The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Candles

LOADING ERROR LOADING If you like to cozy up at home at the end of the work day and light a scented candle, you’re hardly alone. Price often reflects ingredient quality “Cheaper candles are made to be cost-effective for the manufacturer, so the quality of ingredients is lesser,” said Kate De Palma, founder and CEO of Scented Designs Candle Co. “This often means synthetic oils that don’t contain any natural essential oils or that do contain harmful ingredients like phthalates, a semi-VOC that can be harmful to reproductive health in humans and animals.” The type of wax that forms the candle is also a key factor to consider when assessing a product ― and can make a big difference in cost. “Pro tip: Soy wax blends often still contain paraffin wax, which releases harmful toxins and pollutants into the air when burned,” said Adam Ellis, founder of the candle subscription service Vellabox. “The main differences between boutique candle brands like Homesick and less expensive, mass-produced candle brands are the quality of ingredients used, the complexity of the fragrances, and whether or not the ingredients are sourced ethically.” Mint Images via Getty Images Expensive brands tend to offer sophisticated, lasting scents “A Target candle is fine if you like that, but I find those scents are often a bit one-note, simple, dull,” said Selena Coppock, creator and host of the candle-themed podcast “Two Wick Minimum.” “I find that pricier candles are able to capture more sophisticated scent structures and have that line-up of top note, middle note, base note, and those notes are all accessible to your nose.” She recommends Hotel Lobby Candle and Otherland Candle Company for complex scents with a good blend of unexpected notes. “They do however have more employees to pay so there will be added cost there.” There’s a difference in burning experience as well “Candles that use natural waxes like soy and coconut and quality fragrance oils might be more expensive, but will ultimately give you a higher return on investment by resulting in a cleaner burn,” McCord said.