If you’ve ever wondered why a candle can smell citrusy at first and then mellow into something warm and woodsy — that’s the magic of fragrance notes. Just like perfume, candles are built in layers: top, middle, and base. Together, they create a scent journey that evolves as your candle burns.
Here’s what those notes actually mean, and how to use them to find scents you’ll love in every room of your home.
What Are Candle Fragrance Notes?
Every candle scent is a blend of fragrance layers, known as top, middle, and base notes. Each layer plays a role in how the candle smells — not just when you first take a whiff, but as it burns over time.
Think of it like a song:
- The top notes are the opening beat — catchy, bright, and attention-grabbing.
- The middle notes are the melody — fuller, more complex, and emotionally resonant.
- The base notes are the rhythm section — grounding everything with richness and depth.
In candles, heat activates these layers gradually, revealing the full character of the scent over a few hours.
Top Notes: The First Impression
Top notes are the first scents you notice when you light a candle — and the first to fade. They’re usually fresh and light, designed to give you that “ahh” moment as you walk into the room.
Common top notes include:
Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
Herbs (mint, basil, eucalyptus)
Light florals (lavender, neroli)
At ReCandle Co., Blood Orange opens with that zesty citrus lift — energizing and juicy, like slicing into a fresh orange on a slow Sunday morning.
Middle Notes: The Heart of the Scent
Once your candle’s been burning for 15–30 minutes, the heart notes begin to shine. These are often florals, fruits, or spices — the scents that make you lean in and breathe a little deeper.
Middle notes hold everything together. They soften the brightness of the top and balance the richness of the base.
You’ll often find:
- Floral (lavender, jasmine, rose)
- Spices (cardamom, clove)
- Fruit (fig, apple)
Our Lavender candle centers itself in this zone — calming, herbal, and just floral enough to soothe the edges off a busy day.
Base Notes: The Lasting Impression
Base notes take their time. These heavier molecules evaporate more slowly, lingering in the air (and your memory) long after the flame is out.
They add depth and staying power, anchoring the lighter notes and rounding out the entire scent profile.
Base notes include:
- Woods (cedar, sandalwood)
- Resins (amber, myrrh)
- Musk and vanilla
Candles like Amber Noir and Black Sea are built on these deep, earthy notes. They feel warm and grounding — perfect for evenings, quiet rituals, or just curling up with a book.
Why Understanding Notes Helps You Choose Better Candles
Knowing how fragrance notes work can help you choose scents more intentionally — especially if you're shopping online or building a candle subscription with rotating refills.
Here’s how:
- Want something bright and energizing? Look for top-heavy scents with citrus and herbs.
- Need a balanced everyday candle? Go for a strong heart — florals, fruits, soft spices.
- Craving something cozy and long-lasting? Base-heavy candles with woods or amber are your best friend.
You can also think seasonally:
Spring/summer: Light top notes like White Eucalyptus or Blood Orange
Fall/winter: Rich base notes like Caribbean Teakwood or Pumpkin Spice (when it’s in season)
How to Get the Best Fragrance Experience from Your Candle
Fragrance notes are designed to unfold over time — but only if your candle is cared for properly. Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your refillable candle:
- Burn long enough: Let the wax melt to the edges before blowing it out. This helps release the full scent story.
- Trim your wick: About ¼ inch keeps the burn clean and even.
- Use the right vessel: Our ceramic candle vessels hold heat evenly, helping fragrance disperse the way it’s meant to.
Good scent takes a little time — and a little care. But once you get the hang of it, it’s easy.
ReCandle Co.’s Approach to Clean, Layered Fragrance
At ReCandle Co., we design every fragrance with intention — from the first impression to the final flicker.
Our soy wax refills are made with clean, non-toxic oils (free from phthalates, carcinogens, and anything on California’s Prop 65 list). That means you can enjoy complex, layered scents that are safe for you, your pets, and the planet.
And because our zero waste candle refills pop in and out of handmade ceramic vessels, your space stays as beautiful as it smells — no scraping, no waste, no mess.
Whether you're drawn to bold woods, soft florals, or citrusy uplift, we believe fragrance should feel good in every way.
FAQ About Candle Fragrance Notes
Do candles have top, middle, and base notes like perfumes?
Yes — candles are often created using the same fragrance structure as perfumes. Heat helps release the layers over time as the candle burns.
Why can’t I smell some notes as strongly?
Some notes are more subtle or evaporate quickly (like top notes). Burn time, room size, and airflow all play a role too.
How can I tell which notes I like?
Start with the scents you naturally gravitate toward — citrus, woods, florals, etc. Our scent descriptions include note breakdowns to help guide you.
Are synthetic notes always bad?
Not necessarily. What matters more is how safe they are. We only use clean, non-toxic fragrance oils that are free from harmful chemicals — whether they’re naturally derived or lab-created.