Understanding Fragrance Families
Like perfumes, candle fragrances are often grouped into “families” or categories based on the main scent profile. While different companies may label them slightly differently, below are some of the most recognized categories and examples within each:
1. Amber
Overview: Rich, warm, and sensual scents typically feature notes of amber, musk, resin, or exotic spices.
Examples: Amber, Incense, Myrrh, Frankincense, Musk.
Style Notes: Oriental or amber fragrances often have a deep, luxurious feel. They’re great for creating an intimate and cozy ambiance.
2. Aquatic / Ozonic
Overview: Light, airy, and reminiscent of ocean breezes or rain.
Examples: Sea Salt, Ocean Breeze, Rainwater.
Style Notes: These typically have a cool, fresh quality that can make a room feel open and breezy.
3. Aromatic / Herbal
Overview: Fresh, green, and sometimes medicinal scents derived from herbs and aromatic plants.
Examples: Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Basil, Mint.
Style Notes: Known for their soothing and sometimes spa-like quality, these fragrances are popular in wellness settings or as relaxing home scents.
4. Citrus / Fresh
Overview: Crisp, zesty, energizing scents derived from citrus fruits or clean, airy accords.
Examples: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Clean Linen.
Style Notes: These often have a bright, uplifting quality and can help refresh a room or neutralize odors.
5. Floral
Overview: Typically soft, sweet, or powdery. It evokes the scent of fresh or blooming flowers.
Examples: Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Gardenia.
Style Notes: Floral candles can range from powdery and traditional (rose) to bright and spring-like (lily, hyacinth) to heady and exotic (jasmine, tuberose).
6. Fruity
Overview: Sweet, playful, sometimes tangy scents that remind you of fresh or cooked fruits.
Examples: Apple, Pear, Peach, Berry (e.g., Blackberry, Raspberry), Tropical fruits (e.g., Coconut, Mango).
Style Notes: Fruity fragrances are especially popular for summer or to add a fun, vibrant scent to a space.
7. Gourmand
Overview: Sweet, edible-like scents inspired by desserts or confections.
Examples: Vanilla, Caramel, Chocolate, Sugar Cookie, Coffee.
Style Notes: Gourmand candles can be exceptionally comforting and indulgent, filling a room with the aroma of fresh baking or sweet treats.
8. Mixed / Complex Blends
Overview: Many popular candles combine multiple categories for a balanced or unique scent (e.g., a woody-floral, a citrus-gourmand, or a spicy-oriental).
Examples: Amber + Floral (like Amber Rose), Citrus + Herb (like Lemon & Basil), Fruity + Spice (like Apple Cinnamon).
Style Notes: These blends can create more nuanced or layered experiences, appealing to broader tastes.
9. Spicy
Overview: Warm, aromatic scents are often associated with baked goods, holidays, or exotic spices.
Examples: Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Ginger.
Style Notes: Spicy candles create a cozy atmosphere—often popular in cooler months or around the holidays.
10. Woody / Earthy
Overview: Grounding, natural, and often rich scents derived from woods, resins, and earthy notes.
Examples: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Oud.
Style Notes: These fragrances range from light and dry (cedar) to deep, rich, and smoky (oud). They’re often associated with sophistication and warmth.
Tips for Choosing a Fragrance Category
- Season: Light, fresh, and citrus scents often pair well with spring/summer, while warmer, spicier scents suit autumn/winter.
- Mood: Floral or fruity scents can be uplifting and cheerful, woody or earthy scents are grounding, and amber fragrances are warm and sensual.
- Space: Lighter scents (citrus, herbals) work well in kitchens/bathrooms, while richer scents (woody, amber, gourmand) may be best in living rooms and bedrooms.
By understanding these major fragrance categories, you can more easily find candles that suit your taste, the season, or the atmosphere you want to create.