Alchemy FAQ

Check out our FAQ to learn more about how we used this research to create these blends.

What is this new line all about?


Alchemy is a collection of candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers in four fragrances inspired by the healing qualities of nature, intentionally made with scent notes that have been shown through research and 25+ years of studies conducted by our perfumery partners to evoke specific moods.

Our perfumery partners worked with scientists and universities across multiple countries and demographics to conduct studies utilizing brain imaging, brain activity, heart rate, and skin response to track how specific scents affected participants physiologically, along with their own personal associations and imagery to describe the emotional effect the fragrances had.

Based on this research, we developed four scent blends meant to positively affect both spirit and atmosphere: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.


Is the collection limited edition?


No! Alchemy is a permanent addition to our full line, and is here to stay!


Where can I buy the products? When are they available?


Alchemy products are available on our site, and in both of our CA shops – our Echo Park Flagship and our North Beach San Francisco outpost. Alchemy is also available at select P.F. stockists. Interested in finding a retailer near you? Feel free to reach out to us at hello@pfcandleco.com with your zip code and the product you’re looking for, and our team will help you out!


What’s the difference between the Classic Line and Alchemy?


The Classic Line is what we’re most known for – featuring our bestselling candles, incense, room sprays, reed diffusers, and more home goods in scents inspired by travel nostalgia, our fondest memories, and P.F.’s California roots.

Alchemy is a collection of candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers in four effective fragrances inspired by the healing qualities of nature, intentionally formulated to evoke specific moods based on over 25 years of research and studies conducted by our perfumery partners.


How do incense cones differ from incense sticks?


Our Classic Line Incense Sticks are sold in packs of 15, with a burn-time per stick of about one hour Alchemy Incense Cones are sold in tubes of 30, each with a burn time of 20-25 minutes per cone. Classic Line Incense Sticks are made with a charcoal base, while Alchemy Incense Cones are made with a wood base. All P.F. Candle Co. incense is hand-dipped into fine fragrance oils in our Los Angeles factory.

Wood-based incense cones contribute a subtle, earthy quality when burned, while charcoal-based incense offers a slightly longer burn time.


How can I smell this line in person?


If you’re local to Los Angeles, visit us at our Echo Park Flagship – open daily at 2205 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Or, if you’re near San Francisco, stop by our North Beach shop – open Wednesday through Sunday at 1422 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. For more information about our official stores, click here. If you’re interested in finding a P.F. stockist carrying Alchemy near you, feel free to email us with your zip code at hello@pfcandleco.com and we’ll help ya out!


What does “science-backed blends” mean?


Our perfumery partners worked with scientists and universities across multiple countries and demographics to conduct studies utilizing brain imaging, brain activity, heart rate, and skin response to track how specific scent notes affected participants physiologically, along with their own personal associations and imagery to describe the emotional effect the fragrances had.

Based on this research, we developed four scent blends meant to positively affect both spirit and atmosphere: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.


How are the scents meant to positively affect moods?


Inspired by the almost-magical process of transforming your atmosphere through fragrance, we sought out scent notes that evoked the healing power of immersion in nature, and created four scents meant to positively influence mood and boost intentions: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.

Each Alchemy fragrance has been formulated to evoke certain moods and positive associations based on scientific research led by our perfumery partners and conducted over 25 years to better understand the links between scent and our emotions.

  • Bergamot Shiso is inspired by fresh starts and fruiting citrus trees, formulated with uplifting notes of mandarin and cardamom to stimulate energy and promote vitality
  • Myrtle Mint is inspired by mind-opening conversation and intended for use during moments of focus and creativity, formulated with invigorating lemon and herbal eucalyptus to promote clarity
  • Geranium Moss is inspired by soaking in the present moment, intended for use during moments of reflection, formulated with earthy cedarwood and aromatic patchouli to promote connection with both the earth and one’s self
  • Enoki Cedar is inspired by regenerative walks through nature, intended for use during moments of deep relaxation, and formulated with rich patchouli and a proprietary olfactive technology designed to capture the positive effects of the forest on mood and wellbeing.

What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as upcycled?


