Business ownership is part of the American dream and America loves candles. They are used in seven out of ten American homes. Retail sales have exceeded $3 billion annually since 2012. This number was reported to be over $3.5 billion in 2019.
Many American candle companies started out in garages, kitchens, or other humble beginnings before becoming a household name. The following list of candle brands originating in America includes a wide range of national, family-owned, and independent companies that vary by size, ingredients used, and product distribution.
The Ultimate List of Scented Candle Brands that are Made in America
1. Aerangis
Named for the aerangis orchid, this company was founded in 2019 by Alicia Tsai. Tsai wanted to connect with her childhood memories of her grandfather cultivating aerangis orchids. This home fragrance brand hinges on the company tagline, “Documenting life’s moments through scents.”
Using high-quality, non-toxic ingredients, Aerangis offers 13 scents in their signature collection. Names like Secret Garden, A Hundred and Fifteen Rows, and Aging Spirits, hearken back to the founder’s memories that customers can make their own.
Reusable ceramic containers are hand-thrown in China but each candle is hand-poured in the United States. Two sizes are available: 3.5 oz mini candle which burns for 25 hours, and an 8 oz standard size that has a 50-hour burn time.
Wildflower seeds accompany each candle, which is a unique approach to sustainability efforts. Their packaging is plastic-free, recyclable, and sometimes biodegradable.
Founder: Alicia Tsai
Year Founded: 2019
Takeaways:
- Sustainable
- Plant-based wax blend
- Lead-free wicks
- Exquisite fragrances
- Phthalate-free
- Reusable containers
2. Anecdote Candles
They actually crowdsource customers’ ideas to develop memorable fragrances that tell a story. Customer histories are then melted down into anecdotes used to create an inspired scent.
Anecdote Candle, “2022: Smells Like High Hopes and Low Expectations,” is one example. Their best-selling candle is titled “Adulting: Smells Like Early Nights and Steady Paychecks.” It’s actual fragrance notes are a blend of fig, sandalwood, grapefruit, and lemon. They offer 3.4 oz travel tins (25-35 hour burn time), and 7.8 oz standard jars, which burn for 40-50 minutes.
You can find Anecdote candles through nationwide retailers, like Anthropologie and Macy’s, online retailers like Design Milk and Amazon, or in local boutiques across the United States.
Founder: Julie Maskulka
Year Founded: 2019
Takeaways:
- Coconut-soy wax blend
- Hand-poured
- Cotton wicks
- No additives or dyes
- Phthalate-free fragrances
3. Apple Valley Natural Soap
The company was originally incorporated in 2014, but was purchased in 2018. Since then, this business has been operated by the Buck family. Although this is primarily a skin and hair care company, Apple Valley makes natural beeswax and soy wax candles as well.
They fragrance their waxes with a combination of essential and phthalate-free fragrance oils. Cotton wicks are used and each candle is topped with a bamboo lid. Each 12 oz. glass container burns for up to 45 hours.
Some scent options include Tahitian Vanilla in soy and in beeswax, Lemon Verbena, and Honey Almond. You can find them online or through Copper Fox Gifts in Minnesota.
Owner: Marianne Buck
Year Founded: 2018
Takeaways:
- Natural beeswax
- Non-GMO soy wax
- Cotton wicks
- Natural and synthetic fragrance blends
4. Archipelago Botanicals
Archipelago started in a small garage in Santa Monica, California by Gregg Corzine. This company was named for the channel islands seen in the distance from the garage where he first started the business.
Archipelago candles are available in a number of formats:
Boxed candles – They’re ready for gifting and are available in minimal, vintage, and modern packaging styles.
Jar candles – Some of these overlap with the boxed candles, but this collection includes more mascuine fragrance options and design.
Pillar candles – Available in medium, tall, and large.
Travel tin candles – Compact three inches in diameter and burn for up to 30 hours.
Votives and petite candles – Perfect for powder rooms, small bedrooms, and mantels.
Made using 70% soy wax and a 30% blend of palm and paraffin waxes, Archipelago candles have a long burn time.
You can find Archipelago candles in spas, department stores, and in a multitude of boutiques nationwide.
Founder: Gregg Corzine
Year Founded: 1996
Takeaways:
- Soy wax blend
- Lead-free wicks
- Variety of collections
5. Bath & Body Works
Founded in New Albany, Ohio in 1990 by Les Wexner, you’ll find a number of articles on this website about Bath & Body Works (BBW). Known for its trendy seasonal fragrances in bright colors and container graphics, they reported net sales totalling $3.027 billion for their fourth quarter ending January 29, 2022.
