As soon as winter rolls around, candles go from cosy accents to everyday essentials. And while Christmas scents might steal the spotlight in December, the magic of winter fragrances doesn’t end with the holidays.
People crave warm, inviting aromas that turn their spaces into therapeutic retreats long after the last Christmas cracker has popped. From rich spices and creamy vanillas to complex, moody blends, the right scent can transport anyone straight to that blissful state of winter comfort.
Finding your brand’s signature winter fragrance oils
Heads up: getting your winter scents figured out goes beyond filling your candles with ‘cosy’ scents like Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice. Before you decide on a fragrance oil, do a bit of customer and market research: What candle scents are trending right now? Which fragrance combinations are flying off the shelves in your store? Use these insights to guide your choices for your winter candle line.
For example, if your customers love rich and deep sensory experiences, lean into more masculine scents for a bold, moody option. Or, if the market is favouring sweet aromas right now, a scent reminiscent of baked goods might hit the mark with customers looking to create those ‘home for the holidays’ moments.
Winter is also the season for self-care, so consider stocking oils that bring an element of luxury or relaxation. And don’t shy away from creative marketing—pair your oils with scenes, memories or even New Year’s resolutions to make each fragrance feel personal and essential.
In a market that’s as much about storytelling as scent, the right fragrance oil can create a comforting, and perhaps even a relatable experience that your customers won’t forget.
10 fragrance oils to try this winter
Need some inspo? Here are some of our most popular fragrance oils for this time of year.
Cashmere & Caramel
This blend is as cosy as your favourite jumper, bringing together salted caramel, soft cashmere and creamy vanilla in one indulgent fragrance oil. A touch of musk and woods gives it that extra depth, creating a luxe aroma that’s comforting and inviting—the kind of scent that wraps you up on a chilly evening.
Espresso
For those who live on caffeine, this espresso-inspired fragrance oil captures that morning kick in candle form. With rich coffee notes layered over a base of vanilla and caramelised sugar, it’s energising and perfect for those frosty winter mornings. Give your customers a way to wake up without even brewing a cup.
Spiced Maple & Citrus
Winter is the season for spices, and this blend doesn’t break the status quo. With cinnamon, orange and ginger top notes, it’s balanced by a middle layer of sugar and a base of maple syrup and vanilla. The fragrance equivalent of a spiced winter dessert, it adds warmth and a hint of sweetness to any space.
Black Amber & Lavender
When it comes to the most popular candle scents, lavender will always be on the list. Add the warmth of amber into the mix, and you’ve got a cosy winter classic. With this blend, you’re offering a familiar scent with a seasonal twist, making it a go-to choice for unwinding on winter evenings.
Enchantment
Inspired by the icon itself—Coco Mademoiselle of Chanel—this fragrance oil brings high-end elegance to your product line. With its multifaceted mix of citrus, floral and warm amber notes, Enchantment was made for customers wanting to inject some sophistication into their day, even if it is just a Tuesday.
Leather & Oud
Picture a crackling fire, the scent of worn leather and a touch of that deep, smoky oud. This fragrance oil is an atmosphere in a bottle—one that brings mystery and sophistication in a single whiff. Perfect for those winter nights when customers want their space to feel as cool and moody as a private lounge.
Winter Walks
This scent captures that invigorating, brisk winter walk in the countryside: the sun shining, crisp air and frosty scenery. With top notes of ozone, peppermint and berries, layered over pine needle, cinnamon and clove, it warms up the senses with a rich base of musk and fir balsam.
Apple & Ginger Cake
Bring the comfort of baked goods to life with this sweet and spicy fragrance oil. Lemon and ginger are balanced by warm apple and ginger in the heart, unfolding into a base of vanilla cake and biscuit. It’s like baking on a chilly day without even switching on the oven—a nostalgic scent your customers will drool over.
Library
This blend is ideal for those cosy, quiet moments when all you need is a blanket, a book and a rich, calming fragrance oil to settle into the winter season. Fresh peach and plum add a touch of soft sweetness, followed by the floral luxury of peony and violet. But it’s the warm, grounding base—leather, vanilla, patchouli and white musk—that really sets the scene.
Snow Pixie
If you’re familiar with the cult-favourite ‘Snow Fairy’, you know it’s not your typical festive scent—but thanks to LUSH, it’s become a modern winter classic. Our dupe fragrance oil, Snow Pixie, captures that sweet, playful vibe, bringing a pop of pink sparkle to candles and bath products alike. Hop on the bandwagon and give your customers a new way to enjoy that nostalgia-fuelled fragrance this season.
Will you try a new fragrance oil this season?
We’re challenging you to add at least one of these fragrance oils to your line-up this season. Pick a scent from the list, give it a spot on your winter shelves and see how your customers respond. We’d love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave any thoughts or comments below this blog.
Let’s make winter your peak season—browse our full fragrance oil collection and give your customers something to keep coming back for.