PF Candle Co Review: Vegan Soy Candles With Stunning Scents
If you‘re a candle lover always on the hunt for new brands to try, let me introduce you to PF Candle Co. This LA-based candlemaker has gained a devoted following for their beautifully scented, vegan, and cruelty-free soy candles. Inspired by memories of special places, times and feelings, PF Candle Co‘s collections evoke a strong sense of atmosphere.
As someone who can never have too many candles, I was excited to try out several of PF Candle Co‘s most popular scents for myself. In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my experience with their Sunset candles line, best-selling classic scents, and let you know if these trendy candles are truly worth the hype. Let‘s dive in!
About PF Candle Co
Founded in 2008 by wife and husband team Kristen Pumphrey and Thomas Neuberger, PF Candle Co started from humble beginnings. Kristen began making candles in her LA apartment as a creative outlet, seeking to capture the essence of nostalgic memories and emotions in scent form.
In 2013, a major turning point came when the brand landed a 4,000 candle order from West Elm. This catapulted PF Candles into the mainstream, leading to partnerships with trendy retailers like Urban Outfitters and CB2. The company has since grown to a team of over 30 people working out of their Boyle Heights, LA factory.
At the heart of PF Candle Co‘s ethos is a commitment to making high-quality, vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic candles. They use 100% soy wax sourced from US-grown soybeans, cotton core wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance oils. PF is also dedicated to minimizing waste, utilizing recyclable packaging and shipping materials.
The brand has earned acclaim from publications like Forbes, Vogue, CNN, and WWD for their enticing scents and on-trend aesthetic. And with a strong social following of 170k+ Instagram fans, it‘s clear PF has struck a chord with modern candle lovers.
PF Candle Co Sunset Collection Review
PF‘s Sunset candle collection is all about those magical, golden hour feels. Each scent aims to capture the essence of a perfect sunset moment, with dreamy fragrances and vibrant, ombre-hued vessels. I tried out three of the most popular Sunset candles:
Swell
Scent notes: Black currant, tuberose, sea moss, salt water
Like taking a deep inhale of salty ocean air, Swell teleports me to a dreamy beach at golden hour. The combo of tart currant and delicate white floral notes is unexpected yet completely intoxicating. It‘s the perfect balance of sweet, fresh, and slightly musky.
This is a medium-strength scent – not a room-filler, but enough throw to scent a small to medium space. The 10oz tin candle provides an impressive 60hr burn time. I love the ombre teal and gold tin, which looks lovely on display.
Golden Hour
Scent notes: Bergamot, hay, golden poppy
Golden Hour really lives up to its name, evoking that magical time of day when the world seems to glow. It‘s a mellow, sweet scent with a grounding earthiness. The bright citrus note of bergamot shines through, rounded out by a warm hay accord.
I found this one is on the milder side scent-wise, better for a subtle vibe than a impactful fragrance statement. But the scent is truly lovely and unique. The marigold and soft pink vessel is another stunning addition to my candle collection.
Dusk
Scent notes: Sage, iris, palo santo, black pepper
Dusk has a mysterious, alluring quality that sets it apart from the other Sunset candles. It‘s a deeper, muskier scent with dominant notes of earthy sage and palo santo. The peppery kick and delicate floral notes add interesting complexity.
The scent throw on Dusk is on the stronger side, easily filling a medium-sized room. I like burning this one in the evening when I want to wind down with a calming, grounding fragrance. The deep blue ombre jar is so pretty, especially when lit.
Best-Selling PF Candle Co Scents Review
Of course, I couldn‘t resist also trying some of PF Candle Co‘s most raved-about signature scents. Here are my thoughts on three fan-favorites:
Teakwood & Tobacco
Scent notes: Leather, teak, orange, tobacco
Often dubbed "the boyfriend scent," Teakwood & Tobacco has amassed a cult following for its warm, inviting aroma. It‘s the perfect balance of masculine and refined. The dominant leather note is softened by a hint of sweet orange and grounded in earthy tobacco and wood.
I was impressed by the robust scent throw of this candle. The 7.2oz size easily scented my open living room. It burns cleanly and evenly, with no tunneling. A great choice if you love musky, woody fragrances or want to create a cozy ambiance.
Sweet Grapefruit
Scent notes: Grapefruit, yuzu, lemon
If you crave a zesty, mouthwatering citrus scent, Sweet Grapefruit will be your jam. It‘s an invigorating medley of grapefruit and lemon with a juicy sweetness. This is a scent that makes me feel energized and happy every time I light it.
The intensity is on the lighter side, but that‘s to be expected with a citrus candle. I still found it scented a small-medium room nicely, especially in the kitchen or bathroom. The mini 3.5oz size is perfect for a cheerful pick-me-up at your desk too.
Amber & Moss
Scent notes: Sage, moss, lavender, amber
For an earthy, sensual vibe, Amber & Moss hits the spot. It strikes the perfect balance of freshness and musk. The sage and lavender give an initial aromatic lift, while the amber and moss base notes lend depth and warmth.