Upcycled ingredients are created by sourcing raw materials from waste streams across various industries and processing them to create new aromatic ingredients. For example, upcycled orange rinds might be derived from the food production industry in which only the juice or the fruit itself is used, while the peels would typically be thrown away. Upcycling is an environmentally-conscious process of using materials that would otherwise be discarded.


What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as sustainable?


Sustainable Ingredients are raw materials sourced from producers who have a direct relationship with our fragrance houses which improves traceability, quality, and sustainability of the farming and harvesting processes involved. These critical relationships also provide support to producers to ensure that they can continue to supply raw materials in a way that is sustainable for both the earth and local communities.


The Alchemy jars look different from the Classic Line, why?


Alchemy Candles feature smoke-colored glass vessels, black metal lids, and gold-leafed labels inspired by vintage window lettering. Each candle is made with 7.2 oz of soy wax and fine fragrance oils for a 40-50 hour burn time. We chose colors that represented the nature-inspired scent profiles and characteristics of each Alchemy fragrance, while utilizing FSC-certified labels made of recycled vellum using 100% post-consumer waste with the environment in mind.

FSC-certified, or certification by the Forest Stewardship Council, indicates that products come from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social and economic standards to help preserve biological diversity and provide benefits to local communities and workers.


What is Phytogaia™?


Phytogaia™ is a proprietary fragrance technology owned by Givaudan which translates the benefits of phytoncides – molecules emitted by forest trees shown to positively affect mood and wellbeing – into fragrance.


What is Enoki? What is Shiso?


Enoki mushroom is one of Enoki Cedar’s middle notes, offering an earthy, calming quality, lending to the grounding properties of the scent.

Shiso Leaf is one of Bergamot Shiso’s base notes, offering a minty, basil-like quality and lending to the energy-boosting intentions of the scent.


How long do Alchemy candles burn for? How long do Alchemy incense cones burn for?


Alchemy Candles feature smoke-colored glass vessels, black metal lids, and gold-leafed labels inspired by vintage window lettering. Each candle is made with 7.2 oz of soy wax and fine fragrance oils for a 40-50 hour burn time.

Alchemy Incense Cones are packaged in recyclable black paper tubes containing 30 cones, featuring gold metal lids that function as burners when inverted on a heat-resistant surface. Alchemy Incense Cones burn for 20-25 minutes each. Our wood-based incense cones are hand-dipped into fine fragrance oils at our Los Angeles factory.


Is this line priced differently than regular offerings?


We believe in high-quality goods without the mark up, and aim to create luxury-level home fragrance experiences at friendly prices, which is why Alchemy candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers are offered at the same accessible prices as our Classic Line products. Alchemy Candles are available in our bestselling 7.2 oz size for $24 each, Alchemy Incense Cones are $16 per tube of 30, and Alchemy Reed Diffusers are 3.5 fl oz for $29.


Alchemy FAQ

Check out our FAQ to learn more about how we used this research to create these blends.

What is this new line all about?


Alchemy is a collection of candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers in four fragrances inspired by the healing qualities of nature, intentionally made with scent notes that have been shown through research and 25+ years of studies conducted by our perfumery partners to evoke specific moods.

Our perfumery partners worked with scientists and universities across multiple countries and demographics to conduct studies utilizing brain imaging, brain activity, heart rate, and skin response to track how specific scents affected participants physiologically, along with their own personal associations and imagery to describe the emotional effect the fragrances had.

Based on this research, we developed four scent blends meant to positively affect both spirit and atmosphere: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.


Is the collection limited edition?


No! Alchemy is a permanent addition to our full line, and is here to stay!


Where can I buy the products? When are they available?


Alchemy products are available on our site, and in both of our CA shops – our Echo Park Flagship and our North Beach San Francisco outpost. Alchemy is also available at select P.F. stockists. Interested in finding a retailer near you? Feel free to reach out to us at hello@pfcandleco.com with your zip code and the product you’re looking for, and our team will help you out!


What’s the difference between the Classic Line and Alchemy?


The Classic Line is what we’re most known for – featuring our bestselling candles, incense, room sprays, reed diffusers, and more home goods in scents inspired by travel nostalgia, our fondest memories, and P.F.’s California roots.

