What Are Cinnamon Candles Good For? Benefits & Facts

1. What is a cinnamon candle good for?

Cinnamon candles are often associated with warmth, comfort, and seasonal nostalgia—but they offer more than just a pleasant scent. The primary benefits of cinnamon-scented candles are both aromatic and therapeutic.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or cassia) contains cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for its spicy-sweet aroma. This compound has been studied for its potential effects on mood, alertness, and even antimicrobial properties. A study published in North American Journal of Medical Sciences found that cinnamon aromatherapy may help reduce drowsiness and enhance alertness in controlled environments.

In home fragrance use, cinnamon candles are popular for:

Creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere

Enhancing mental clarity and focus

Stimulating the senses with a warm, spicy scent

Pairing well with other holiday or gourmand fragrances like vanilla or clove

If you're looking for cinnamon candle benefits that extend beyond fragrance alone, consider how scent influences your nervous system. The limbic system—the part of the brain involved in emotions and memories—responds powerfully to scent. Cinnamon’s invigorating nature may help sharpen focus during work or study sessions and provide a grounding sense of comfort in times of stress.

2. Do cinnamon candles keep mosquitoes away?

This is a popular myth with a hint of truth. Cinnamon oil, specifically cinnamaldehyde, has been studied for its insect-repelling properties. According to a 2004 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, cinnamaldehyde—the active compound in cinnamon oil—showed strong mosquito larvicidal effects, with potential as a natural repellent..

However, there's an important distinction: those studies used concentrated cinnamon essential oil, not the diluted fragrances found in most scented candles. While a strong-smelling cinnamon candle may offer mild deterrence to mosquitoes, it is not a reliable substitute for dedicated repellents such as citronella or DEET-based products.

If you're hoping your cinnamon candle will help during summer evenings, think of it as a light bonus—not a barrier. For a stronger natural approach, consider pairing it with citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass scents.

3. What does sprinkling cinnamon on a candle do?

Some DIY blogs suggest sprinkling cinnamon or other spices directly onto candle wax to intensify scent. While it might produce a brief burst of fragrance when warmed, it’s not recommended and can be unsafe.

Loose cinnamon powder is flammable and can disrupt the controlled burn of a properly wicked candle. It can:

Clog the wick and lead to uneven burning

Cause excess soot or smoke

Increase the risk of flare-ups or fire

If you're after a stronger cinnamon candle experience, choose one with a high fragrance load made from quality oils—like those from Scentual Candles. Our cinnamon blends are crafted for maximum scent without compromising safety.

4. What are the healthiest candles to burn?

Candle health often depends on four key factors: wax type, wick material, fragrance ingredients, and additives.

Healthier candles typically:

Use natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut (instead of paraffin)

Have lead-free cotton wicks

Are phthalate-free

Avoid synthetic dyes and petroleum-based additives

At Scentual Candles, our cinnamon candles are made with 100% soy wax, 10% fragrance load, and lead-free wicks. They're vegan, cruelty-free, and contain no petroleum by-products or paraffin—making them one of the healthiest candles to burn in your home.

5. Why choose Scentual Candles’ cinnamon range?

Whether you’re looking to uplift your space, enhance focus, or create a warm sensory experience, our cinnamon-infused candles deliver on both scent and quality. We currently offer cinnamon in several blends, including:

Vanilla and Cinnamon

Caramel (with spicy undertones)

Limited seasonal gourmand editions

Each candle is hand-poured in Sydney using premium fragrance oils and clean-burning soy wax. With a 10% fragrance load, our cinnamon candle benefits are bold and long-lasting—no need for DIY tricks or unsafe additives.

Final thoughts

Cinnamon candles are more than just cozy decor—they tap into centuries-old traditions of spice-based aromatics and modern science around olfaction. From boosting alertness to gently deterring insects, they’re as functional as they are fragrant. Just remember: the best results come from high-quality, well-crafted candles designed with safety and scent in balance.

Source:
Chen, P.Y., & Liao, C.M. (2004). “Cinnamaldehyde as an Insecticide.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf040117x