CandaScent Labs - Our Natural Ingredients
Organic Essential Oils and Pure Plant Extracts
All of our oils are sourced for their purity and meet the highest testing standards. We use organic essential oils that are USDA Organic and NOP (National Organic Program) certified. They are free of pesticides and insecticides, synthetic fertilizers and herbicidal residues. We source our products being conscious of sustainable and ecological farming practices.
Angelica Organic Root Extract
Known as the “female ginseng” it has been regarded as one of the most powerful herbs in the East, and is indigenous to the mountains of Japan, China and Korea. It is rich in a plant extract called Z-Ligustilide which has been found to promote blood circulation and have neuroprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-atherosclerosis effects. Its earthy, herbaceous and spicy notes resemble those of ginseng.
Basil Organic Essential Oil
Research has found basil essential oil to be high in the plant extract ocimene, which has been shown to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. Its Greek name means ‘royal remedy’ and for centuries it has been used to treat nausea, respiratory problems, migraines, and bacterial and viral infections. Its fresh, sweet and spicy scent is both energizing and purifying, helping to clear congestion and bring clarity to the mind.
Bergamot Organic Essential Oil
Sun ripened in Italy and cold pressed, it is a favorite of many people for its uplifting and calming aroma. It is rich in limonene and polyphenols which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. It is unique for its citrusy yet sweet and spicy floral aromas.
Black Pepper Organic Essential Oil
Sourced from Sri Lanka, this black pepper is rich in plant extracts of alpha-pinene, limonene and beta-caryophyllene. It is known for its antioxidant properties, and promotion of homeostasis, the regulation of our immune system. Read more about Beta-Caryophyllene.
Cedarwood Atlas Organic Essential Oil
From the cedarwood forests of the Morrocan Atlas Mountains, this oil was first distilled in North Africa for its therapeutic application as an anti-inflammatory and decongestant. Its slightly sweet, woody and astringent aroma has been attributed to its grounding and calming effects. It is high in a group of plant extracts called sesquiterpenes.
Copaiba Balsam Resin
Copaiba Balsam Essential oil is a crude resin extracted from trees grown in the wild South American forests of Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and Columbia. It is extracted much like maple syrup is extracted from the maple tree, by tapping into the trunk of the tree. It is highest in beta-caryophyllene, which has the unique property of helping the body with homeostasis. Our Copaiba Balsam is wild harvested, sustainably sourced and extracted directly from the tree, like maple syrup. Read more about Beta-Caryophyllene.
Cypress Organic Essential Oil
This essential oil is steam distilled from the needles and leaves of the species Cypressus sempervirens L., a coniferous tree from the Mediterranean region of the world. It is high in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic plant extract alpha-pinene. Its light, fresh woody scent is not only a bronchodilator but also helps to increase alertness and focus.
Eucalyptus Organic Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is high in the extract of eucalyptol, also referred to as 1-8 cineole. It makes up part of the family of plant compounds called oxides, which support the respiratory system. 1-8 cineole is a powerful plant extract as it has been shown to be antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, anti-viral, an expectorant, and mucolytic (thins the mucus). It has a strongly woody camphorous aroma.
Ginger Root Organic Extract
This essential oil is steam distilled from the ginger root and contains high levels of sesquiterpenes, plant extracts known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and calming properties. Ginger has a uniquely warm and spicy scent.
Grapefruit Pink Organic Essential Oil
Cold pressed from the Citrus paradisi tree and sourced from the United States, this essential oil is almost entirely composed of the plant extract limonene. Limonene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxification properties. Limonene is commonly found in the citrus family which accounts for its uplifting citrusy smell.
Hops Flower Essential Oil
Hops is high in the plant extract Alpha-Caryophyllene. Alpha-Caryophyllene is being researched for its anti-inflammatory capacity to treat allergies. It has the same atoms as Beta-Caryophyllene, but with a different arrangement. It thus shares some of the same anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects as Beta Caryophlyllene. It has a hoppy, earthy aroma most commonly associated with beer. Read more about Beta-Caryophyllene.
Laurel Leaf Organic Essential Oil
Similar to eucalyptus, it is high in the plant extract eucalyptol, or cineole. Cineole has strong antibacterial, anti inflammatory properties and can act as an expectorant. These leaves are steam distilled to create an oil with a spicy, camphoraceous and fresh aroma.
Lavender Organic Essential Oil
Sourced from high altitudes in Provence, this lavender is high in the plant extract linalool which has shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Lavender has been used for thousands of years as a calming and relaxing agent. Its lightly floral and spicy scent make it a favorite among many.