Alchemy is a collection of candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers in four effective fragrances inspired by the healing qualities of nature, intentionally formulated to evoke specific moods based on over 25 years of research and studies conducted by our perfumery partners.


How do incense cones differ from incense sticks?


Our Classic Line Incense Sticks are sold in packs of 15, with a burn-time per stick of about one hour; Alchemy Incense Cones are sold in tubes of 30, each with a burn time of 20-25 minutes per cone. Classic Line Incense Sticks are made with a charcoal base, while Alchemy Incense Cones are made with a wood base. All P.F. Candle Co. incense is hand-dipped into fine fragrance oils in our Los Angeles factory.

Wood-based incense cones contribute a subtle, earthy quality when burned, while charcoal-based incense offers a slightly longer burn time.


How can I smell this line in person?


If you’re local to Los Angeles, visit us at our Echo Park Flagship – open daily at 2205 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Or, if you’re near San Francisco, stop by our North Beach shop – open Wednesday through Sunday at 1422 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. For more information about our official stores, click here. If you’re interested in finding a P.F. stockist carrying Alchemy near you, feel free to email us with your zip code at hello@pfcandleco.com and we’ll help ya out!


What does “science-backed blends” mean?


Our perfumery partners worked with scientists and universities across multiple countries and demographics to conduct studies utilizing brain imaging, brain activity, heart rate, and skin response to track how specific scent notes affected participants physiologically, along with their own personal associations and imagery to describe the emotional effect the fragrances had.

Based on this research, we developed four scent blends meant to positively affect both spirit and atmosphere: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.


How are the scents meant to positively affect moods?


Inspired by the almost-magical process of transforming your atmosphere through fragrance, we sought out scent notes that evoked the healing power of immersion in nature, and created four scents meant to positively influence mood and boost intentions: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.

Each Alchemy fragrance has been formulated to evoke certain moods and positive associations based on scientific research led by our perfumery partners and conducted over 25 years to better understand the links between scent and our emotions.

  • Bergamot Shiso is inspired by fresh starts and fruiting citrus trees, formulated with uplifting notes of mandarin and cardamom to stimulate energy and promote vitality
  • Myrtle Mint is inspired by mind-opening conversation and intended for use during moments of focus and creativity, formulated with invigorating lemon and herbal eucalyptus to promote clarity
  • Geranium Moss is inspired by soaking in the present moment, intended for use during moments of reflection, formulated with earthy cedarwood and aromatic patchouli to promote connection with both the earth and one’s self
  • Enoki Cedar is inspired by regenerative walks through nature, intended for use during moments of deep relaxation, and formulated with rich patchouli and a proprietary olfactive technology designed to capture the positive effects of the forest on mood and wellbeing.

What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as upcycled?


Upcycled ingredients are created by sourcing raw materials from waste streams across various industries and processing them to create new aromatic ingredients. For example, upcycled orange rinds might be derived from the food production industry in which only the juice or the fruit itself is used, while the peels would typically be thrown away. Upcycling is an environmentally-conscious process of using materials that would otherwise be discarded.


What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as sustainable?


Sustainable Ingredients are raw materials sourced from producers who have a direct relationship with our fragrance houses which improves traceability, quality, and sustainability of the farming and harvesting processes involved. These critical relationships also provide support to producers to ensure that they can continue to supply raw materials in a way that is sustainable for both the earth and local communities.


The Alchemy jars look different from the Classic Line, why?


Alchemy Candles feature smoke-colored glass vessels, black metal lids, and gold-leafed labels inspired by vintage window lettering. Each candle is made with 7.2 oz of soy wax and fine fragrance oils for a 40-50 hour burn time. We chose colors that represented the nature-inspired scent profiles and characteristics of each Alchemy fragrance, while utilizing FSC-certified labels made of recycled vellum using 100% post-consumer waste with the environment in mind.

FSC-certified, or certification by the Forest Stewardship Council, indicates that products come from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social and economic standards to help preserve biological diversity and provide benefits to local communities and workers.


What is Phytogaia™?


Phytogaia™ is a proprietary fragrance technology owned by Givaudan which translates the benefits of phytoncides – molecules emitted by forest trees shown to positively affect mood and wellbeing – into fragrance.


What is Enoki? What is Shiso?


