A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Candles
Do you know what the most popular scents are for the home? The majority of people say they want their homes to smell refreshing, clean, and comforting. And that is where different types of candles come in.
Candles can come in all shapes and scents. Yet, some candles are superior to others. The best candles are as natural as possible so that you don't have to compromise your health for a great-smelling home.
Today, we want to help you find the best candles (and candle alternatives!). And because we're Bursera, we are only talking about the most natural and luxurious scent products out there.
Ready to find the natural and high-quality candle, incense, or essential oil you've been searching for? Then keep reading!
Types of Candles
When we talk about the different kinds of candles, we can mean many different things. Are we talking about the shape of the candle? Or are we talking about the wax it's made from?
You can categorize candles by shape, wax type, wick type, or even whether or not they have a scent. Let's talk about the details of each of these candle categories next!
Candles by Shape
The first way to categorize candles is by shape. Candlemakers use molds to create candles, which is why you can find them in almost any shape you can imagine, including pillars, tapered candles, votive candles, and tea lights.
The best candles come in containers. Candlemakers pour the wax into the container and let it cure. This results in a convenient and attractive candle you can burn anywhere without worrying about wax drips.
Before container candles became popular, people had to use candleholders, drip catchers, or both to reduce mess. Bursera candles come in a minimalistic frosted glass jar for this very reason.
Candles by Wax Type
Another way to categorize candles is by the type of wax used to make them. Paraffin wax is the most common candle ingredient. But, as we will discuss in a moment, soy wax candles are superior.
Other types of wax used in candle making include palm wax, beeswax, gel wax, rapeseed wax, and coconut wax. Some candlemakers use a wax blend. For example, soy/paraffin blends are common.
But the best candles are made of soy wax. Soy wax candles have longer burn times and stronger scents compared to non-soy wax candles. Soy wax is also a sustainable, biodegradable product.
Most importantly, research shows that soy wax is better for human health. All candles emit smoke, which you should never inhale. This is one reason why we recommend trimming your wicks after each use.
But soy wax candles do not emit the same toxic smoke, especially compared to candles made from paraffin wax.
Soy candles burn cleanly and will never give you a headache, no matter how long you burn them or how often you use them.
Candles by Wick Type
Wicks help to ensure an even, slow burn so that your favorite candles will last longer. Candlemakers can utilize many types of materials for wicks, including cotton, wire, and even wood.
Cotton is the best and most luxurious choice for candles. These wicks burn even and slow to ensure maximum scent experience.
Cotton wicks are also eco-friendly and better for your health. Cotton wicks burn cleaner and emit no toxic chemicals, especially compared to wicks that have wire cores.
Candles by Scent Type
You may already know that you can choose between decorative unscented candles and scented candles. But did you know there are two different types of scents candlemakers use?
Today, candles may contain fragrances, essential oils, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, candle fragrances also contain harmful chemicals that could impact your health.
This is why Bursera only uses natural scents for all our soy candles. Our candle scents come from 100% natural essential oils and are nontoxic for your health. That way, you can enjoy a beautiful-smelling home guilt-free.
The Best Alternatives to Candles
Candles are not the only way to make your home smell delicious. Some of our favorite alternatives to candles include incense and essential oil aromatherapy, which we will talk about next.
Palo Santo Incense
Herbs, wood, spices, and natural fragrances make up incense. Incense makers pack these ingredients into long sticks, cones, and other shapes. Then, you can burn incense at home.
Another type of incense is Palo Santo wood. Ancient cultures have used this type of incense for centuries. It doesn't just smell great, though; it can also cleanse your space.
Palo Santo wood is also way more natural than traditional incense. It doesn't contain any synthetic fragrances. Instead, the wood has a natural scent when burned that smells similar to frankincense.
Essential Oil Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is more than just a way to make your space smell great. It may also have health benefits.
Ancient cultures have used aromatherapy for centuries to cure ailments like pain, insomnia, stress, and more. Modern scientists agree that aromatherapy can really work.
You can harness the power of aromatherapy at home using an essential oil diffuser. Diffusers gently heat plant-derived essential oils, dispersing a beautiful scent throughout the room.
Aromatherapy is one of the most natural and beneficial ways to fragrance your home. These oils come from all kinds of plants, including lavender flowers and eucalyptus leaves. Blending essential oils can offer even more health benefits.
Bursera: A Natural Way to Scent Your Home
At Bursera, we specialize in natural scent products. We created our candles, Palo Santo incense sticks, and essential oils exclusively for people looking for the healthiest, most luxurious scent experience.
Read more about our scent products below.
Bursera Scented Soy Candles
We offer two different types of scented candles. Both are produced with pure soy wax and 100% natural cotton wicks for a clean burn. They will burn for about 45 hours.
Desert Rose will give your home a wonderful floral smell. It features undertones of fresh eucalyptus alongside amber and vanilla for a complex and unique experience.
We took inspiration from the Zodiac to create our Virgo Rising scented candle. Like the earth sign it's named for, Virgo Rising is at once practical and mystical. It combines wood notes of fir and cedar with fresh, beachy sandalwood.
Bursera Palo Santo Wood Incense Sticks
Our best-selling Palo Santo wood incense sticks are an aesthetically-pleasing way to scent your home. They have a similar smell to frankincense, combining notes of citrus with earthy wood.
These sticks can also help you cleanse your space. Traditionally known as Holy wood, Palo Santo can help you feel more connected with your space and the people in it.
Like essential oils, Palo Santo can be a type of aromatherapy. It can help you feel more creative, bring you good luck, energize you, and help you relax.
And if you don't have a place to burn your wood incense sticks, we have you covered. Browse our line of decorative Palo Santo stick holders, bowls, and plates.
Bursera Essential Oils and Blends
At Bursera, we offer a collection of pure essential oils and essential oil blends. Each oil is produced from 100% pure plant-derived essential oils. Our essential oils are completely undiluted and steam distilled.
Our essential oil blends include Balance, Calm, and Focus. Each blend infuses a variety of essential oils to offer distinct aromatherapy benefits.
Balance blends fresh wood notes with a surprising splash of citrus. Calm features a soothing blend of flowery lavender and bright citrus. And Focus combines the energizing scents of peppermint, citrus, and sweet flowers.
We also offer seven pure essential oils, including:
- Organic Palo Santo essential oil
- Sage essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oils
- Tea Tree essential oil
We offer multiple ways to use our natural essential oils. Whether you prefer a traditional electric diffuser or a diffusing stone, we offer a variety of high-quality and elegant products to use with your Bursera essential oils and blends.
Shop Bursera's Natural Scented Candles
There are many types of candles and ways to categorize them. But the best candles are made from natural ingredients to offer you a safe and luxurious experience. That's why so many customers love our candles.
Are you searching for natural soy wax candles that will make your home smell natural and delicious? We are a sustainable company that prioritizes natural ingredients and protects nature whenever possible.
Shop Bursera's natural scent products now to find your next favorite candle and aromatherapy products.