Aromatherapy at Home: The Wellness Benefits of the Best Scented Candles
By Nicole Peters Devis
At SaFiSpa, candles are more than decorative accents; they are vessels of story, tradition, and care — born from a life steeped in Caribbean botanicals, natural wellness practices, and the artistry of small-batch craftsmanship. Founder Nicole Peters Devis grew up among the lush, healing flora of the islands, where scent was more than a sensory pleasure — it was a bridge to memory, emotion, and well-being.
Every candle is poured by hand, using clean-burning soy wax and toxin-free essential oils. These are scents designed not just to perfume a room, but to shape mood, encourage calm, and transform a space into sanctuary. This is why each fragrance in our collection is carefully crafted with both artistry and science in mind — so you can enjoy the beauty of scent while benefiting from its proven wellness properties.
Lavender and vanilla — a classic pairing with a purpose. Lavender’s floral-herbaceous profile is clinically shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality (PubMed). Its calming influence has made it a staple in bedtime rituals, meditation, and wellness therapies around the world. Vanilla’s sweet, familiar aroma calms the nervous system and is known to reduce the startle reflex (Appellation), creating a deep sense of comfort and security.
When combined in our Lavender Vanilla Soy Candle, these two scents form an “aromatic lullaby.” As the lavender eases muscular tension and quiets the mind, vanilla wraps the senses in warmth — much like a soft cashmere blanket. The result is a gentle yet profound relaxation that makes it easier to drift into restorative sleep.
Wellness benefits: Lavender’s natural anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties can help lower heart rate and blood pressure. Vanilla’s ability to trigger positive emotional memories encourages a mood lift while easing mild anxiety. Used together, they create a sanctuary for mental and emotional rest, which can be particularly valuable in times of stress, burnout, or overstimulation.
Science spotlight: A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that inhaling lavender essential oil reduced participants’ cortisol levels — a biomarker for stress — while improving subjective sleep quality. Meanwhile, research on vanillin shows it can positively influence mood by modulating brainwave activity in regions linked to comfort and relaxation.
Practical uses: Light this candle an hour before bed to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Pair it with soft instrumental music and a cup of herbal tea for a full sensory bedtime ritual. It’s also ideal for quiet weekend mornings when you want to create a peaceful, restorative atmosphere at home.
Sandalwood carries the rich, woody aroma of ancient forests and sacred temples. For centuries, it has been used in meditation, religious rituals, and holistic healing to bring about a sense of spiritual calm and mental clarity. Its fragrance has a remarkable ability to slow racing thoughts and create an environment conducive to mindfulness.
Wellness benefits: Scientific studies have confirmed that sandalwood essential oil can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone (Healthline). It is also believed to promote alpha brainwave activity, which is associated with relaxation and creativity.
Science spotlight: In a 2016 pilot study, participants who inhaled a blend of sandalwood and lavender reported lower levels of anxiety and stress, along with improved focus. This aligns with centuries-old Ayurvedic traditions that describe sandalwood as “cooling” to both the body and the mind.
Practical uses: Light the Sandalwood Soy Candle before meditation, journaling, or yoga to enhance focus and inner calm. Its deep, grounding scent is also ideal for creating a cozy, introspective mood in a reading nook or home office. In social settings, it can subtly relax guests and promote easy conversation.
Freesia & Pear is a fragrance that feels like opening the windows on the first warm day of spring. Crisp green pear delivers a burst of juicy freshness, while freesia’s delicate floral notes add a light, romantic elegance. This pairing has a naturally uplifting quality — it refreshes the senses and clears the mental fog.
Wellness benefits: While pear is not a traditional aromatherapy staple, its fresh aroma has been linked with reduced mental fatigue and improved alertness. Freesia, like many white florals, is associated with calmness and emotional balance. Together, they create an environment that feels clean, bright, and inspiring.
Science spotlight: Studies on floral aromatics show they can lower heart rate and encourage a relaxed but alert mental state. Meanwhile, fruit-based scents are often linked to increased dopamine production, the “reward” chemical in the brain, which can boost motivation and mood.
