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There’s something uniquely comforting about lighting a scented candle, but choosing the right one, especially when shopping online, can feel overwhelming. To help, we turned to our team of editors, asking them to share the scented candles they regularly use in their own homes. These picks stand out not only for their inviting scents, but also for their clean and even burn, longevity and thoughtful vessel design. One standout: the Voluspa Baltic Amber candle, which is made from high-quality ingredients and offers a particularly rich fragrance.
These are our editor recommendations for the best scented candles that are aromatic and long-lasting.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When shopping for scented candles online, candlemaker and business owner Jo-Ann Nitzsche recommends paying attention to both brand transparency and consumer reviews. “Makers who disclose clear information on wax, wick, fragrance and burn guidance is usually a good sign,” she says. “Look for repeated comments about strong but not overpowering scent, clean burning, even melt pools and good longevity. Consistent praise across different fragrances often reflects dependable craftsmanship." Below, find our top picks for the best scented candles, all of which have earned positive feedback from our editors and shoppers alike.
Voluspa candles are beloved for a few reasons: They offer evenly clean burns, beautiful scents and stunning vessels—all at a reasonably great value. “I’m a fan of Voluspa’s candles for a luxurious feel at a mid-tier price point,” says updates writer Claire Epting. “The Baltic Amber candle I own has burned very evenly and offers a noticeable but not overwhelming scent.” Voluspa candles are also handmade in California, and they feature a coconut wax blend that’s designed to burn slowly and evenly. Each candle is free from potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates, parabens and sulfates, and the hand-set wicks are made from natural cotton. The brand also claims that the candles offer a stronger fragrance throw than soy alternatives, but Epting says the scent that comes from these candles isn’t particularly strong; it’s more subtle. “I’m sure there are more luxury candles out there that make more of an impression in a room, but it works for my space,” she says. She adds that these candles do seem long-lasting, as she says she’s been using her Baltic Amber one—one of the brand’s most popular scents—for years.
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Wax type: Mineral wax blend | Wick type: Not listed | Burn time: 60 hours | Key notes: Smoky, bonfire
What we love:
Unique, cozy aroma
Powerful scent throw
Reusable glass jar
Keep in mind:
Luxury price point
60-year-old French brand Diptyque is a top name in the fragrance space, known for its line of luxurious candles, perfumes and body care products. Among its most popular products is the Diptyque Feu De Bois candle, which delivers a woodsy aroma that’s reminiscent of a cozy, slow burning fire. “It has a warm, smoky firewood-inspired scent that reminds me of sitting in front of the fireplace at my childhood home,” says supervising deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “It’s the perfect way to add a bit of cozy ambiance to my NYC apartment when I wish I could have a fire roaring.”
Diptyque candles are made in France from a paraffin wax, known for its strong scent throw that’s immediately noticeable upon walking into a room. They also come in glass jars that are designed to be reused after the candle runs out. (Plus, when you buy one during the holiday season, each candle comes with a complimentary gift box.)
Editorial director Brinda Ayer loves turning to Public Goods candles when she’s looking for reliably great scents that won’t break the bank—especially the Black Currant one, which is her favorite. “I am almost always burning candles in my home, so it’s sometimes hard to justify gorgeous-smelling but definitely special-occasion candles like from Diptyque,” she says. She appreciates how affordable and reliable Public Goods candles are, adding that the burn time is pretty impressive, considering their low price.
All of Public Goods candles are made from a vegan-friendly, natural soy wax that’s free from phthalates. The Black Currant scent is a popular pick for year-round burning, with notes of florals and tart fruit with earthy undertones. Keep in mind that some reviewers have noticed that some of the wicks can sometimes go out on their own, which can lead to uneven burning in the three-wick sizes—though Ayer didn’t notice this much in her own experience.
Best Scented Candle For Gifting
A Luxury Candle That Comes With Complimentary Gift Wrapping
Complimentary gift wrapping, delivery and samples included
Keep in mind:
Wax sometimes burns unevenly
Another cult-favorite name in the fragrance space, London-based Jo Malone is known for its high-end line of candles, colognes and body care products that put scents at the centerpiece. Sleep and mattress editor McKenzie Dillon admits she wasn’t part of the hype until she received an engraved Jo Malone candle at her bridal shower. “Now, they’re the only ones I keep out on my coffee table and regularly burn,” she says. She loves the luxurious look of the glass jar, cap and minimalist packaging, plus the collection of scents that all give off an earthy and cozy vibe that can be enjoyed year-round. The only downside she’s noticed is that the candles can sometimes burn unevenly, with wax residue sometimes appearing on the edges of the interior.
