Why the Scented Candle Business is Booming in 2025
Why the Scented Candle Business in India Is Booming
Consumers today increasingly appreciate unique and handmade products like candles. As a result, the market for scented candles has experienced significant growth over time - this surge is driven by factors like home decor, self-care and gifting demand as well as shifts in consumer preferences toward organic and natural offerings from handcrafters and makers alike. E-commerce platforms also enable businesses to reach wider audiences more easily.
Top brands in the scented candle industry are taking steps to gain a competitive edge by engaging in innovation, product diversification and sustainability practices. Social media provides them with an outlet to promote their products while engaging with customers; furthermore they invest in retail outlets and e-commerce channels to widen their reach and build stronger brand images while increasing sales. These initiatives have resulted in stronger brand identities and sales increases for top companies.
Consumers have taken to customising homemade candles with images that represent them and their interests, often adding their name or image as part of the design. Many upscale brands are also taking notice, offering products with images reflecting this trend that capture their customer's personality and interests. Furthermore, many products feature traditional Indian fragrances to appeal to a larger market - leading to increased scented candle sales in India as customers find the perfect pair for their lifestyle and taste.
Scented candles have become an increasingly popular gift item for special events and festivals, providing an ideal way to show our affection or mark an accomplishment or milestone. Thus, they have become especially sought-after during festivals like Diwali and New Year's Eve; especially handmade or customized options provide more thoughtful gifts than store-bought alternatives.
If you are considering starting a candle making business, it's essential that you research and identify your target audience. In addition, ensure you have adequate workspace and equipment available in order to produce products for sale. Furthermore, be sure to obtain all required legal documentation as this will protect against future legal hassles while building trust among customers.
Before getting started, ensure your workspace is safe and organized for candle-making. Assemble the necessary supplies: paraffin or soy wax (paraffin is best), wicks, fragrance oil and colourant agent as well as containers. A double boiler and thermometer will also come in handy so your wax doesn't overheat or catch fire during melting.
Once you have amassed all the supplies necessary, begin by creating several test batches of candles to evaluate quality and identify any issues, before refining both products and market strategy based on customer feedback.
Market your products through e-commerce platforms or craft shows to increase visibility and reach. This could include social media, email promotions, digital promotions or influencer partnerships - these steps should help set you on your way towards creating a booming candle making business!
Market Trends in 2025: Whatâs Lighting Up the Industry?
Rise in Handmade and Artisanal Candles
Consumers are leaning towards handcrafted candles with unique scents, textures, and packaging. These candles reflect individuality, local craftsmanship, and aesthetic charm, which mass-produced options lack.
Demand for Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Candles
As environmental awareness grows, so does the interest in soy wax candles. These biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives to paraffin wax are now a staple in most premium candle collections.
Popularity of Customised & Personalised Candle Gifts
In the age of conscious gifting, customised candle gifts have become a favourite. Brands now offer engraved jars, personalised messages, or scents based on the recipientâs personality, occasion, or even zodiac sign.
Festival-Based Gifting Trends
From Diwali and Raksha Bandhan to Valentineâs Day and Motherâs Day, candles are now considered premium, thoughtful gifts. Festival gifting boxes with curated candle sets are especially popular.
Demand for Luxury-Looking Yet Affordable Candles
Indian shoppers seek value â and premium-looking candles that donât break the bank are highly in demand. Elegant packaging, stylish jars, and strong fragrance throw are essential.
Top Trending Candle Categories in 2025
Here are the scented candle types that are flying off the (digital and physical) shelves this year:
đ§ Aromatherapy Candles
Blends like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint support mental wellness and relaxation.
đŽ Zodiac & Astrology-Themed Candles
Personalised based on birth charts or star signs â these are a hit among Gen Z and millennials.
đŹ Affirmation & Intention Candles
Each candle comes with a positive affirmation or spiritual intention, perfect for meditation and journaling routines.
đ Minimalist Home DĂŠcor Candles
Neutral-toned, aesthetic jars that blend seamlessly into modern Indian homes.
âťď¸ Refillable Jar Candles
Sustainability meets sophistication â refill options make these eco-chic and economical.
Popular Indian Scented Candle Brands & Platforms
Known for elegant, customised candle gifts, The Rookh offers premium soy candles perfect for every mood and moment.
An established name offering eco-luxury soy candles with refined fragrances and sustainable packaging.
Loved for their aesthetic jars and scent diversity, Doft is popular among young urban consumers.
A unique blend of spiritual and handmade offerings, perfect for gifting during Indian festivals.
Specialising in premium soy wax candles, this brand is known for luxurious presentation and high scent throw.
Amazon India & Flipkart are now hubs for small candle businesses to reach pan-India customers.
Instagram and Etsy India are used widely by indie makers for direct sales, especially for personalised products.
Changing Consumer Behavior: Lighting with Purpose
 Scent as a Part of the Home Experience
Indian consumers no longer see candles as just decorative items. A growing number now consider fragrance as essential to home ambiance, choosing scents that align with their mood, time of day, or decor style.
 Gifting Experiences Over Products
In 2025, gifting is more emotional than transactional. Whether it's a birthday, housewarming, or wedding, personalised candles allow consumers to gift an experience â a mood, a memory, or a moment of mindfulness.
Conclusion: Why Now Is the Time to Be in the Candle Business
The Indian scented candle market is not just burning bright â itâs exploding with opportunities.
a strong push towards eco-conscious living,
rising demand for customisation,
and a year-round gifting culture,
starting or scaling a candle brand in 2025 is a strategic business move.
Whether youâre an artisan, a home dĂŠcor enthusiast, or a gifting-focused startup, you can thrive in this space by focusing on:
High-quality, soy-based wax
Visually appealing, luxury packaging
Personalised storytelling and fragrance design
Leveraging online platforms and marketplaces
With the right mix of aesthetics, authenticity, and scent science â the candle business in India is not just a trend, itâs a lifestyle revolution.
