How Are We Different?

Candles for people who don't usually like candles

Most scented candles are made for people who already love scented candles.

The Candle Apothecary began with a different question: what do you burn when the usual sweet, fruity and floral fragrances simply aren’t your thing? We create distinctive, NZ-made candles for people looking for something deeper. Think woodsmoke, worn leather, tobacco leaf, warm spice, dark spirits, musk, resin and amber.  We have nothing against flowers. We simply don’t believe every room needs to smell like a bouquet.

Less sugar. Fewer flowers. More character

Our fragrances deliberately lean away from the sugary and traditionally floral scents found across much of the candle aisle.  Instead, we work with woody, smoky, spicy, earthy and aromatic notes to create fragrances with warmth, depth and character.

Some of our blends contain fruit, floral or sweeter notes, but they play a supporting role. They bring balance and complexity rather than making the finished candle smell like fruit salad, cake icing or a florist’s shop.

We develop our fragrances in layers, combining complementary scent oils and refining the balance until the individual notes work together. This allows each fragrance to open one way, develop as the candle burns, then settle into something different that lingers gently in the room. These fragrances are sometimes described as masculine, even by us, but they are simply an alternative for anyone whose taste runs darker, drier or a little less conventional.

The result is a collection of sophisticated home fragrances that feel distinctive without becoming overpowering.

Made in New Zealand, in small batches.

Every Candle Apothecary candle is blended and made in New Zealand in small batches.

Working in smaller quantities allows us to pay close attention to consistency, fragrance balance and the way each candle performs. It also lets us create occasional Special Editions without turning every new idea into a permanent part of the range.  We would rather make a considered collection of distinctive fragrances than a vast catalogue of scents that all begin to smell the same.

Materials chosen with care.

Our candles are made using soy wax and pure cotton and braided-paper wicks. They are paraffin-free, and the fragrance oils we use are phthalate-free and have not been tested on animals.  Every candle is presented in our understated signature packaging, designed to sit comfortably in your home without demanding that the room be redecorated around it.

Find your scent.

If you enjoy woodsmoke, whiskey and worn leather, start with Smoked Whiskey & Leather.

If you prefer warm spice, aromatic tobacco and a subtle touch of honey, try Tobacco & Clove.

If you’re drawn to smooth musk, mahogany, patchouli and spice, Caribbean Tobacco may be the one.

If you want something brighter while still avoiding a conventional floral fragrance, explore Pomelo, Dragon Fruit & Amber.

Our seasonal and Special Edition candles take the same approach into new territory, with limited fragrances built around unexpected combinations and a strong sense of atmosphere.

Still think you're not a candle person?

Don't worry... You’re exactly who we had in mind.

Smell Something Different.