Single wick and 3-wick candles alike are quite popular. They combine natural essential oils with fragrance oils to create customer favorites, like Strawberry Pound Cake.
Their wax blend is made of soybean oil, paraffin, and palm waxes. At least one of their factory partners is located in Mayfield, Kentucky. Although still based in the US with 1,700 North American stores. Since 2010, BBW has been selling their products in close to 300 international locations.
Founder: Les Wexner
Year Founded: 1990
Takeaways:
- Trendy fragrances
- Seasonal container design
- Bright color palettes
- Scents to make you happy
6. BeeHive Candles
This business started out as a hobby in a small kitchen. Officially launched in 2000, pure beeswax is used to make every BeeHive Candle. You won’t find any fillers or additives in their wax. Some of their candles are blended with essential oils, like lavender.
All of their candles are still hand-poured and hand finished in the state of Washington. Only 100% cotton wicks are used and their wax is also sourced in the USA from Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Candle shapes include:
- Colonial tapers
- Pillars
- Sculpted
- Square tapers
- Tapers
- Tea lights
- Travel tins
- Votives
You can find BeeHive candles in gift shops across the Northwest, at tradeshows, on their website, and on Amazon.
Founders: Darian and Jen Wesolowski
Year Founded: 2000
Takeaways:
- 100% natural beeswax
- No additives or dyes
- Multiple shape options
7. Blk Sunflower
A luxury candle brand created with self-care in mind, Blk Sunflower is a black woman-owned business founded in 2020 by Jazmin Richards. Based in Washington state, they specialize in custom orders and corporate gift giving.
Each candle is 9 oz. and burns for 75 hours or more. They’re hand-poured with a coconut and soy wax blend and scented with phthalate-free fragrances and unbleached lead-free wicks.
Collections with examples include:
- Seasonal (Snow in Love – pine, vanilla, and clove)
- Signature marbled (Melanin has an apricot and amber scent.)
- Food inspired (Peaches and Cream)
- Fruity (THEM is a blend of amber, peach, and rose)
- Masculine (HIM is a blend of palo santo, amber and musk)
- Earthy (Clarity is a blend of rosemary and sage)
- Flights (these are double-wicked, 5oz container sets that burn for 30 hours.)
Founder: Jazmin Richards
Year Founded: 2020
Takeaways:
- Self-care focused
- Luxury candles
- Customization options
8. Bridgewater Candles
Based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Bridgewater Candles come in 8oz and 18oz glass jars.
Purchasing one Bridgewater candle fights world hunger by providing three meals to children who live in orphanages around the world.
Their 8oz candles burn for 70 hours; 18 oz jars burn up to 145 hours. A soy wax blend is hand-poured over lead-free wicks. Sweet grace is their best-selling fragrance. It smells like passionfruit, tea, and patchouli.
You can find them in local retailers across the country, through Amazon, or their website.
Founder: Grace Management Group
Year Founded: 1998
Takeaways:
- Partnership with Rice Bowls
- Soy wax blend
- Long burn time
9. Calyan Wax Co.
As a social justice business, Calyan Wax Co. donates 5% of its revenue to trusted non-profit agencies that fight human trafficking in America. Over 200k has been donated so far.
This candle company is actually open to the public. Caylan Wax Co was started in the founder’s bedroom but now you can visit their Arlington, Texas factory to watch candles being made. There’s a large window in their candle shop that gives you a peek into their process in the connected production room.
Essential and non-toxic fragrance oils are added to 100% soy wax that’s locally-sourced. There aren’t any additives or dyes mixed in. These are the five containers used for their candles:
- Glass tumblers (Double wick, 12.5 oz., 37-hour burn time; clear glass jar)
- Black tumblers (Single wick, 13 oz., 50-hour burn time; matte black jar)
- Amber jars (Single wick, 8 oz., 40-hour burn time; amber brown glass jar)
- Dignity series (Single wick, 7 oz., 35-hour burn time; frosted matte glass jar)
- Metal tins (single wick, 8 oz, 28-hour burn time; travel size)
Pronounced cal-yun, the company name is a combination of California and Vivian – a place and person (his mother) that played a significant role in the founding of this company.
