Wood wick candles offer a clean, even burn and a subtle crackling sound that creates a cozy atmosphere. Unlike traditional cotton wicks, wood wicks can help candles burn slower and more evenly, making them a popular choice for long-lasting, eco-friendly candles.

Yes. Our candles are made with natural coconut soy wax, eco-friendly wood wicks, and non-toxic fragrance oils. This combination creates a clean-burning candle that's free from paraffin, phthalates, and other harmful additives, and is safe to enjoy in any space.

We use a premium coconut soy wax blend that's natural, vegan, and free of paraffin. Coconut soy wax is known for its slow, clean burn and excellent scent throw, making it one of the best choices for high-quality, clean-burning candles.

We use high-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils that are carefully formulated for safe and effective use in candles. While not 100% natural, these clean synthetic blends allow for a more consistent scent throw and greater variety, without the use of harmful additives or toxins.

Our signature 7oz wood wick candles typically burn for 38-45 hours, depending on candle care. Our discovery 4oz wood wick candles typically burn for 18-24 hours. And our statement 16oz candles burn for up to 60 hours.

The slow-burning coconut soy wax and properly sized wood wicks ensure you get the most out of every candle.

To get the best performance, trim the wood wick to about 1/8" before each use. Let the wax melt to the edge of the jar during the first burn to prevent tunneling. With proper care, your wood wick candle will burn evenly and cleanly from start to finish.

The most common reason a wood wick won't stay lit is that the wick is too long. Before every burn, trim your wick to about 1/8" (about 3mm) using wick trimmers or your fingers. Remove any charred wood from the previous burn. A clean, short wick catches the flame from the melted wax pool much more reliably.

Tunneling happens when a candle burns down the center without melting wax to the edges. To prevent it, let your candle burn long enough on the first use for the entire top layer of wax to melt edge to edge (usually 2-3 hours for our 7oz candles). Wax has memory, so this first burn sets the pattern for every burn that follows.

Yes. High humidity can make wood wicks harder to light, and cold temperatures can cause the wax to contract and pull away from the jar. Store your candles at room temperature away from drafts. If the wick seems stubborn in humid weather, hold the flame to it a little longer and ensure it's trimmed short.

A small flame is usually a sign that the wax pool hasn't fully formed yet. Give it 10-15 minutes; the flame feeds off the liquid wax and will grow as the pool widens. If it remains small, extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick slightly, and try again. Also make sure you're burning in a draft-free area.

Absolutely! Once about 1/4" of wax remains, stop burning. To clean the jar, place it in the freezer for an hour; the remaining wax will contract and pop out easily. Wash with warm soapy water. Our minimalist jars work beautifully as small planters, storage vessels, or bathroom organizers.

Think about the mood you want to create. Warm, woody, or vanilla-forward scents work well in living rooms and bedrooms for a cozy, grounding atmosphere. Fresh citrus, herbal, or green scents tend to feel energizing, making them great for a home office or kitchen. If you're not sure where to start, our 4oz discovery candles are a low-commitment way to explore several scents before committing to a larger size.

Scents with lavender, sandalwood, cedarwood, or vanilla tend to be the most calming. Look for candles in our collection that feature these grounding notes. Burning a candle as part of a wind-down ritual, paired with dim lighting or a bath, can help signal to your nervous system that it's time to relax.

Citrus notes like lemon, grapefruit, and orange are known to be uplifting and mentally stimulating. Eucalyptus and peppermint can also promote alertness. If you work from home or need a pick-me-up during the day, look for candles that lean fresh, bright, or herbal.

Our candles are made with non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrance oils and natural coconut soy wax, which makes them a much safer choice than paraffin candles. That said, some fragrance compounds can be irritating to pets, especially cats and birds, at high concentrations. We recommend burning in a well-ventilated room and keeping pets away from any burning candle.

We offer three sizes: a 4oz discovery candle (18-24 hour burn time), our signature 7oz candle (38-45 hours), and a 16oz statement candle (up to 60 hours). The 7oz is our most popular size and the perfect balance of longevity and value. The 4oz is great for trying a new scent or gifting, and the 16oz makes a stunning centerpiece.

Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping within the U.S. takes 3-7 business days, depending on your location. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout. You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order ships.

Yes! Our candles make beautiful gifts. At checkout you can add a personalized gift message, and our packaging is already designed to feel special right out of the box. We also offer candle bundles if you'd like to send a curated set. For corporate gifting or larger quantities, reach out to us at hello@scentandpsyche.com.

We want you to love your candle. If something arrives damaged or there's an issue with your order, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and we'll make it right. Because candles are a personal use item, we're unable to accept returns on opened or used candles, but we'll always work with you to find a solution.

Yes, we work with select retail partners and offer bulk pricing for events like weddings, corporate gifts, and pop-ups. If you're interested in carrying Scent and Psyche in your shop or ordering in bulk, please review our Wholesale Inquiry Page for more information.

Every Scent and Psyche candle is handcrafted in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We pour in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. Supporting local, small-batch production means you're getting a candle made with real attention and care, not mass-produced on a factory line.

Yes. Our coconut soy wax is 100% plant-based, our wood wicks are natural and sustainably sourced, and we never use beeswax or any animal-derived ingredients. Our fragrance oils are also formulated without animal testing. Our candles are fully vegan and cruelty-free.

Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct. When burned, it can release trace amounts of soot and chemicals into the air. Coconut soy wax is plant-derived, burns cleaner with very little soot, and has a lower melt point that helps carry fragrance more effectively. It's better for your air quality, your walls, and your overall environment.

We love custom projects! Whether you're looking for a signature scent for your wedding, a branded candle for your business, or a personalized gift, we'd love to chat. Send us a note at customerservice@scentandpsyche.com with your idea and timeline and we'll let you know what's possible.