Enoki mushroom is one of Enoki Cedar’s middle notes, offering an earthy, calming quality, lending to the grounding properties of the scent.

Shiso Leaf is one of Bergamot Shiso’s base notes, offering a minty, basil-like quality and lending to the energy-boosting intentions of the scent.


How long do Alchemy candles burn for? How long do Alchemy incense cones burn for?


Alchemy Candles feature smoke-colored glass vessels, black metal lids, and gold-leafed labels inspired by vintage window lettering. Each candle is made with 7.2 oz of soy wax and fine fragrance oils for a 40-50 hour burn time.

Alchemy Incense Cones are packaged in recyclable black paper tubes containing 30 cones, featuring gold metal lids that function as burners when inverted on a heat-resistant surface. Alchemy Incense Cones burn for 20-25 minutes each. Our wood-based incense cones are hand-dipped into fine fragrance oils at our Los Angeles factory.


Is this line priced differently than regular offerings?


We believe in high-quality goods without the mark up, and aim to create luxury-level home fragrance experiences at friendly prices, which is why Alchemy candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers are offered at the same accessible prices as our Classic Line products. Alchemy Candles are available in our bestselling 7.2 oz size for $24 each, Alchemy Incense Cones are $16 per tube of 30, and Alchemy Reed Diffusers are 3.5 fl oz for $29.


Alchemy FAQ

Check out our FAQ to learn more about how we used this research to create these blends.

What is this new line all about?


Alchemy is a collection of candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers in four fragrances inspired by the healing qualities of nature, intentionally made with scent notes that have been shown through research and 25+ years of studies conducted by our perfumery partners to evoke specific moods.

Our perfumery partners worked with scientists and universities across multiple countries and demographics to conduct studies utilizing brain imaging, brain activity, heart rate, and skin response to track how specific scents affected participants physiologically, along with their own personal associations and imagery to describe the emotional effect the fragrances had.

Based on this research, we developed four scent blends meant to positively affect both spirit and atmosphere: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.


Is the collection limited edition?


No! Alchemy is a permanent addition to our full line, and is here to stay!


Where can I buy the products? When are they available?


Alchemy products are available on our site, and in both of our CA shops – our Echo Park Flagship and our North Beach San Francisco outpost. Alchemy is also available at select P.F. stockists. Interested in finding a retailer near you? Feel free to reach out to us at hello@pfcandleco.com with your zip code and the product you’re looking for, and our team will help you out!


What’s the difference between the Classic Line and Alchemy?


The Classic Line is what we’re most known for – featuring our bestselling candles, incense, room sprays, reed diffusers, and more home goods in scents inspired by travel nostalgia, our fondest memories, and P.F.’s California roots.

Alchemy is a collection of candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers in four effective fragrances inspired by the healing qualities of nature, intentionally formulated to evoke specific moods based on over 25 years of research and studies conducted by our perfumery partners.


How do incense cones differ from incense sticks?


Our Classic Line Incense Sticks are sold in packs of 15, with a burn-time per stick of about one hour; Alchemy Incense Cones are sold in tubes of 30, each with a burn time of 20-25 minutes per cone. Classic Line Incense Sticks are made with a charcoal base, while Alchemy Incense Cones are made with a wood base. All P.F. Candle Co. incense is hand-dipped into fine fragrance oils in our Los Angeles factory.

Wood-based incense cones contribute a subtle, earthy quality when burned, while charcoal-based incense offers a slightly longer burn time.


How can I smell this line in person?


If you’re local to Los Angeles, visit us at our Echo Park Flagship – open daily at 2205 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Or, if you’re near San Francisco, stop by our North Beach shop – open Wednesday through Sunday at 1422 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. For more information about our official stores, click here. If you’re interested in finding a P.F. stockist carrying Alchemy near you, feel free to email us with your zip code at hello@pfcandleco.com and we’ll help ya out!


What does “science-backed blends” mean?


Our perfumery partners worked with scientists and universities across multiple countries and demographics to conduct studies utilizing brain imaging, brain activity, heart rate, and skin response to track how specific scent notes affected participants physiologically, along with their own personal associations and imagery to describe the emotional effect the fragrances had.

Based on this research, we developed four scent blends meant to positively affect both spirit and atmosphere: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.