Founder: Jacob Johnson
Year Founded: 2017
Takeaways:
- 100% soy wax
- Each purchase fights human trafficking
- Pthalate-free raw materials
- 100% cotton wicks
10. Chesapeake Bay Candle
Originally founded in 1994 by Mei Xu and David Wang in Annapolis, Maryland, Chesapeake Bay Candle was named after the shoreline. Candle fragrances are inspired by nature to help customers create a sense of peace and balance within the home. For the same reason, their container designs are clean and simple.
The founders grew this business out of their basement and in 2017, Chesapeake Bay Candle was acquired by Newell Brands. This is the same company that owns Yankee Candle and WoodWick.
Chesapeake Bay scented candles are available in three sizes: medium jars, large jars, and three-wick candles. But container designs vary widely. They offer six collections. Some candles are poured into frosted colored glass, others glazed ceramics, minimal white frosted glass, or ridged glass pillars. They use a soy wax blend with essential oils.
Founders: Mei Xu and David Wang
Year Founded: 1994
Takeaways:
- Clean
- Simple designs
- Nature-inspired fragrances
- Container options to complement decor
11. Goose Creek
Founded in 1998, Goose Creek is still a family-owned and operated company. It started in the home of Chuck Meece and has grown into its present-day Liberty, Kentucky factory. They also have a growing European presence.
Goose Creek is known for using fragrance loads that are three times the industry standard. Their wicks are lead-free and 100% cotton. Some of their collections incorporate essential oils. In others, you’ll find IFRA-approved fragrance oils.
You’ll find single wick, 2-wick, and 3-wick candles on their website, through independent retailers, and in national chain stores. Here are a couple favorites from Amazon: Wild Green Apple 3-wick candle and Sugared Donut large 3-wick candle.
Founder: Chuck Meece
Year Founded: 1998
Takeaways:
- Chemical-free formulas
- Lead-free cotton wicks
- 3x scent load
- Fragrant but inexpensive
12. Harlem Candle Co
Another company with humble beginnings, Teri Johnson started this business in her kitchen. It was founded in 2014. Harlem Candle Co celebrates the rich culture of the Harlem Renaissance. Think Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, jazz, literature, nightlife, and more.
Johnson takes you on a historical journey through your senses. Each candle is made with a soy wax blend with sophisticated fragrance oils poured into exquisite jars.
These candles are available through national luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. Independent retailers across the country carry Harlem Candle Co products as well. There’s also one stockist in Bermuda. And of course you can find them in various online spaces. Here’s the Savoy Luxury Candle and The Renaissance Luxury Candle on Amazon.
Founder: Teri Johnson
Year Founded: 2014
Takeaways:
- Celebrates Harlem, NY culture
- Perfect for gift-giving
- Elegant designs
- Unique fragrance blends
13. Homesick
Created to help you “feel closer to the people, places, and moments that matter most,” Homesick was founded in 2016 in New York CIty by Nate Schmiedehaus and Ben Kaufman.
Texas, Georgia, and Florida were the first three state candles that the co-founders created.
They immerse themselves in a locale before creating a scent for that place. That involves conducting interviews, sampling local food fare and extracting scents from them, and visiting with specialists in the area. Once they have a tentative scent, they check back with locals to make sure they’ve captured the essence of that place.
Homesick uses a soy wax blend without dyes, toxic ingredients or other harmful materials. Their cotton wicks are lead-free. They’ve expanded beyond US states and cities to include special occasions, important people, and sentimental moments. Candles are 13.75 oz. and burn for 60-80 hours.
Consider North Carolina, or Oregon.
Founders: Nate Schmiedehaus and Ben Kaufman
Year Founded: 2016
Takeaways:
- Great semi-customizable gifts
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Memorable fragrances
14. Kringle Candle
The original founder of Yankee Candle, Micheal J. Kittredge II, founded Kringle Candle with his son, Micheal (Mick) Kittredge III in 2009. You can read more about that story, here.
Kringle Candle does a good job of merging the old with the new. They still use fragrances connected to memorable life events but their signature white candles better complement various home decor styles.
This signature collection is housed in a straight-walled modern container. But they also have a line of candles in jars similar to Yankee Candle’s original apothecary jar shape, called the Country Candle collection.
Citrus Sage from the Signature Collection.
Founders: Micheal J. Kittredge II and Micheal (Mick) Kittredge III
Year Founded: 2009
Takeaways:
- Modern and vintage options
- Strong fragrances
- Strong company base
- Soy and paraffin wax blend
15. Le Labo
The makers of Santal 26, Le Labo, are based in New York. The company was founded in 2006 by Eddie Rosci and Fabrice Penot. Since 2016, the company has been part of the Estée Lauder family.