Practical uses: Burn the Freesia & Pear Soy Candle in the morning while making breakfast to start your day with fresh energy. It’s also a beautiful scent for the entryway, greeting guests with a clean, welcoming fragrance. Use it in work-from-home spaces to maintain clarity and focus without overstimulation.
Bergamot — the fragrant citrus that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive aroma — is often called the “sunshine oil” for its ability to brighten mood and relieve tension. Its scent is both sparkling and sophisticated: citrusy with a soft floral undertone, uplifting yet calming at the same time.
Wellness benefits: Bergamot essential oil has been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote a more balanced mood (PubMed). It can also stimulate serotonin and dopamine production, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and emotional stability.
Science spotlight: In a 2015 study, participants exposed to bergamot aromatherapy for just 15 minutes reported a 40% reduction in anxiety symptoms. The same research suggested bergamot’s unique balance of energizing and calming effects makes it one of the most versatile essential oils for mood regulation.
Practical uses: Light the Bergamot Soy Candle in your home office to maintain a calm focus during work. It’s also a wonderful choice for entertaining, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere that puts guests at ease. In the evening, pair bergamot with lavender or vanilla for a relaxing wind-down ritual.
The scent of rose has been celebrated for centuries as a symbol of love, beauty, and serenity. Inhaling its velvety floral aroma can feel like stepping into a blooming garden at dusk — soft petals brushing your skin, the air rich with romance. It’s an experience that soothes the senses and nourishes the heart.
Wellness benefits: Modern aromatherapy research confirms what tradition has long known: rose oil helps reduce anxiety, lift mood, and foster emotional well-being (PMC). It can promote the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, while easing muscle tension and slowing heart rate.
Science spotlight: A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that inhaling rose aroma reduced anxiety in postpartum mothers and improved overall emotional balance. Another study in surgical patients showed significantly lower anxiety levels when exposed to rose aromatherapy prior to procedures.
Practical uses: Light the Belle Rose Candle during a romantic dinner, a calming evening bath, or while practicing yoga to open the heart and quiet the mind. It’s also an excellent choice for mindfulness meditation, helping you feel more centered and connected.
Tropical scents are like bottled sunshine — a burst of pineapple, creamy coconut, juicy mango, and sun-warmed florals. They instantly transport you to swaying palm trees, warm sand beneath your feet, and the rhythm of the ocean. Lighting a tropical candle isn’t just scent; it’s a mini-vacation for your senses.
Wellness benefits: Tropical fruits and citrus oils are rich in limonene and other natural compounds known to elevate mood and reduce stress (AJQR). These scents can energize while also reducing mental fatigue, making them perfect for lifting a dull day.
Science spotlight: Research on citrus aromatherapy demonstrates significant reductions in cortisol and improvements in self-reported energy and happiness levels. The tropical blend of sweet fruit and floral notes engages both the limbic system (emotion regulation) and the hypothalamus (stress response control) in the brain.
Practical uses: Burn the Tropical Soy Candle on gray winter days to combat seasonal blues, during summer gatherings to enhance a festive mood, or while working from home to spark creativity and motivation. Pair it with upbeat music for a true sensory escape.
Lychee is a rare jewel among fruits — sweet, floral, and slightly tangy, with a freshness that lingers in the air. When paired with white tea, as in our Fresh Lychee & White Tea Candle, it becomes a sophisticated blend that’s both uplifting and serene.
Wellness benefits: Lychee’s naturally sweet aroma can boost mood by triggering positive associations and pleasant sensory memories. White tea adds a clean, calming note, rich in antioxidants, that promotes mental clarity and focus.
Science spotlight: Studies on fruit-based aromatics show they can reduce perceived stress and encourage relaxation without drowsiness. White tea’s subtle tannins contribute to a feeling of mental freshness, which complements lychee’s joyful character.
Practical uses: Light this candle in the afternoon for an instant lift in mood and energy, or during social gatherings to create a light, welcoming ambiance. It’s equally at home in a kitchen filled with brunch aromas or a living room prepared for a night of conversation.