Lemongrass Organic Essential Oil
Indigenous to Asia and India, lemongrass is a stalky grass with a sharp citrusy aroma. It is rich in the plant extracts of geranial and neral, which together have strong antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and analgesic properties. These plant extracts are being researched for their potential as an antioxidant and anticancer treatment.
Marjoram Organic Essential Oil
It is said that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite planted marjoram. Marjoram was used in Greek and Roman weddings to make ceremonial crowns and to protect against illness. It is no wonder it was revered and loved. High in cineole, it has antibacterial, antiseptic properties, and serves as an expectorant and decongestant. Its aroma is strong, sweet, herbaceous, and uplifting.
Melissa Leaf Organic Essential Oil
Melissa Leaf is an herbaceous citrusy plant belonging to the mint family. It is a rare oil, prized for its aroma and many medicinal properties. It is high in Beta-Caryophyllene, ocimene, geranial and neral that help support the immune system and homeostasis. Its name is derived from the Greek word Melissa, meaning “honey bee,” for its small white flowers that attract honey bees.
Myrrh Organic Extract
In Biblical times, rich and woody myrrh incense was burned in places of worship to purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria. Scientists now understand this is because myrrh possesses powerful antibacterial properties. Myrrh’s analgesic properties have been documented since ancient times - more recent studies show that myrrh oil prevents the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain.
Osmanthus Extract
Osmanthus, also known as sweet olive, is a prized evergreen that grows natively throughout the Asian continent whose flowers possess a mouthwatering, ripe aroma reminiscent of honeyed apricots. Recent studies show that inhaling osmanthus oil helps relieve stress and anxiety. Geraniol, one of the major components of osmanthus, acts as a powerful neuroprotective and also exhibits antirheumatic and antibacterial properties. Our osmanthus is wild harvested, sustainably sourced, and is extracted without the use of hexane.
Palmarosa Organic Essential Oil
Though this tall, herbaceous plant comes from the lemongrass family, its high levels of geraniol lend it a sweet, floral, rose-like aroma for which it is prized. For centuries, palmarosa oil has been used to treat coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, thanks to its powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. Clinical studies show inhalation of palmarosa essential oil to provide anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and neuroprotective benefits.
Peppermint Organic Essential Oil
In ancient Greek myths, the nymph Minthe was transformed by the goddess Persephone into the sweet-smelling mint plant we know today. Peppermint oil possesses a cool, energizing and refreshing aroma. Recent studies show that peppermint oil is a cognitive enhancer, increasing memory retention, quickening mental speed, and increasing alertness.
Rose Otto Organic Essential Oil
Rose is among the most ancient and coveted essential oils for its fresh, floral and soft aroma, used since the days of Cleopatra for its potent medicinal properties. Studies have found that rose oil stimulates the release of endorphins and dopamine - which play a pivotal role in helping to relieve the symptoms of depression and pain. The plant extract geraniol possesses neuroprotective, antirheumatic and antibacterial properties.
Rose Geranium Organic Essential Oil
Native to Africa, the warm, spicy and floral-scented rose geranium has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe respiratory ailments, such as coughs and tuberculosis, as well as gastritis and dysentery. Recent studies further suggest that the aroma of rose geranium oil alleviates the symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduces stress, and promotes calm and relaxation.
Rosemary Organic Essential Oil
Steam distilled from the leaves of the rosemary bush, it has been used for centuries as an air purifier and enjoyed for its refreshing, slightly floral yet woody scent. It is high in alpha-pinene which has been shown to be a bronchodilator and is being studied for its potential to protect against viral infection. It also shares some of the same properties as eucalyptus, as it is high in the plant extract cineole. Rosemary has been used as a stress relieving agent for headaches and overall tension.
Sweet Orange Organic Essential Oil
The orange tree has been a beloved tree grown around the world, believed first to have appeared in Asia, and then introduced throughout the world’s continents. It is enjoyed for its uplifting, fresh and invigorating scent and is now the most commonly grown tree in the world. Its oil has been used for centuries to aid colds, fatigue, and circulation, and for its antiseptic properties.
Thyme Organic Essential Oil
Thyme has a special place in history as a healer and protector. Its name comes from the Greek word thymos, meaning perfume. It was used in the Roman baths for vigor and cleansing, used for embalming by the Egyptians, used against infection during wars, and used abundantly in herbal medicines and as incense to ward off disease. We now know that it contains the plant extract thymol, which is recognized for its antiseptic properties. Its fresh herbal and spicy scent has been loved throughout the ages.
