerge, revealing bergamot’s sweeter, more delicate floral undertones blended with the citrus. This creates an uplifting fragrance that contains bright citrus aromas wrapped in an alluring floral character.

Bergamot Candles

Bergamot is a popular scent in candles because of its refreshing yet relaxing aroma. Some of the most popular bergamot candle brands include Yankee Candle, Paddywax, and Voluspa. These brands offer bergamot candles in a variety of forms, from tumblers and jars to unique tin vessels.

Bergamot candles can be used in several ways to enhance your home. Many people burn bergamot candles to create a soothing environment and destress after a long day. The uplifting citrus aroma helps boost mood and feelings of wellbeing. Bergamot candles are also often used for aromatherapy purposes, as the scent is said to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Bergamot candles make nice decorative accents in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The bright, crisp scent pairs well with creamy, fresh, or woodsy notes. Popular bergamot candle scent blends include combinations like bergamot and tea, bergamot and lavender, bergamot and cedarwood, and more. Bergamot candles can be burned alone or layered with other fragrances.

No matter how you choose to use them, bergamot candles are sure to provide an inviting dose of sunshine. The lively, yet calming aroma of bergamot is difficult to replicate and best enjoyed through a scented candle.

Blending Bergamot

Bergamot is a very versatile essential oil that blends well with many other oils. Here are some of the best essential oils to blend with bergamot:

Lavender – The sweet floral scent of lavender perfectly complements the citrusy aroma of bergamot. Together they create a relaxing and harmonious fragrance. Lavender also helps to smooth out the spicier aspects of bergamot.

Clary Sage – This pairing is very soothing and calming. Clary sage adds an earthy, herbaceous quality that rounds out bright bergamot.

Jasmine – For an uplifting and mood-boosting blend, add a few drops of jasmine essential oil which has an exotic floral scent. The mix of jasmine and bergamot is absolutely heavenly.

Ylang Ylang – The sweet, romantic floral notes of ylang ylang work wonderfully with fresh bergamot. This blend makes for a sophisticated fragrance.

Rose – For a bright and revitalizing scent, blend bergamot with the timeless floral aroma of rose essential oil. This is a great pick-me-up combination.

Frankincense – The woody, spicy fragrance of frankincense paired with bergamot creates an inviting sophisticated aroma perfect for relaxation.

Lemongrass – For a super fresh and clean scent, blend the citrusy aromas of bergamot and lemongrass. This cheery blend will uplift any space.

Candle Fragrance Science

The scent from candles comes from fragrance oils that are added during the candle making process. The oils are blended into the wax, typically at concentrations between 5-10%. As the candle burns, the heat from the flame causes the wax to melt and liquefy. This allows the fragrance oil molecules that were trapped in the solid wax to be released into the air as a gas. The higher the temperature, the more fragrance is released, which is why candle scents are strongest when the flame is hot and the wax pool is molten. The aroma molecules travel into the air and to our noses, where they bind to olfactory receptors and trigger signals to our brain telling us what scent we are smelling. The composition of the fragrance oil, including the combination and concentration of aromatic compounds, determines what kind of smell is produced and its intensity. Heating and airflow disperse the scent molecules so they can circulate throughout the room. Once the candle is blown out and cools, the remaining fragrance oil stays trapped in the solid wax until the candle is lit again. This on-off release of scent is what allows candles to fill a space with their signature fragrances.

Fragrance Intensity

Bergamot essential oil has a strong and uplifting citrus scent. The intensity of bergamot fragrance is rated around 4 out of 5, making it a very strong fragrance oil. This means that a little goes a long way when using bergamot oil in candles or other products.

Compared to other popular essential oils used in candles, bergamot has a stronger scent than lavender (rated around 2.5/5) but is a bit more subtle than lemon or orange oils (rated around 4.5-5/5). Bergamot strikes a nice balance, providing a bright, refreshing citrus aroma without being overpowering.

