Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Wax Apothecary candles different from regular scented candles?

At Wax Apothecary we blend old-world apothecary craft with modern wellness sensibility. Each candle is hand-poured in our Idyllwild, California studio using plant-based wax and natural botanical elements (dried florals, herbs) to deliver authentic fragrance, therapeutic aromatherapy benefits and a luxurious home décor experience. Our process emphasizes:

  • genuine artisan methods and botanical integrity
  • natural, plant-based ingredients (rather than heavy synthetic fragrance blends)
  • fragrance profiles that evoke nature and wellness (not just “strong scent” for scent’s sake)
  • Crafted for health & wellness enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers and design-minded home décor buyers.

2. Are your candles all-natural or made with synthetic materials?

We use plant-based waxes, premium essential oils and botanical inclusions (such as dried flora) to deliver our true-to-nature scent experiences. We avoid heavy additives, mass-market synthetic fillers and generic fragrance blends that lack authenticity.
While “natural” can mean different things to different brands, we believe our combination of artisan craftsmanship + carefully selected natural ingredients sets us apart. For example, many branded candles use blends of waxes and fragrance chemicals — our focus is on clarity of origin, quality of fragrance and intentional aromatherapy benefit.

3. What kinds of wax do you use, and how does wax type affect burn and fragrance?

Our wax blend is selected to support: even burning, clean fragrance throw, minimal soot, and compatibility with our botanical infusions.
General industry insight: Wax type influences burn behavior, scent throw (how far the fragrance travels), melt-pool behavior and soot generation.

For example:

  • A quality plant-based wax will melt evenly and support the fragrance oils releasing well.
  • A natural wax burn will typically produce less soot or residue, which is better in a mindful home setting.
  • Because we hand-craft each candle, we optimise each vessel size (7 oz Scotch glass, 4 oz travel tin, 6 oz amber glass jar, 9 oz artisan amber glass) to deliver the best performance for that format.

4. What are the aromatherapy benefits of your scents?

Our scent menu is crafted to provide both sensory pleasure and wellness-oriented intent. You can find aromatherapy, application suggestions & aromacology definitions on each product page & scent collection page.

 For example:

  • “Pure Rose”: supports emotional calm and creates a soft, elegant atmosphere.

  • “Silver-Dollar Eucalyptus”: crisp, herbaceous, supporting clarity and freshness in your space.

  • “French Lavender”: noted for its calming and sleep-preparation benefits.

  • When using our candles, you’re not just adding fragrance—you’re invoking ambiance, ritual and mind-body wellness.

Try our "Shop by Aromatherapy Benefit" menu here: https://waxapothecary.com/pages/shop-by-mood-intention-aromatherapy-purpose

5. How long should I burn my candle each session for optimal performance?

To get the most from your candle and preserve its fragrance integrity, follow these guidelines:

  • On the first burn, allow the wax surface to liquefy fully across the container. This “first melt-pool” ensures even burning and avoids tunnelling.

  • For subsequent burns, limit each session to approximately 3–4 hours (or follow the specific label instructions) to prevent overheating, wax discoloration or diminished fragrance throw.

  • Always trim the wick to roughly ¼ inch before each burn, and burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface in a draft-free zone.

6. My candle seems to lose scent strength or smells weaker over time — why?

Several factors can affect fragrance performance:

  • Storage conditions: prolonged exposure to heat, direct sunlight or high humidity can degrade aromatic oils.

  • Room size: larger rooms or high ceilings may require larger vessels or multiple candles for full fragrance coverage.

  • Candle burn session: if each burn is too short (less than about 1 hour) the wax may not melt across the full surface, limiting scent throw.

  • Wax remaining: once only ~¼ inch of wax remains, the scent will naturally taper. It’s best to retire the candle or repurpose the vessel at that point.

7. Are your candles safe for homes with pets, children or sensitivities?

We design our products with conscientious ingredient selection and mindful craftsmanship. However, as with any home fragrance product:

  • Always burn candles in a well-ventilated space.

  • Keep out of reach of children and pets, and away from flammable objects.

  • If you or someone in your household has known fragrance sensitivities, allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend patch-testing by burning the candle briefly in a well-ventilated area and observing any reactions.
    According to the National Candle Association (NCA), properly made and used scented candles do not pose known health hazards when used as directed.

8. How do I choose the right size candle or format for my space or gifting needs?

Our format options are designed to suit varying use-cases:

  • 7 oz Scotch glass: excellent for a living room, large bedroom or as a main fragrance piece.

