Scented candles are practically synonymous with relaxation, and for good reason. From yoga studios to college dorms, candles are universally used to make a space more welcoming and calming.
If you’re wondering what candles can take your relaxation time to the next level, this guide will introduce you to six irresistible, relaxing candle scents.
What Makes a Candle Relaxing?
Before we get to the specifics, it’s important to consider what makes a candle relaxing in the first place. There are two factors to consider when it comes to why candles have such a calming effect: the light they emit and their scent.
The gentle flicker of candlelight can give your space a more grounded feel by mimicking the glow of a sunset. This can release melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep.
The smell of a scented candle can also relax your body and mind. Some smells trigger your body to release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, all of which can calm you down and make you feel happy and content.
Scented candles also trigger the limbic system (the part of your brain that controls mood and memory, among other things), which is part of what makes them such a powerful part of your daily wind-down.
What Are Some Relaxing Candle Scents?
Now that you know what makes a candle relaxing, let’s chat about six of our coziest, most tranquil scents.
Available in various sizes, these are the candles you can reach for when you want your home to smell as good as the waiting room at your favorite spa (or wherever you go when you need a little “me” time).
1. Cardamom
If you associate relaxing with rich, dreamy fragrances, then Instant Karma is the relaxing scent for you. This cardamom candle combines the smell of cardamom with nashi pear, black plum, geranium, vetiver, cedarwood, and black tea.
Instant Karma should be your go to candle when you want to give your space a sensual, spicy vibe.
2. Vanilla
Some people find scented candles to be overwhelming, especially if they don’t have a large space to light them in. Sweet Ash is the low-key addictive candle that’s perfect for anyone who wants a sweet, subtle scent that’s going to enhance the ambiance of their home without taking over.
With a combination of vanilla bean, juniper, bergamot, fir balsam, tonka bean, and white moss, this woody, vanilla candle is sure to be a favorite.
3. Jasmine
When you’re on the hunt for a relaxing scent for your laundry room, bathroom, or anywhere that needs a burst of freshness, look no further than Birds And The Breeze.
Jasmine, mimosa petals, galbanum, cyclamen, orchid, musk, and cedarwood are blended in this candle to create a light, airy scent that’ll bring a summer breeze into your home regardless of when you light it.
4. Lily of the Valley
As you might’ve guessed by the name, Off the Grid was specifically created to help you take a break and disconnect from the stress of everyday life. This ambery candle features lily of the valley alongside moss, cypress, tuberose, cedar, cistus amber, and sandalwood.
It’s soothing, slightly spicy, and undeniably ideal for those days (or nights) when you want to curl up on the sofa with your favorite book and leave all the email notifications and work messages behind.
5. White Tea
There’s nothing as simultaneously invigorating and calming as a walk through the woods… which is why we replicated the smell of that experience with Way With Woods.
Crisp and floral, white tea comes together with mandarin, sandalwood, amber woods, vetiver, and musk to recreate the inviting smell of the forest right in your living room.
6. Palo Santo
Heal the Way has certainly earned its place. Designed by author and mindfulness teacher Alex Elle, this pistachio candle mixes palo santo with pistachio cream, davana, vanilla absolute, musk, and orcanox.
Creamy and dreamy, this is the kind of candle you can light when you need to carve out a moment for yourself. It’s a fan-favorite candle that’s as comforting as a hug from a loved one and peaceful enough to calm you down, no matter how hectic your day was.
Light Up, Wind Down
You’re ready to turn your home into the ultimate cozy escape. With these six candles from Snif, you can make your space more calming, tranquil, and grounded than ever before.
FAQs
How do scents relax you?
When you inhale a relaxing scent or one you have a positive memory attached to, the information goes directly to your limbic system.
This part of your brain contains the amygdala and hippocampus, which are both responsible for processing emotions and forming memories. Smells have a direct link to your limbic system, which can quickly help you feel calm.
Some scents also stimulate your brain to release certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which can make you feel better and less stressed.
What are the benefits of relaxing candles?
Unsurprisingly, there are several benefits of relaxing candles. They can make your space feel cozy, homey, and romantic (which makes them perfect for an at-home date night).
Plus, the flicker of light emitted from candles can have a calming effect, which some people find improves focus. Some scented candles can also boost the quality of your sleep if you light them as you do your night-time routine and allow them to burn for a while before you go to bed.
Sources:
How Does Melatonin Work? | Cleveland Clinic
Endorphins: The brain's natural pain reliever | Harvard Health
The Role of Odor-Evoked Memory in Psychological and Physiological Health | NIH
Researchers uncover how the human brain separates, stores, and retrieves memories | NIH