THE PHOENIX CANDLES
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about our candles, from first burn to your doorstep.
Our Candles
What makes these different from other candles?
Most candles are made to smell good. Ours are made to do more.
Each one is designed around scent, sound, color, and a crystal, so the experience goes beyond fragrance. And every candle is hand-poured in small batches by one maker, not a factory.
What is Aromachology?
Aromachology is the study of how scent connects to mood and emotion. It's different from aromatherapy, which focuses on the physical effects of essential oils.
We select each fragrance blend for notes that research has associated with specific feelings, then build the whole candle around that intention.
Our candles aren't clinically tested, and we'll never claim they fix anything. They're made to work alongside you.
Read more on our Rise Up blog.
What's inside each candle?
Soy wax, a fragrance blend chosen with Aromachology in mind, an FSC-certified wooden wick, and a crystal sealed beneath the wax*.
Matches and an intention card are included with every candle*.
KINDLY NOTE: The Lab and all 2.5oz Minis do not include crystals. Additionally, matches and intention cards are excluded from The Lab collection.
Where is the crystal?
It's sealed beneath the wax and revealed as your candle burns down. Each crystal is chosen for its symbolic meaning, not as a health claim.
KINDLY NOTE: The Lab and all 2.5oz Minis do not include crystals.
Why does it crackle?
That's the wooden wick. The soft crackle adds sound to the experience, something most candles don't offer.
Why do your candles cost what they do?
Every candle is hand-poured in small batches by one maker, using materials we won't compromise on: 100% soy wax from America's Midwest, an FSC-certified wooden wick, fragrance free of phthalates and parabens, a responsibly sourced crystal, a recyclable glass vessel, and a biodegradable cork lid.
Our raw materials come from small businesses, not the cheapest supplier. You're not paying for a factory. You're paying for craftswomanship.
Burning and Care
How do I light my candle the first time?
Let it burn for 3 to 4 hours, until the melted wax reaches the edges of the vessel. The first burn sets the pattern for every burn after it and helps prevent tunneling.
How long does it burn?
Burn time depends on the size and is listed on each product page. For the longest burn, trim the wick to 3/16 inch before lighting and let each burn run 3 to 4 hours.
My wooden wick won't stay lit. What do I do?
Trim it to about 3/16 inch and remove any charred bits. Wooden wicks like a short trim. Tilt the candle slightly as you light it so the flame catches along the full edge of the wick.
When should I stop burning it?
When about 1/2 inch of wax remains.
Can I reuse the vessel?
Yes. Once your candle is finished, place the vessel in the freezer for a few hours. The leftover wax will shrink and pop out easily with a butter knife. Keep your crystal, then wash the vessel with warm soapy water and let it dry.
From there, it's yours to use however you like. Hold rings and jewelry on your nightstand, keep pens or makeup brushes on your desk, plant a small succulent, or store cotton swabs in the bathroom. And when you're ready, the glass is recyclable.
Is it safe to burn around pets and kids?
Our candles are made without phthalates, parabens, or Prop 65 chemicals, using 100% soy wax and an untreated wooden wick.
Still, always burn within sight and away from pets, kids, drafts, and anything flammable.
Fragrance sensitivity varies, so if you have pets, burn in a well-ventilated room and check with your vet if you have concerns.
Orders and Shipping
When will my order ship?
Because every candle is made in small batches, orders ship within 1 to 3 business days. You'll get tracking by email once it's on its way.
How much does shipping cost?
We currently ship within the US only. Orders of $100 or more ship free within the continental US. Orders under $100 ship for a flat rate of $8.
Why do some candles sell out?
One person makes every candle, and each batch takes time to pour and cure. We make limited quantities on purpose so every candle meets our standards. Join our email list for early access to restocks, exclusive offers, and pre-sales. Sign up here.
What if my candle arrives damaged?
Every candle is inspected before it ships. If yours arrives damaged, defective, or isn't what you ordered, email us at hello@thephoenixcandles.com as soon as it arrives. Include your order number and a photo of the candle and packaging, and we'll make it right.
Do you accept returns?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery. Candles must be unused and in their original packaging, with proof of purchase.
To start a return, email us at hello@thephoenixcandles.com and we'll send instructions. Returns sent without contacting us first can't be accepted. Once your return is approved, your refund goes back to your original payment method within 10 business days. Full refund policy can be found here.
Our Brand
Where are your products made?
Every candle is hand-poured in small batches in West Caldwell, NJ, by one maker. We're a BIPOC-owned, woman-owned business and a registered NJ Sustainable Business.
We source our raw materials exclusively from small businesses, most of them woman-owned, so every purchase keeps supporting makers who care about their craft the way we care about ours. Read more here.
What is Light + Literature?
It's our giveback program. A portion of every purchase donates children's books to Little Free Libraries and supports Save the Children.
Gifting and Wholesale
Do your candles make good gifts?
Yes. Every candle arrives with matches and an intention card, so it's ready to give as is.