Each fragrance is named for its primary scent note. The number that follows represents the total number of ingredients in that particular fragrance. Learn more about the company here.
They have their own retail boutiques and are available in department stores. International presence is growing into European, Asian, and Australian markets. Le Labo’s original founders are still involved in the fragrance development process. Currently there are twelve scented candle options available in 8.6 oz. or 2 oz. glass containers. Still hand-poured in the US, here’s Verveine 32.
Founders: Eddie Rosci and Fabrice Penot
Year Founded: 2006
Takeaways:
- Luxury candle company
- Highly fragranced
- Earthy
- Unique fragrance blends
- Small, exclusive collection
16. Milkhouse Candle Company
An Iowa-based company, Milkhouse candles are made using a beeswax and soybean wax blend originating from Midwestern USA.
They pour candles into butter jars, milk jars, and creamery containers that you would see being used on a farm. While there are many different sizes and shapes, you’ll find that their containers are white, accented with matte black.
In addition to nationwide locations, Milkhouse candles are distributed in ten Eastern European countries, as well as Italy.
Mulled Cider from the Creamery Collection
Founders: Erik and Janet Sparrow
Year Founded: 2002
Takeaways:
- Homegrown ingredients
- Farmhouse feel
- Soy and beeswax blend
- Lead-free wicks
17. Mrs. Meyer’s
One of the early adopters of sustainable, cruelty-free, and toxic-free product lines, Mrs. Meyer’s was founded in Minneapolis by Monica Nassif. Her original company, Caldrea, was founded in 1999. She named a product line for her mother, Iowa homemaker, Thelma Meyer in 2001. Seven years later, it was acquired by SC Johnson.
Mrs. Meyer’s products are made using eco-friendly, plant-based ingredients and are fragranced with essential oils inspired by backyard gardens.
Mrs. Meyer’s scented candles can be found in national retailers and online. Some soy-based wax fragrances include Basil, Lavender and Iowa Pine.
Founder: Monica Nassif
Year Founded: 2001
Takeaways:
- Plant-based ingredients
- No toxic substances
- Essential oil fragrances
- Garden-inspired scents
18. Nest New York
Nest New York is a luxury home fragrance brand with classic but unique scent combinations. Nest makes 3-wick, votive, classic, and luxury candles.
Many of their vessels are made of frosted and/or etched glass. Their wax is paraffin-based and combined with fine fragrance oils. Nest’s wicks are 100% cotton with a paper core.
In addition to their website, Nest New York candles are available in boutiques, spas, beauty salons, and major department stores. Here are some candles I found on Amazon: Nest Bamboo, 21 oz., 3-wick candle, also in Driftwood & Chamomile.
Their smaller 8 oz. single wick, Almafi Lemon and Mint scented candle.
Founder: Laura Slatkin
Year Founded: 2008
Takeaways:
- Attractive glass containers
- Highly fragranced
- Use of premium paraffin wax
19. P. F. Candle Co
This California-based company started as a Texas-based home business in 2008. P. F. Candle Co was started on Etsy by Kristen Pumphrey. It’s since grown to fill up a warehouse in Los Angeles.
Candles are eco-conscious and are only made with USA-grown soy wax. Her partner Thomas Neuberger has been co-owner and operator since 2012. Their 100% soy candles are cruelty free, and vegan.
For containers, amber-colored glass jars and neutral toned metal tins are used. Candle scents are a blend of essential and fragrance oils; only cotton-core wicks are used. These candles burn cleanly and safely.
Three sizes are available: 7.5 oz., 10 oz., and 12.5 oz. Their 10 oz. candles are the ones poured into metal tins. Teakwood & Tobacco and Amber & Moss are just two of their earthy scent blends.
They own a few retail stores in California but are also available in shops and department stores nationwide.
Founder: Kristen Pumphrey
Year Founded: 2008
Takeaways:
- Use of domestically-grown soy wax
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Earthy vibe
- Grounded fragrances
20. Sanari Candle
Another clean, eco-conscious candle company is Sanari Candle. This company was founded with the goal of bringing delightful scents into the home without all the toxic ingredients. Sanari candles are solely made with coconut wax and essential oils.