Passion fruit’s tangy-sweet aroma dances with warm, comforting spices in a fragrance that is both invigorating and grounding. Our Passion Spice Soy Candle blends tropical fruit brightness with the complexity of clove, ginger, and vetiver, creating an inviting scent that stimulates creativity and inspires connection.
Wellness benefits: Passion fruit’s tropical aroma can stimulate the senses, encouraging positivity and mental alertness. Spices like clove and ginger have been studied for their ability to reduce stress and promote circulation, while vetiver — often called the “oil of tranquility” — calms the nervous system and supports emotional balance.
Science spotlight: Aromatic compounds in spices such as eugenol (found in clove) and gingerol (found in ginger) can reduce stress markers and improve focus. Passion fruit’s sweet, citrus-like esters have been shown to evoke uplifting, happy emotions, making this a multi-layered scent for both energy and calm.
Practical uses: Burn Passion Spice during brainstorming sessions, creative writing, painting, or other artistic pursuits. It’s equally perfect for cozy evenings with friends, setting an intimate yet lively mood.
Vanilla is the scent of comfort — warm, familiar, and effortlessly soothing. Our Vanilla Essence Candle captures the pure, creamy sweetness of vanilla bean, enhanced by subtle notes of caramel and soft spice for depth.
Wellness benefits: Vanilla’s aroma has been shown to reduce anxiety and lower heart rate in stressful situations (Appellation). It works in part by triggering positive emotional memories, which in turn activate relaxation responses in the brain.
Science spotlight: A study in Physiology & Behavior found that vanillin — the main component in vanilla — reduced the startle reflex, indicating a direct calming influence on the central nervous system. This makes vanilla a reliable scent for reducing tension and fostering a sense of well-being.
Practical uses: Use Vanilla Essence to create a welcoming home environment for family and guests, to wind down at the end of the day, or as a comforting background scent while reading or journaling.
Linden blossom carries a gentle, honeyed floral scent that soothes the senses like a quiet summer afternoon under a shady tree. Our Linden Blossom captures this calming essence with purity and elegance.
Wellness benefits: Linden blossom contains linalool, a compound known to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. Herbalists have used linden for centuries to ease tension headaches, nervousness, and restlessness.
Science spotlight: Research on linalool and similar floral compounds shows they can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity — lowering the “fight or flight” response — and increase parasympathetic activity, which supports deep rest and recovery.
Practical uses: Light Linden Blossom in the bedroom before sleep, during meditation, or while taking a warm bath. It’s also ideal for quiet reading afternoons when you want a peaceful, restorative atmosphere.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Scented Sanctuary
From lavender’s calming embrace to bergamot’s sunny optimism, each SaFiSpa candle offers more than fragrance — it offers a pathway to well-being. These scents are rooted in tradition, backed by science, and hand-poured with care to bring beauty, balance, and wellness into your everyday life.
Whether you’re creating a peaceful bedtime ritual, a focus-friendly workspace, or a warm gathering place for loved ones, our full candle collection has the perfect fragrance to match your mood and intention.
Visit safispa.com to explore, shop, and bring these wellness-focused scents into your home — transforming your space into a true sanctuary.
Flicker and Flame: How Candles Support Menopause ReliefMore than ambiance, candles offer a sense of control during life’s transitions. In this science-backed feature, we explore how soy candles infused with essential oils like lavender and bergamot can ease menopausal symptoms—supporting better sleep, reduced stress, and emotional grounding. Discover the therapeutic power of scent and light, and how SaFiSpa candles turn daily rituals into a path toward balance, calm, and self-care.
Body Oil vs. Body Butter: Which Moisturizer Is Right for You?
By Nicole Peters, SaFiSpa
In the richly textured world of skincare, no debate seems quite as sensorial—or as timeless—as the one between body oil and body butter. Both offer deep nourishment. Both are rich in botanical benefits. Both promise to transform dry, depleted skin into something supple, glowy, and resilient.
But when it comes to choosing one over the other, it isn’t always about what's "better." Instead, the choice depends on your unique skin type, seasonal needs, lifestyle, and personal preference. This guide explores the differences, benefits, and best uses of both body oil and body butter—complete with expert insights, research-backed comparisons, and a look at how SaFiSpa’s all-natural, artisan-crafted formulas honor the best of both.
