
What Are Terpenes? And Why We Use Them in Our Candles

You may have seen the word “terpenes” on essential oil bottles, skincare labels—or even on our High Candles collection. But what exactly are terpenes? And what do they do when you light a candle?
Let’s break it down simply.
✨ What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural aroma compounds found in plants. They’re what give herbs, flowers, fruits, and trees their unique scents.
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The citrusy smell of an orange? That’s a terpene called Limonene.
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The deep, earthy scent of a pine forest? Likely Humulene or Pinene.
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The spicy kick in clove? That’s Caryophyllene.
Plants produce terpenes to protect themselves and attract pollinators. But for humans, they do something else: they influence mood and wellbeing.
🕯 What Do Terpenes Do in Candles?
When released through heat (like when you light a candle), terpenes don’t just smell good—they can affect how you feel. Each terpene has its own personality:
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Limonene – uplifting, fresh, great for focus and mood
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Myrcene – calming, sedative, great for winding down
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Humulene – earthy, grounding, helps with mental clarity
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Caryophyllene – warm, spicy, known to ease tension
That’s why at High Candles, we use terpene-infused scents to do more than make your space smell nice—we craft an experience that supports your mood naturally.
🌿 Wait… Is This Cannabis?
No. While some terpenes are also found in cannabis, terpenes themselves are not exclusive to cannabis—and they’re not intoxicating.
In fact, terpenes are everywhere in nature:
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Lavender
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Lemons
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Basil
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Black pepper
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Pine trees
We don’t use cannabis or any THC/CBD in our candles. Just clean-burning wax and carefully selected plant-based aromas that include natural terpene compounds.
So no—you won’t get “high” from a terpene candle. But you might feel more relaxed, uplifted, or focused, depending on the blend.
✅ Are Terpenes Safe in Candles?
Yes—when sourced and used properly, terpenes are completely safe for candle use. We only use ingredients that are:
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Phthalate-free
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IFRA-compliant (International Fragrance Association)
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Safe for indoor air when used as intended
Terpenes in our candles are part of carefully balanced scent blends. You get the benefits of natural aroma compounds without overwhelming the senses or filling the air with harsh chemicals.
🌿 Why We Love Terpenes at High Candles
We believe candles should do something—not just look pretty. With terpene-inspired blends, our candles bring a deeper kind of calm, clarity, or focus to your everyday space.
Each one is like a small ritual, backed by nature.
Want to try?
Look for names like:
Each one is crafted with care, for a scent that speaks to the body and the mind.