There are three scent collections:
- Floral/Fruit
- Citrus/Herbal
- Spicy/Woody
Each candle fragrance comes in two candle sizes: 8.5 oz. and 16 oz. These are clean aromatherapy candles that you can safely burn in the home.
Fiore is my favorite. It smells like gardenia and rose petals. There are also hints of peach and mango fruits, along with tonka bean and coconut.
Founder: Rebecca Aghalarpour
Year Founded: 2015
Takeaways:
- No synthetic perfumes
- No carcinogenic ingredients
- Coconut wax candles
- Fragranced with essential oils only
- Unbleached cotton wicks
21. Unwined Candle Co
Unwined Candle Co was founded in Sykesville, Maryland as a home-based business. They now own a retail shop on Sykesville’s historic Main Street. Their candles are also stocked in stores nationwide.
This brand is highly sustainable seeing as they repurpose wine glasses and beer bottles in order to prevent them from ending up in landfills.
Bottles are collected from local restaurants, refuse companies, and bars. Even some of their customers will bring in used bottles. After removing the label, they clean, cut, and smooth bottle rims. Fragranced 100% soy wax is poured over cotton wicks before labeling and packaging.
Founder: Dave Neith
Year Founded: 2010
Takeaways:
- Sustainable, eco-friendly company
- 100% soy wax
- Still privately owned
22. Village Candle
This is another company that started during the candle-craze surge in America. Founded in 1993 by Paul Aldrich, Village Candle was acquired by Stonewall Kitchen in 2020. It’s now an international brand.
Still handcrafted in Wells, Maine, scented oils are combined with premium paraffin wax and hand-poured over cotton wicks. Wicks are also trimmed by hand.
Their apothecary jars are most common, like this Gardenia candle. But Village Candle also makes sleeker, more modern tumblers in 14 oz. and 19 oz. jars.
There’s also a Gentleman’s Collection. This is Moonlit Surf.
Founder: Paul Aldrich
Year Founded: 1993
Takeaways:
- Long burning time
- Paraffin wax and scented oils
- Balanced fragrances
- Low-smoke candles
23. White Barn Candle
As a branch of Bath & Body Works, White Barn releases more sophisticated fragrances in subdued colors and containers. These candles are aesthetically more mature and timeless.
Some White Barn fragrances, like Strawberry Pound Cake overlap with Bath & Body Works. But White Barn focuses less on seasonal scents, like Cactus Blossom.
Founder: Les Wexner
Year Founded: 1998
Takeaways:
- Subdued color palette
- Sophisticated scents
- Lead-free wicks
- Vegetable wax blend
24. WoodWick Candle
Another company with garage origins, this one was founded in 1990 in Lynchburg, Virginia. WoodWick as we know it today started in 2006. WoodWick Candle was acquired by Newell Brands in 2017 and is sold by Yankee Candle. It is now based in Forest, Virginia.
What makes them unique is that their wooden wicks crackle as they burn. This creates a multi-sensory experience. As you enjoy WoodWick candles, you can hear the crackle, smell its fragrance, and watch the flame all at once.
Their signature candle is in the hourglass-shaped container, available in large, medium, and mini sizes.
The Trilogy Collection is an interesting concept.
Founder: Virginia Gift Brands
Year Founded: 1990
Takeaways:
- Multi-sensory experience
- Elegant containers
- Refined scents
- Evolving fragrance release
25. Yankee Candle
This company is an American gem. Started in 1969 by Michael J. Kettridge, when he was 16 years old, Yankee Candle is no longer fully owned by his family but its legacy continues.
Also owned by Newell Brands, Yankee was acquired in 2007 but is still based in Massachusetts. While they still make their once distinctive apothecary jar candles, they’ve expanded their scented candle line to include small, medium, and large tumblers and signature jars. Wider 5-wick candles are their newest additions.
Their candle scents cover every category using fragrance oils, soy wax blend and cotton wicks. A fruity example is Mango Peach Salsa. Ocean Air falls into their Fresh and Clean category.
Founder: Michael J. Kettridge
Year Founded: 1969
Takeaways:
- One of America’s oldest candle companies
- Variety of candle containers for multiple decor styles
- Quality fragrance
Final Thoughts
Was that the ultimate list of American candle companies or what? There were so many more companies that I wanted to include but time didn’t permit. Feel free to mention company names in the comments section below.
Supporting local and national companies is important for the economy. Learning about these American scented candle companies can help you make an informed decision the next time you buy candles.
If you know someone who could benefit from reading this article, please share it with them!