The Art of Artisan Candles

By Emily Rhodes, Product R&D Lead at Modest & Co.

TL;DR

• Artisan candles differ from mass-market ones in wax quality, scent composition, and how they interact with your space
• At Modest & Co., our candles are functional—designed to eliminate odor while shifting your mood
• We test in real-world environments, not just fragrance labs
• Every scent is ethically sourced, Leaping Bunny certified, and VOC-safe

What Makes an Artisan Candle?

Artisan isn’t about “small batch” just for the label. It’s about intentionality. Artisan candles are crafted with higher standards—cleaner waxes, precise scent layering, and ingredient integrity. You’re not just lighting a smell—you’re curating a vibe.

Wax Purity Matters

Most conventional candles use paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. It’s cheap, but it burns dirty—emitting soot and even benzene. We use 100% soy wax for a clean, slow burn with better scent throw and no petro-toxins. It’s also biodegradable and renewable.

Fragrance as Function

Our candles aren’t just for ambiance. They’re functional tools designed to neutralize cannabis odors and reinforce specific moods. We use scent science and terpene awareness to shape our blends. Each scent is designed with layered complexity—so the top notes greet, the mid notes ground, and the base notes linger.

How We Layer Scent Like an Artisan

• Top notes: Citrus, bergamot, neroli — quick to fade but emotionally elevating
• Mid notes: Sage, lavender, palo santo — body of the scent, functional for terpene neutralization
• Base notes: Amber, cedarwood, charcoal — where the longevity and depth come in

We test every blend in real-world conditions—apartments, bathrooms, cars—not just controlled labs. If it doesn’t eliminate odor in your space, it doesn’t make the cut.

“We hosted a dinner party the night after a pretty heavy sesh, and lit the Obsidian Sky candle an hour before. Not one guest commented on the smell. It’s that good.” — Sarah L., Oakland

Not All Wicks Are Equal

We use lead-free cotton wicks—no metal core, no weird fumes. It’s not just safer. It’s better burning. Our wick size and positioning are calibrated for even melt pools and minimal tunneling, which means longer candle life and stronger scent dispersion.

Small Batch = Total Control

We don’t outsource to a mega-factory. Every Modest & Co. candle is poured in tightly controlled micro-batches. That means we control everything—from fragrance dispersion and wax temp to wick centering and curing time. It’s how we deliver consistency without compromising on vibe.

DIY Care Tips for Better Burn

• Trim your wick to 1/4 inch before every burn. It reduces soot and improves scent throw.
• First burn matters: Let the candle melt edge to edge the first time—it prevents tunneling.
• Store wisely: Keep candles out of direct sunlight or extreme temps to preserve fragrance integrity.

FAQ

• Are Modest & Co. candles safe for pets?
  Yes. They’re made with non-toxic, VOC-safe ingredients and are free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.
• How long do they burn?
  Each 8 oz candle burns for approximately 40–50 hours with proper wick trimming.
• Can I pair them with your sprays?
  Absolutely. They’re designed to work synergistically—spray first to kill odor fast, then burn the candle to layer the space and extend the effect.

Author

Emily Rhodes is Product R&D Lead at Modest & Co. She holds a background in aromachology and fragrance formulation with a focus on clean ingredients and functional scent layering. She personally signs off on every batch that goes live. All formulas are tested in multi-use homes and undergo third-party verification for VOC safety.