  • 9 oz artisan amber glass: larger format, longer burn-time, ideal for larger spaces or longer ritual use.

  • 6 oz amber glass jar: medium size, great for guest rooms, bathrooms or as a thoughtful gift.

  • 4 oz travel tin: compact, portable, ideal for entryways, desk spaces, travel or someone who wants limited-session use or gift sets.

  • When choosing: consider the size of the room, the desired fragrance strength and how long you expect to burn each session. For gifting, pair with a thoughtful scent (for example “Pink Lemon” for a bright uplifting feel, “Cedar” or “Tobacco” for deeper home-fragrance gifting) and perhaps create a bundle with our botanical room spray as a complementary piece.

9. Can I reuse the candle jar after burning down the candle?

Yes — many of our customers repurpose the jars. For best practice:

  • Allow the wax to burn until approximately ¼ inch remains, then extinguish the candle and allow to cool.
  • Carefully remove remaining wax (e.g., by placing the jar in warm soapy water, letting the wax loosen and then cleaning).
  • Wash the jar thoroughly, dry and reuse as a planter, small storage container, pen holder, or décor piece.
  • We encourage mindful reuse as part of our eco-conscious ethos.

10. What is your return or refund policy?

We stand by our craftsmanship and want you to be delighted with your purchase. If you have any issue (for example damage during shipping, defective product, or burning problem) please contact our Customer Service team via the “Contact Us” page on WaxApothecary.com, with your order number, item details and description of the issue. We will work with you promptly to find a solution.

Note: Because our products are consumables and affected by use and burn conditions, we may request photos or details of the issue in order to better understand and resolve. This helps protect both you as the customer and us as artisans from fraudulent claims, while ensuring fairness and quality service.

11. Do you offer wholesale or custom-branding opportunities?

Yes — as a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) based in Idyllwild, California and committed to artisan production, we welcome wholesale inquiries from established, successful brick-and-mortar retailers (especially those aligned with our botanical, wellness or eco-design ethos). For full guidelines, please visit our Wholesale page.
Please note: we do not pursue retailers who manufacture their own candles, or retailers focused solely on non-complementary regional-only product curation (unless strongly aligned with our Southern California / mountain-region identity).
We also offer seasonal limited-edition collections (e.g., our Wildflowers, Spiced Pine, Autumn Spice, and Wild Winter Currant launches) and sometimes collaborate on custom scent-development for nature-based institutional gift shops (such as with the Idyllwild Nature Center / Riverside County Parks).

12. How can I care for and maintain my candle for the best results?

For optimal longevity and performance:

  • Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, vents or open windows.

  • Trim the wick to ~¼” (≈6 mm) before each lighting to ensure a clean, even burn.

  • On first use, burn long enough for the wax to melt across the full diameter of the vessel (this prevents “tunneling” where only the center melts).

  • Stop burning when about ¼” (~6 mm) of wax remains in the jar — the vessel may over-heat if wax level is too low.

  • Store unused candles in a cool, dark, dry area (avoid direct sunlight, heat and humidity) to preserve aromatic oils.

  • Never leave burning candles unattended, nor burn them for more than about 4 hours at a time without monitoring.

13. Can I mix or layer your scents in my space?

Absolutely. Many customers enjoy creating signature scent combinations to reflect mood, occasion or gift-giving. For example: pairing “Coffee” with “Autumn Spice” for a warm pumpkin-spice-latte-inspired duo, or layering “Pink Lemon” with “White Sage” for a bright, cleansing home vibe. Place one candle in a nearby room or light sequentially to build ambiance. We recommend ensuring the space is well-ventilated, and that each candle has ample room (at least 10-15 inches between vessels) so the aromas have space to blend gracefully.

14. How do I know when to replace the wick or stop using the candle?

When you notice any of the following, it may be time to retire the candle or jar:

  • The wax level is under ~¼” (~6 mm) and the jar becomes hot to the touch.
  • The flame is flickering unusually, producing heavy soot, or the melt-pool is uneven.
  • The wick is drifting to one side and melting wax unevenly (“tunnelling”).
  • The fragrance throw has noticeably diminished despite proper use.
  • If you have concerns about performance, please contact Customer Service with your order and details — we are committed to quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Still have a question?

If your question is not listed above or you’d like more assistance choosing a scent, selecting the right format, care tips or wholesale information — please reach out via our Contact page. We’re happy to assist and want your Wax Apothecary experience to exceed expectations.