Due to its potent fragrance, bergamot should be used sparingly in candle blends, typically making up 5% or less of the total oil blend. Adding too much bergamot can make the candle scent one-dimensional. When blended appropriately with other oils, bergamot can provide an extra punch of citrus without dominating the overall fragrance.

Mood Benefits

Bergamot is well-known for its uplifting and relaxing mood benefits. The bright, citrusy aroma of bergamot can help boost energy and motivation while also reducing stress and anxiety. When used in a scented candle, bergamot provides a refreshing sensory experience that can improve your overall mood and mental state.

Bergamot oil contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate that have demonstrated sedative and relaxing properties in scientific studies. The aroma of bergamot can help calm nerves, alleviate tension, and promote feelings of optimism and confidence.

Burning a bergamot candle in your home or office is an easy way to establish a positive atmosphere. The uplifting fragrance creates a revitalizing environment that can make you feel more lively, productive, and content. It’s an ideal scent for times when you need a pick-me-up or want to unwind and de-stress after a long day.

Bergamot is commonly used in aromatherapy for mood enhancement and has long been valued for its refreshing yet soothing aroma profile. When enjoyed in a scented candle, it can help awaken your senses while also promoting inner tranquility. The next time you need an instant mood boost, light a bergamot candle and let its bright, citrus scent lift your spirits.

Aromatherapy Uses

Bergamot essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and stress-relieving properties. When diffused, bergamot can help boost mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote relaxation. The fresh, citrusy aroma is both invigorating and calming to the senses.

Here are some of the main aromatherapy applications of bergamot essential oil:

• Stress relief – Bergamot is known for its ability to relieve anxiety and tension in the body and mind. Diffusing bergamot or using it in a bath can rapidly induce feelings of calm.
• Improve mood – The bright, refreshing citrus scent of bergamot uplifts mood and increases feelings of joy and positivity.
• Reduce fatigue – Bergamot helps stimulate and energize both the body and mind, reducing tiredness and fatigue.
• Enhance focus – Bergamot sharpens focus and clarity of thought, making it useful for enhancing concentration and productivity.
• Facilitate peaceful sleep – Although initially energizing, bergamot helps relax the nervous system and promote restful sleep when diffused at night.

With its combination of stimulating and sedative properties, bergamot essential oil is prized in aromatherapy and makes a wonderful addition to any essential oil diffuser blend.

Candle Safety with Bergamot

When burning bergamot candles, it’s important to follow general candle safety guidelines:

• Keep candles away from flammable items like curtains, bedding or paper.
• Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Always burn candles in a heat-resistant holder on a stable, hard, nonflammable surface.
• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid high flames.
• Burn bergamot candles in a well-ventilated room, as they can produce more soot than unscented candles.
• Stop burning a candle when there is less than 1⁄2 inch of wax left.
• Allow melted wax to harden completely before moving a candle.
• Consider using an electric candle warmer instead of burning bergamot candles, to enjoy the fragrance safely.

With proper safety precautions, bergamot candles can be enjoyed for their calming and uplifting aromatherapy benefits.

Conclusion

Bergamot is a unique citrus scent known for its uplifting and balancing aroma profile. When used in candles, bergamot offers a bright, yet mellow citrus fragrance with sweet floral undertones. It’s often described as a cross between a lemon, orange, and grapefruit. The complexity of bergamot makes it a versatile fragrance that blends well with other scents.

One of the key benefits of bergamot in candles is its ability to boost mood and promote relaxation. The fresh citrus aroma of bergamot is known to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. At the same time, its sweet floral notes create a soothing ambiance perfect for unwinding. For these reasons, bergamot is commonly used in aromatherapy and meditation candles.

When shopping for bergamot candles, look for ones with pure essential oils and natural soy wax for the cleanest burn. Be mindful of keeping candles away from flammable items and not leaving them unattended when lit. With its bright yet calming scent profile, bergamot makes a wonderful addition to any candle collection.