What Exactly Is the Difference?
At a glance, the distinction seems simple.
Body oil is a lightweight blend of oils—typically plant-based—that absorbs quickly and helps seal moisture into the skin.
Body butter is a rich emollient, often combining butters like shea or cocoa with oils and waxes to create a dense, deeply moisturizing texture.
But beneath the surface, each delivers unique benefits rooted in science—and that’s where your decision begins.
Ingredients at a Glance
🔬 Body Oil
Carrier oils like jojoba, sunflower, or sesame
Vitamins like E and A for antioxidant support
Botanicals like hibiscus or calendula for radiance and firmness
A 2018 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that oils such as jojoba and sunflower oil can mimic the skin’s natural sebum, improving barrier function and minimizing moisture loss. For example, SaFiSpa’s Firming & Hydrating Body Oil blends hibiscus extract with jojoba seed, sesame, and olive oils—each chosen to support elasticity and deliver a weightless, non-greasy glow.
🧴 Body Butter
Shea or cocoa butter for deep nourishment
Beeswax or glycerin for sealing moisture
Vitamin-rich oils to soften and protect the skin barrier
According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2020), shea butter contains natural triterpenes that offer anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making it particularly effective for very dry or sensitive skin. SaFiSpa’s Deep Hydration Body Butter includes shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, offering a restorative option for even the driest skin types.
How They Work: Absorption & Feel
✅ Body Oil: Fast, Lightweight, Luminous
Body oil is best applied to damp skin after a shower. It sinks in almost immediately, offering a smooth, silky finish without residue. Ideal for:
Post-shower routines
Massage
Warmer or humid climates
Everyday glow seekers
✅ Body Butter: Rich, Deep, Protective
Body butter, by contrast, is designed for deep skin repair. It’s best suited for:
Dry, flaky, or mature skin
Harsh winter weather
Overnight hydration treatments
Areas prone to cracking (elbows, knees, heels)
What About Skin Type?
Skin Type
Body Oil
Body Butter
Dry/Dehydrated
✅ Excellent on damp skin
✅✅ Best for overnight repair
Normal/Combination
✅ Great for glow and elasticity
✅ Great for dry patches
Oily/Acne-Prone
✅ Use light oils (non-comedogenic)
🚫 May clog pores—avoid on face
Sensitive/Reactive
✅ Fragrance-free options
✅ Use clean formulations
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. And many dermatologists recommend you do. A great strategy is to layer:
Start with SaFiSpa’s Firming Body Oil on damp skin to seal in hydration.
Follow with SaFiSpa’s Deep Hydration Body Butter on drier areas to lock in moisture.
Sensory Rituals and Fragrance Preferences
Choosing body oil or body butter is not just about skin—it’s about how you want to feel. Body oil offers a lightweight, spa-like experience. Body butter feels more cocooning, perfect for colder months or nighttime rituals.
Sustainability: Packaging & Planet
SaFiSpa’s Body Oil is housed in frosted glass with a pump made from 50% PCR plastic. The Body Butter comes in a recyclable container—clean beauty inside and out.
The Verdict? It’s Not Either/Or
Both body oil and body butter are excellent choices. Each has a role to play in your skincare routine, and the best option often depends on:
Your skin type
Your climate
Your sensory preferences
Your daily rhythm
Explore SaFiSpa's Bestsellers
💧 Firming & Hydrating Hibiscus Body Oil: Lightweight, non-greasy, and available in citrus or unscented
🧴 Deep Hydration Body Butter – Shea, Cocoa & Vitamin E: Rich, nourishing, and deeply restorative
There are few things more evocative than scent. One breath of citrus can call to mind a sun-drenched courtyard. A whisper of jasmine can transport you to a moonlit garden. And with summer in full swing—windows thrown open, linen dresses fluttering in the breeze, music drifting into the evening—it only takes a flicker of flame to set the scene. Enter SaFiSpa’s Summer Candle Collection, a line of hand-poured soy candles designed not just to fragrance a space, but to transform it into an escape.
