Can Candles Lose Their Scent? Here's What Really Happens

Can Candles Lose Their Scent? Here's What Really Happens

Candles Smell Great—Until They Don’t

You pick up a candle, lift the lid, and it smells amazing. You light it a few times over the next few weeks. Then one day, it just… smells like warm wax. What happened?

If you’ve asked yourself, can candles lose their scent, the short answer is yes. But the longer answer depends on how it was made, what’s in it, and how you’ve treated it since you brought it home.

Fragrance fading isn’t random. It usually has to do with time, exposure, and quality. Some candles are made to hold their scent longer. Others are rushed through production with low-grade materials and don’t stand a chance. Let’s break it down.

 


 

Why Candles Lose Their Scent

1. Fragrance Evaporation

Fragrance oils are volatile by nature. That’s what allows them to fill a room. But if a candle is left uncovered or stored in a warm place, the top notes start to disappear into the air even when the candle isn’t burning. Over time, the candle will smell weaker, sometimes flat.

2. Poor Quality Ingredients

Cheaper candles often cut corners. That means lower fragrance loads, synthetic oil blends, and waxes that don't hold scent well. If the wax and oils don’t bond properly, the fragrance won’t last. It might smell good at first but fades fast.

3. Storage Conditions

Sunlight, humidity, and heat all weaken a candle’s scent. A candle left out in a bright room or near a radiator is going to lose its fragrance much faster than one kept in a drawer or with its lid on.

 


 

How Long Should a Candle Hold Its Scent?

A good candle should retain its fragrance for at least 6 to 12 months when stored properly. But “good” is the key word here. A lot of candles start to fade after just a few weeks.

At Aurié Luxe Co., we make our candles to last. We use coconut-soy wax, which holds scent better than paraffin or pure soy. We also pour at the right temperatures and use high-grade fragrance oils in higher concentrations than many store-bought brands.

Our candles aren’t rushed. They’re built to age well—even improve slightly as the oils settle into the wax over time.

 


 

Tips to Make Your Candle Last Longer

  • Always put the lid back on when you’re done burning it.

  • Store it in a cool, dark place.

  • Don’t leave it sitting in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

  • Trim the wick before each burn to help it burn evenly and not overheat.

 


 

Aurié Luxe Co. Candles That Stick Around

Looking for candles that don’t lose their character in a week? Here are a few that our customers say stay strong till the end:

 


 

Final Word

So yes, candles can lose their scent—but they don’t have to fade quickly. It comes down to how they’re made, what’s in them, and how you care for them.

If you’re tired of candles that smell great in the store and disappear once you bring them home, try something made with patience and quality. Explore our full collection at aurieluxeco.com, and bring home a candle that lasts.

 

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