
Incense vs. Candles: Which One Sets the Mood Better?
Scents have a powerful way of shaping our emotions, memories, and spaces. Whether it’s the smoky swirl of incense or the soft glow of a scented candle, fragrance rituals can bring a sense of calm, comfort, or clarity to our everyday lives. But when it comes to choosing between incense and candles, what’s the difference—and how do you know which to use when?
Let’s explore how incense and candles compare in daily use, from the way they scent a room to the kind of experience they create.
1. The Essence of Incense
Incense has been used for centuries across spiritual, cultural, and therapeutic practices—from Buddhist temples to modern yoga studios. Typically made from a blend of natural woods, herbs, resins, and essential oils, incense releases its fragrance as it smoulders.
How it works: You light the tip, let it burn briefly, then blow it out to allow the glowing ember to produce fragrant smoke. Within minutes, the space is filled with layers of aroma that feel both ancient and grounding.
Best for:
- Meditation or breathwork sessions
- Rituals, spiritual practice, or journaling
- Quickly shifting the mood in a space
- Deep, earthy, or herbal fragrances (think sandalwood, patchouli, palo santo)
Scent throw: Medium to strong. Incense fills the room quickly and lingers in the air, often leaving a subtle trace even after it burns out.
2. The Charm of Scented Candles
Scented candles bring fragrance and ambience together in one beautiful, glowing object. Made with wax (soy, beeswax, coconut, or paraffin) infused with essential or fragrance oils, candles release scent as the wax melts around the flame.
How it works: Light the wick and let it burn until a full wax pool forms at the top. This ensures even burning and maximises scent distribution.
Best for:
- Cosy evenings, baths, or wind-down rituals
- Entertaining guests or setting a romantic mood
- Subtle, layered scents over a longer time
- Lighter, floral, citrus, or gourmand fragrances (think vanilla, bergamot, jasmine)
Scent throw: Light to medium. Candles diffuse fragrance more gradually than incense, and are excellent for sustained, subtle scenting over time.
3. Atmosphere & Aesthetic
Incense brings a feeling of ritual. The sight of curling smoke, the crackle of the ember, and the swift change in scent often signal a moment of intentional pause or spiritual reflection. It’s dynamic, sensory, and just a little bit mystical.
Candles, on the other hand, lean into warmth and softness. The flicker of the flame brings visual comfort, making them perfect for winding down, romantic dinners, or creating a relaxing bath experience. They offer beauty even before you light them—acting as decor as much as a functional item.
4. Everyday Use: Which One to Choose?
Situation | Incense | Candle |
---|---|---|
Need a quick scent reset? | ✅ Yes – fills the room in minutes | ⛔️ Takes longer to release scent |
Want long-lasting fragrance? | ⛔️ Burns quickly (15–40 min) | ✅ Can burn for hours with a steady scent |
Meditation or journaling? | ✅ Perfect for ritual and focus | ✅ Creates a calm, gentle ambience |
Sensitive to smoke? | ⛔️ Can irritate some with respiratory sensitivities | ✅ Generally milder on the senses, especially soy or beeswax candles |
On a budget? | ✅ Very cost-effective; most sticks cost cents per use | ⛔️ Higher upfront cost; quality candles are often more expensive |
Travel or outdoor-friendly? | ✅ Easy to pack and burn anywhere outdoors | ⛔️ Glass containers & wax make candles less travel-friendly |
Both incense and candles have their place—it really comes down to mood, preference, and space.
5. Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. In fact, alternating between incense and candles can help you match your fragrance rituals to your needs. Start your morning with a grounding incense stick. Light a candle as the sun sets. Use incense for deep reflection and candles for everyday calm.
You don’t have to choose one over the other—let scent become a versatile part of your self-care toolkit.
Final Thoughts
Scent shapes space. Whether you lean toward the ritualistic feel of incense or the soft glow of candles, both are simple yet powerful ways to transform your day. At SomaScents, we believe that fragrance is more than aroma—it’s an invitation to breathe, to pause, and to reconnect with yourself.