a female holding a candle in her hands

Why Natural Candle Scents Matter

Key Takeaways

  • Natural candle scents can spark emotions and memories while creating a calming atmosphere.
  • Choosing between natural vs synthetic fragrances impacts your health and home environment.
  • Virgin River Naturals offers a clean-burning blend of soy, coconut, and beeswax, packaged in eco-friendly containers.
  • Every candle is handcrafted in Utah and supports environmental causes through 1% for the Planet.

Natural candle scents don’t just set the mood and release a subtle fragrance. Sometimes they can carry you somewhere else entirely. It could be your grandmother’s kitchen, eagerly waiting for her mouthwatering vanilla cookies, or a pine-lined trail where the air is cool and crisp.

Unfortunately, not all candles are made equal. Some are made using petroleum-based wax and other synthetic ingredients that do more harm than good. Here’s why you should opt for natural scents and why Virgin River Naturals should be your go-to brand.

The Psychology Behind Scents

The benefits of natural candle scents go way beyond the fragrance. There’s a connection between smell and the limbic system, the part of the brain that processes emotions and stores memories.

Research also shows that various fragrances affect spontaneous brain activities and cognitive functions. This explains why you feel instantly relaxed after lighting that lavender candle after a long day or why it’s almost impossible to concentrate when there’s a bad odor in the room.

Virgin River Naturals strives to make the best natural scented candles based on real “scent memories” instead of artificial fragrances.

“Our fragrances capture scent memories ranging from the mountains in summer to the desert after a rainstorm, from a sun-kissed summer day at the beach to a relaxing savasana after yoga…” — Virgin River Naturals Founders.

The Problem with Conventional Candles

Most people opt for conventional candles because they are affordable. But as they say, cheap is expensive, and in this case, it can come at the cost of your health.

You see, most mass-market candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that releases soot and toxins into the air when burned. Furthermore, synthetic fragrances often have compounds that can be irritating to sensitive noses.

Additionally, unlike natural candle scents, conventional candles fall short on sustainability. Most brands use single-use plastics and other packaging materials that can’t be recycled.

Comparison: Natural vs Synthetic Fragrances

Feature Conventional Candles Virgin River Naturals Candles
Wax Petroleum-based Soy, coconut, & local Utah beeswax
Burn quality Produces soot, uneven burn Clean, slow, long-lasting burn
Air quality May release toxins Beeswax produces negative ions that purify the air
Fragrance Synthetic, overpowering Natural, memory-inspired scents
Sustainability Often non-recyclable packaging Recyclable, biodegradable, eco-friendly

The Virgin River Naturals Difference

Virgin River Naturals' natural candle scents are designed to connect you with nature. Each one is handcrafted in St. George, Utah, right outside Zion National Park, where the rugged landscape inspires every fragrance.

A Wax Blend That Tells a Story

Virgin River Naturals ensures the best natural scented candles by using a proprietary blend of soy, coconut, and beeswax. This blend guarantees a cleaner burn and a candle that lasts longer and smells more authentic.

Cruelty & Phthalate-Free

Virgin River Naturals’ natural candle scents are also not tested on animals and don’t contain phthalates, thereby minimizing your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Handcrafted From Start to Finish

Every step of the candle-making process, from pouring to labelling, is done by hand to ensure the best natural scented candles.

Candles That Clean the Air

Studies show that beeswax candles release negative ions that bind to airborne particles like pollen and dust, helping to purify the air. This means your Virgin River Naturals candle isn’t just filling the room with scent, it’s making your space healthier to breathe.

Sustainability in Every Detail

From the packaging to the labelling and shipping materials, it’s evident that Virgin River Naturals is committed to being eco-friendly. They use biodegradable materials in every step of their process.

A Brand That Gives Back

The brand is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and gives a portion of every purchase to environmental causes worldwide.

How to Choose the Best Natural Candle Scents

cozy lit Virgin River Naturals candle

Now that you have a clear distinction between natural vs synthetic fragrances, you’re probably wondering how to choose the best natural scented candles. While it ultimately boils down to personal preference, there are a few tips that may come in handy.

  1. Consider your space: Go for lighter scents for bedrooms and richer ones for the living room.
  2. Think about your intention: Do you want the feeling of nostalgia, calm, or improved energy?
  3. Pick a scent memory that resonates: Different scents evoke different memories. Pick a scent that takes you back to a place or mood you want to recreate or remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Natural Scented Candle?

A natural scented candle is one that’s made using all-natural ingredients. Virgin River Naturals candles feature a proprietary wax blend of natural soy wax, natural coconut and organic Utah beeswax, with natural cotton wicks.

Are Natural Candles Better?

Yes, natural candle scents are better than conventional ones. They are eco-friendly, healthier, have a longer burn time, and offer a better fragrance experience.

Is It Healthy To Burn Scented Candles?

It’s safe to burn scented candles. However, you need to ensure the candle is made of 100% natural ingredients since mass-produced conventional candles tend to have artificial fragrances that can release harmful toxins.

How Do You Know If a Candle is Natural?

Brands typically label natural candle scents as ‘100% soy,’ ‘100% beeswax,’ or ‘100% coconut wax.’ If you’re ever unsure, a quick look at the brand’s website will tell you whether you’re truly getting the best natural scented candles.

Choose a Candle That Does More Than Burn

Choose wisely in the natural vs synthetic fragrances debate. Natural candle scents offer more than fragrance. They bring healthier air, evoke meaningful memories, and support sustainable living.

Virgin River Naturals exists to make that experience possible through candles and room sprays that are as authentic as the places that inspired them. Get free shipping on orders over $75 and 10% off your next order today.

About the Author

Kevin Macey

Kevin Macey is the CEO of Virgin River Naturals, which has been producing all-natural, hand-poured candles since 2017. He grew up in the Northeast, where he loved to hike and ski. Years later, he moved to California, where he found much more time to hike throughout the year, and where he learned to love something completely new in the ocean and desert.

After enjoying many years in California, Kevin now lives in Utah, surrounded by majestic red rocks and the Virgin River. This natural landmark is a grounding force and a timeless beauty: it gave its name to his company. Kevin and his team now work to celebrate it, and all the scents and memories that his travels have inspired.

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