This is another candle with impressive scent throw – a little goes a long way. I found myself gravitating to it whenever I wanted to create a relaxed but sophisticated ambiance, like for a dinner party or date night at home. It‘s a scent that garners a lot of compliments.
Are PF Candles Vegan and Non-Toxic?
As a health-conscious consumer, I always want to know exactly what‘s in the candles I burn. With PF Candles, I was pleased to discover they use 100% soy wax made from US-grown soy. Soy is renewable, biodegradable, and vegan-friendly, making it a sustainable alternative to paraffin wax.
PF Candle Co also follows stringent guidelines set by the International Fragrance Association. Their candles are phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and don‘t contain any chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. And they use lead-free cotton wicks for a clean, soot-free burn.
On the sustainability front, PF uses recyclable and reusable amber glass jars with minimalist labeling printed on FSC-certified paper. And instead of packing peanuts or bubble wrap, they use 100% recycled kraft crinkle paper in their shipments. It‘s great to see such dedication to eco-friendly business practices.
What Do Customers Think of PF Candle Co?
From my research, PF Candle Co generally has very positive reviews from customers online. On their website, their best-sellers have hundreds of glowing reviews, with top-rated scents consistently earning over 4.5 stars. Customers especially rave about the realistic, unique fragrances and aesthetic packaging.
However, the number one complaint or criticism seems to be around scent throw and intensity. Because PF candles use soy wax and avoid harsh chemicals, the fragrances can be more subtle compared to paraffin candles. For some, this is a pro – they prefer a gentler scent. But others find themselves wishing for more potent aromas.
Overall though, customers agree PF Candle Co offers beautiful, well-crafted candles at a mid-range price point. While $20-24 per candle isn‘t exactly cheap, reviewers find the quality, burn time, and scent payoff to be worth it for an elevated candle experience.
Bottom Line: Is PF Candle Co Worth It?
After thoroughly testing a range of PF Candle Co‘s offerings, I have to give them my stamp of approval. The brand truly nails the trifecta of captivating scents, clean and safe ingredients, and chic packaging. These soy candles not only look and smell incredible, but also burn cleanly and last a remarkably long time.
While I do agree the scent throw can be milder than super-fragrant paraffin candles, that‘s actually a selling point for me. I‘m sensitive to overbearing aromas and appreciate that PF‘s scents are noticeable but not overwhelming. It‘s also a testament to their more natural ingredients.
At $20-24 for a standard 7-12oz candle, PF Candle Co is definitely a bit of a splurge. However, considering their soy candles boast 40-60 hours of burn time, it breaks down to a very reasonable cost per hour. For me, it‘s worth spending a bit more on candles I feel good about burning in my home health-wise.
I‘d highly recommend PF Candle Co if you‘re looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a small luxury that brings a lot of joy. The stunning scents are sure to make any space feel that much lovelier. And the brand‘s focus on sustainability and giving back is just the cherry on top.
Ultimately, while candles may seem like a small thing, the act of lighting one – especially a beautiful one from a brand like PF Candle Co – can make a big difference in uplifting your mood and mindset. In stressful times, we can all use more of those simple, soul-nourishing rituals in our lives.
Where to Buy PF Candle Co
The easiest way to shop PF Candle Co‘s full range of soy candles, reed diffusers, room sprays, and incense is directly on their website, pfcandleco.com. They offer free shipping on all US orders, plus easy returns within 30 days.
You can also find PF Candle Co at select stockists nationwide, including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Terrain, West Elm, Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods, and more. It‘s always a treat to spot their recognizable amber jars and minimalist labels in store for a quick sniff test.
PF Candle Co FAQ
How long do PF Candle Co candles last?
PF Candle Co‘s 7.2oz standard candles have an approximate burn time of 40-50 hours. The larger 12.5oz size provides 60-70 hours of burn time.
Are PF Candle Co Candles good for gifts?
Absolutely – PF Candle Co‘s stylishly packaged, divinely scented candles make a thoughtful gift for any candle lover on your list. They even have gift sets and subscription options.
What are the best PF Candle Co scents?
Some of PF Candle Co‘s most popular, beloved scents include Teakwood & Tobacco, Amber & Moss, Sandalwood Rose, and Golden Coast. But all of their fragrances are stunning in their own right.
Where are PF Candle Co candles made?
All of PF Candle Co‘s products are made in-house at their HQ and factory in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
How do I get the most scent out of my candle?
To maximize scent throw, make sure you allow your candle to develop a full melt pool (where the entire surface liquifies) each time you burn. Trim your wick to 1/4" before each lighting for a cleaner burn and stronger scent.
In Essence: PF Candle Co makes some of the most captivating, beautifully crafted soy candles out there. With their array of transportive scents, commitment to clean and ethical manufacturing, and undeniably chic aesthetic, PF has earned their glowing reputation.
While no candle is perfect for everyone, I believe PF Candle Co offers something special for anyone who values filling their space with scent, warmth, and simple moments of luxury. If you‘ve been curious to try this beloved brand, I wholeheartedly recommend treating yourself to at least one of their dreamy soy candles.
Your nose – and your soul – will thank you. Here‘s to embracing more joy and intention, one lovingly-made candle at a time.