The Wood Sage & Sea Salt scent is one of the brand’s best-sellers, with mineral and woody notes that are fresh, musky and inviting. The candles are made from a paraffin wax that delivers a reliably strong scent, and the included lid is great for maintaining freshness between uses. Since these candles have a high-end quality, they’re great for gifting—especially since Jo Malone provides complimentary wrapping with each purchase, including a stylish box and bow that’s ready to bring to a holiday or birthday party.
The Paris scent from City of Scents is an ideal pick for those who tend to opt for soft, floral notes in their fragrances. Updates writer Francesca Sales gifted this candle to a friend she traveled to Paris with, and they enjoyed it together while reminiscing about the trip. It features notes of bergamot, jasmine and roses that’s refreshing and luxurious. “The scent is just right; it’s not too strong that it smells sickly sweet, but it’s not too faint like some other candles I’ve been disappointed by," she says. It’s made from a blend of coconut and soy waxes that’s free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
The candle comes in a stylish, giftable box, and it has a wooden wick that offers a light crackling sound as it burns. These candles are only offered in one 11-ounce size, but the brand claims that each should provide over 50 hours of burn time.
Best Fresh Scented Candle
A Light And Welcoming Scent That's Great For Year-Round Burning
Free from formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates and parabens
Keep in mind:
Not a very strong scent
Despite its title, this candle doesn’t have a savory or gourmand aroma. The popular Tomato & Vine scent from La Jolie Muse—a favorite of managing editor Emmy Favilla—has a “clean, fresh scent great for use all year.” She loves the glass jar that makes this candle double as a decor piece on display, as well as the different sizes that allow you to choose between two or three wicks.
La Jolie Muse is known for its mid-priced fragrances that feature non-toxic ingredients and recyclable materials. The candles are made from natural soy wax and essential oils, and some are offered with a wooden wick that lightly crackles as it burns.
Some users have reported that this candle has a subtle aroma that isn’t strong enough for their preferences, so keep that in mind if you prefer a more powerful scent throw.
When lifestyle editor Katherine Louie first discovered the Flamingo Estate Jasmine Damask Rose candle, she was at her lash and brow studio. She was immediately intrigued, asked the staff about the scent and bought it on the same day. “It instantly relaxes me and makes my apartment smell like a high-end hotel or spa,” she says, describing the scent as “delicate and sophisticated, combining jasmine, rose and citrus with a touch of sandalwood, which adds a woody, earthy note.”
Other Flamingo Estate candle owners praise the adequate scent throw that never feels overwhelming, plus the long burn time and relaxing aromas. The brand’s candles are made from soy wax and cotton wicks, hand-poured in glass containers that are beautiful and recyclable. Just keep in mind these aren’t sold with accompanying lids for storage between burns.
For anyone concerned about the impact of burning candles in a home with sensitive pets, Companion Candles has a solution. These candles are designed with four-legged friends in mind, veterinarian-approved to be free from common pet allergens and potential toxins. They’re also made with a soy-coconut blend, crackling wooden wicks and, for seasonal scents like Snuggle Season, chic glass containers.
When trying out this brand for the first time, I was surprised by how much the aroma filled the air before I got a chance to light the wick. Once lit, I found the scent throw to be adequate without ever feeling overwhelming, and the wax seems to be long-lasting. I did notice some tunneling around the edges of the candle, but this was less common when using my candle warmer.
Best Non-Toxic Scented Candle
Natural Wax, Fragrance And Wick For Sensitive Households
When senior updates editor Karen Tietjen embarked on a journey to find more non-toxic swaps in her home, she was excited to discover Rowe Casa. These candles are made from beeswax, essential oils and a hemp wick; they’re free from synthetic ingredients and fragrances that can sometimes trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. “I like that it’s made with clean ingredients,” she says. “And the scent isn’t too strong.”
The Christmas Cheer candle is a limited edition scent with notes of cinnamon and evergreen trees, perfect for the winter months and festive seasons. But the brand also has a variety of other clean candles to shop, including Cedarwood and Patchouli, Lemongrass and Eucalyptus and even unscented options.