We use essential oils, which are made from the process of extracting oils through either cold press or steam distillation. We also use plant extracts that are extracted by different methods. Those methods help extract oils from thicker plant material such as from roots or from resins, or from more delicate plant material such as flower petals. Those methods include CO2 and heat extraction. We use the purest extracts, which are a set of a plant’s aromatic compounds, each with their own distinctive scent and effect.
Aromatic Molecules
A plant's extracts and essential oils contain myriad aromatic molecules. It is the unique combination of these hydrocarbons - an olfactory fingerprint - which gives plants their distinctive scent and effects. Of over 20,000 aromatic molecules, below are some that we have formulated our candles to include.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Of the over 20,000 aromatic plant extracts in the plant world, this extract stands apart as the only plant extract shown to stimulate the CB2 receptors and activate the Endocannabinoid System, a system that regulates our bodies and brings us to homeostasis. Beta-Caryophyllene is characterized by its rich, mellow, and spicy odor. It is found in many plants, but especially high in black pepper, cloves, hops, basil, oregano, copaiba and cannabis.
Several companies are currently pursuing drug candidates made to activate these receptors which are located throughout the body on immune cells. It is an exciting time when more clinical results will shed understanding on how stimulating the CB2 receptors is associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol is commonly found in the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and has an intensely cooling, minty aroma. It has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antioxidant, decongestant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It has also been researched for its ability to boost cognitive memory, and its potential benefits for Alzheimer's disease in lowering the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain. It has also been researched as an effective treatment for rhinosinusitis and asthma. Eucalyptol is also found in sweet basil, rosemary, sage, tea tree and cardamom.
Geraniol
Geraniol’s soft floral rose scent is highly coveted. Its list of beneficial properties include antimicrobial, antibacterial , anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotectant. It is found in such plants as rose, palmarosa, geranium and citronella. Geraniol is also produced by the honey bee’s scent glands. This helps the bees mark their locations to nectar-bearing fruits and helps bees find their hives.
Humulene
Humulene gets its name and characteristic hoppy smell from hops, or Humulus lupulus. It has been researched for its analgesic, antitumor and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is currently being explored for its anti-cancer properties and prospects as an anti-allergy treatment. Humulene can also be found in sage, ginger and ginseng.
Linalool
Linalool is found in especially high amounts in lavender, and is what gives the plant its distinctive smell. It is one of the most widely used plant extracts, appreciated for its lightly spicy, floral scent, and its ability to calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels. It has been researched for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects.
Limonene
Limonene has a characteristic citrus smell. Citrus fruit contain high levels of up to 97% limonene, with the other minority plant extracts accounting for the different citrus smells we find in orange, grapefruit, lemon, and other citrus. Limonene is an energizing scent that awakens the senses and has the ability to lift the mood. It is believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Menthol
Its characteristically powerful aroma comes from the mint family and smells much like peppermint and spearmint. It is used in decongestants, antimicrobials, and antiseptics. It has a stimulating effect and can help with depression.
Nerol
Nerol is prized for its citrusy floral aroma and its name derived from Neroli, meaning “orange blossom” in Italian. Neroli blossoms have a delicate scent derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Nerol is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antifungal, and has antioxidant properties. It has also been used for its analgesic and gently sedating effects. It is found in many plants in varying amounts from such plants as citrus, apple, rose, cumin, basil, tuberose, cardamom and conifers.
Ocimene
Ocimene has a light, sweet, herbaceous and slightly woody aroma. Its name comes from the genus name for basil, Ocimum basilicum, derived from the Greek world for basil, “okimon.” Ocimene is credited to have numerous powerful benefits and is used as an antiviral, decongestant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. It is found in a variety of plants, ranging from basil, marjoram, mangoes, mint, orchids and allspice.
Pinene
As you may suspect, pinene’s name originates from pine. Its scent can immediately transport you to an evergreen forest. Pinene consists of two types, alpha-pinene, which has a fresh, light, woodsy and earthy scent, and beta-pinene which is similar, but is slightly more herbal and spicier in aroma. Both are known for their anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and bronchodilator properties. They can increase mental alertness, cognitive function, and memory.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene, a cousin to the pinene family, is characterized by its complex aroma. It has a light, woody, piney, herbaceous, floral and even citrusy smell. It is present in a variety of plants such as sage, rosemary, pine, nutmeg, apples, lilac and cumin. It is recognized as having antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It is also used to treat anxiety and recognized for its sedative qualities.
Thymol
The extract of thymol is most naturally abundant in thyme. It has a camphorous and herbal aroma and is found in other plants such as basil, rosemary, hyssop, oregano, marjoram, coriander and bergamot. It is used for its antiseptic properties. It is strongly antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.
