If you're a seasonal candle lover, welcome back to candle season! Temps are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and you're reaching for your favorite candles that have been in hibernation all spring and summer.
A common question people ask: Do candles expire?
The short answer is: YES (want to know more? Keep reading!)
Candles made with natural ingredients (soy, coconut, or apricot waxes; paraben-free, phthalate-free fragrances and/or essential oils) don't have preservatives like their candle counterparts made with paraffin wax and fragrance stabilizers. This means they have an expiration date!
When do candles expire?
A good rule of thumb for a candle's expiration date is 24 months/two years after you open it. Proper candle storage will make a big difference in your candle's shelf life, so be sure to:
- Keep candles out of direct sunlight
- Put the lid/dust cover back on after you burn your candle (make sure the wax has fully cooled and hardened first!)
- Store them in a cool, dry space like a kitchen cabinet or drawer
- Grab a piece of masking tape and write down the date you opened the candle
Candles can expire, so don't wait to burn your new favorite scent. Don't save them for a special occasion and find that they went rancid in the meantime!