All candles bring some level of ambience to a space, but those with wooden wicks add a little something extra. They come with a comforting crackling sound that’s akin to a cozy fireplace. For that specific reason, baby and kids gear writer Alicia Betz finds herself returning to WoodWick candles time and time again. “It makes for great ambiance, and just makes my house feel so cozy, especially in the winter,” she says. She’s partial to the seasonal scents like Fraser Fir, which has notes of balsam, eucalyptus and red berries.
WoodWick candles are made from a soy and paraffin blend that yields an ample scent throw, though some owners have reported they burn quickly. Betz recommends opting for the larger Ellipse size, which also features a longer wick to “maximize the crackle you get” for peak coziness.
How We Chose The Best Scented Candles
We collected staff recommendations and consumer feedback in order to create a comprehensive list of the best scented candles.
We asked our staff for their top recommendations on candles they own and personally recommend when it comes to scent and overall quality. All of the candles on this list were personally tested by our editors.
From our staff recommendations, we prioritized candles from trusted brands that continually receive positive reviews from consumers, like Diptyque and Voluspa.
We took into account several factors, including scent, ingredient quality, jar and wick type when curating our list, including a variety of options to suit different readers’ preferences.
What To Consider With The Best Scented Candles
Beyond the scent itself, consider the structure and qualities of the candle that will best suit your household.
Wax type
Although you’ll find a variety of different candle wax types on the market—from paraffin to natural options like soy and coconut—Steve Horenziak, the president of the National Candle Association, says that one is not necessarily better than the other. “All candle waxes—when provided in high-quality formats—have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner,” he says.
The most common wax type you’ll see in traditional candles is paraffin wax, which is made from a byproduct of petroleum. It’s known for its affordability and ability to yield strong scent throws. Some may be hesitant to use paraffin candles due to potential health concerns, though Horenziak emphasizes that a peer-reviewed study showed no known health risks from scented candles.
Still, there’s a growing demand for natural wax options, which are also lauded for their more sustainable makeup. Soy, coconut and beeswax candles are all popular options in this camp. Though keep in mind that some users report these options may not be as strong or fragrant as paraffin alternatives.
Wick Type
Most candle wicks are made from a fabric like cotton that encourages a slow and consistent burn. Horenziak recommends looking for wicks made from braided or knitted fibers “to encourage a slow and consistent burn,” especially when compared to twisted wicks, which tend to burn faster.
Wooden wicks are another popular choice, known for their crackling quality that offers a comforting ambient noise akin to a cozy fireplace.
Candle Container And Size
Candles can come in different containers, including glass, ceramic and metal. According to Nitzsche, these all behave slightly differently. “Thick glass and ceramic help control heat and give a more even burn,” she says. “Metal tins are excellent for travel candles, but should be tested to ensure they do not overheat.”
You should also take candle size into consideration. In order to avoid tunneling, the first time you light your candle, it should be lit for several hours—ideally, one hour per inch of diameter of the candle. This will prevent the wax from becoming uneven with a large crater in the middle, ultimately wasting some of the wax in your candle. If you don’t want to worry about babysitting your candle for several hours the first time it’s lit, it may not be worth splurging for an extra large size.
Scents
It can be difficult to shop for scented candles online before you’re actually able to smell them. This is where the brand’s aroma notes come in handy. Do you tend to opt for bright floral or citrusy scents? Or do you prefer musky and woody candles? Be sure to read through all the scent descriptors before deciding, and keep in mind any favorite—and least favorite—scents to look out for.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The home team at Forbes Vetted is committed to helping our readers discover the best products to make the most out of their space.
Monica Petrucci covers all things home at Forbes Vetted, including everything from fake plants to massage chairs. For this article, she tapped both her own experience with scented candles and feedback from several of her co-workers to provide a well-rounded list of tested recommendations.
We interviewed two experts in the candle industry for insight on this story. Steve Horenziak is the the president of the National Candle Association, and Jo-Ann Nitzsche is the founder of UK-based fragrance brand Ralph’s Orchard. Both provided insight on candle materials and how to best educate shoppers on the most high-quality options.
We prioritize updating all of our content regularly to keep it freshly relevant for our readers. This piece was last updated in December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Each candle’s scent throw is different. But for reliably potent and luxurious smells, we recommend spluring for a Diptyque candle.
When it comes to quality, variety and value, we recommend shopping Voluspa candles. We’ve found that they deliver a long, clean burn with crowd-pleasing scents and beautiful jars that are worth displaying.
There have been no scientific studies to prove that certain types of candles are healthier than others. However, if you prefer to opt for fragrances made from more natural and sustainable materials, consider candles made from soy, coconut or beeswax.
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