How are the scents meant to positively affect moods?


Inspired by the almost-magical process of transforming your atmosphere through fragrance, we sought out scent notes that evoked the healing power of immersion in nature, and created four scents meant to positively influence mood and boost intentions: Bergamot Shiso for vitality, Myrtle Mint for clarity, Geranium Moss for connection, and Enoki Cedar for grounding.

Each Alchemy fragrance has been formulated to evoke certain moods and positive associations based on scientific research led by our perfumery partners and conducted over 25 years to better understand the links between scent and our emotions.

  • Bergamot Shiso is inspired by fresh starts and fruiting citrus trees, formulated with uplifting notes of mandarin and cardamom to stimulate energy and promote vitality
  • Myrtle Mint is inspired by mind-opening conversation and intended for use during moments of focus and creativity, formulated with invigorating lemon and herbal eucalyptus to promote clarity
  • Geranium Moss is inspired by soaking in the present moment, intended for use during moments of reflection, formulated with earthy cedarwood and aromatic patchouli to promote connection with both the earth and one’s self
  • Enoki Cedar is inspired by regenerative walks through nature, intended for use during moments of deep relaxation, and formulated with rich patchouli and a proprietary olfactive technology designed to capture the positive effects of the forest on mood and wellbeing.

What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as upcycled?


Upcycled ingredients are created by sourcing raw materials from waste streams across various industries and processing them to create new aromatic ingredients. For example, upcycled orange rinds might be derived from the food production industry in which only the juice or the fruit itself is used, while the peels would typically be thrown away. Upcycling is an environmentally-conscious process of using materials that would otherwise be discarded.


What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as sustainable?


Sustainable Ingredients are raw materials sourced from producers who have a direct relationship with our fragrance houses which improves traceability, quality, and sustainability of the farming and harvesting processes involved. These critical relationships also provide support to producers to ensure that they can continue to supply raw materials in a way that is sustainable for both the earth and local communities.


The Alchemy jars look different from the Classic Line, why?


Alchemy Candles feature smoke-colored glass vessels, black metal lids, and gold-leafed labels inspired by vintage window lettering. Each candle is made with 7.2 oz of soy wax and fine fragrance oils for a 40-50 hour burn time. We chose colors that represented the nature-inspired scent profiles and characteristics of each Alchemy fragrance, while utilizing FSC-certified labels made of recycled vellum using 100% post-consumer waste with the environment in mind.

FSC-certified, or certification by the Forest Stewardship Council, indicates that products come from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social and economic standards to help preserve biological diversity and provide benefits to local communities and workers.


What is Phytogaia™?


Phytogaia™ is a proprietary fragrance technology owned by Givaudan which translates the benefits of phytoncides – molecules emitted by forest trees shown to positively affect mood and wellbeing – into fragrance.


What is Enoki? What is Shiso?


Enoki mushroom is one of Enoki Cedar’s middle notes, offering an earthy, calming quality, lending to the grounding properties of the scent.

Shiso Leaf is one of Bergamot Shiso’s base notes, offering a minty, basil-like quality and lending to the energy-boosting intentions of the scent.


How long do Alchemy candles burn for? How long do Alchemy incense cones burn for?


Alchemy Candles feature smoke-colored glass vessels, black metal lids, and gold-leafed labels inspired by vintage window lettering. Each candle is made with 7.2 oz of soy wax and fine fragrance oils for a 40-50 hour burn time.

Alchemy Incense Cones are packaged in recyclable black paper tubes containing 30 cones, featuring gold metal lids that function as burners when inverted on a heat-resistant surface. Alchemy Incense Cones burn for 20-25 minutes each. Our wood-based incense cones are hand-dipped into fine fragrance oils at our Los Angeles factory.


Is this line priced differently than regular offerings?


We believe in high-quality goods without the mark up, and aim to create luxury-level home fragrance experiences at friendly prices, which is why Alchemy candles, incense cones, and reed diffusers are offered at the same accessible prices as our Classic Line products. Alchemy Candles are available in our bestselling 7.2 oz size for $24 each, Alchemy Incense Cones are $16 per tube of 30, and Alchemy Reed Diffusers are 3.5 fl oz for $29.