Candles can be an amazing way to set the mood in your home. The flickering light and lovely scents create an ambiance that helps you relax after a long day. With so many candle options on the market, it can be tough to decide which brand to choose.
Two of the most popular candle brands right now are Pura and Bath & Body Works. But which one should you buy?
In this article, we’ll compare Pura and Bath & Body Works candles to help you determine which is best for you. We’ll look at factors like ingredients, scent options, design, price, and more. Read on to learn the key differences between these two candle brands!
Pura Candles Overview
Pura candles sets themselves apart by using clean, non-toxic ingredients.
Their candles are free from paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and sulfates.
Instead, Pura uses natural soy wax along with essential oils and botanical extracts for fragrance.
This results in a cleaner burn compared to many standard candles.
In terms of scent options, Pura has something for everyone. They offer complex aromatherapy blends as well as single note scents.
Popular picks include Cozy Nights (cedarwood, vetiver, and vanilla), Calm (lavender and sage), and Crisp Linen (jr lemon and verbena). The scents are subtle yet complex.
Pura candles come in sleek, minimalist vessels made from stainless steel, powder coated aluminum, or glass. The simple, modern design looks elegant in any space. The candles are available in a few different sizes to suit your needs.
One potential downside to Pura is the higher price point, which reflects the quality ingredients. Their candles range from $28 to $48, pricier than the standard Bath & Body Works options. However, fans say the clean burn and lovely scents are well worth the investment.
Bath & Body Works Candles Overview
Bath & Body Works is the dominating giant in home fragrance. Walk into any mall, and you’ll immediately recognize their iconic fruity and gourmand scents. Unlike Pura, Bath & Body Works uses paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance oils in their candles.
But fans love them for the amazing throw and affordable prices.
With Bath & Body Works, the scent options are endless. They have new collections launching every season with fun, trendy fragrances.
Think Sweet Carrot Cake, Pineapple Mango, Strawberry Pound Cake, etc. The scents are strong, sweet, and nostalgic.
The candle vessels also cover a wide spectrum. Simple jars are affordable while novelty shapes and designs make perfect gifts.
Popular picks include the faceted jars, heart-shaped candles for Valentine’s Day, and the carved pumpkin candles for fall.
Bath & Body Works runs regular sales and promotions to get candles at a major discount. It’s easy to stock up on multiple fragrances without breaking the bank. This makes them an approachable option for candle lovers of all ages.
Comparing Ingredients & Scent Profiles
The biggest difference between Pura and Bath & Body Works comes down to ingredients. Pura uses natural soy wax and essential oils while Bath & Body Works uses paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance oils.
| Pura | Bath & Body Works |
| Soy wax | Paraffin wax |
| Essential oils | Fragrance oils |
| Natural subtle scents | Strong sweet scents |
| Higher price | Lower price |
Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct while soy wax is derived from soybeans. When burned, paraffin wax releases compounds like toluene and benzene which can be toxic. Soy wax has a lower melting point so it doesn’t release these chemicals.
However, paraffin wax makes candles cheaper to produce which is how Bath & Body Works keeps prices low.
Essential oils also have a more natural scent profile compared to synthetic fragrance oils. They can be quite strong, but the complexity unfurls as the candle burns. Fragrance oils have a punchy initial scent that remains consistent.
But they have more added chemicals compared to essential oils.
Neither option is necessarily better or worse. It comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Those seeking an affordable, strongly scented candle will prefer Bath & Body Works. But if you want a cleaner burn and natural ingredients, Pura is the better choice.
Comparing Design Elements
Pura and Bath & Body Works also take different approaches when it comes to the look and feel of their candles. This includes the vessels, labels, colors, and more.
| Pura | Bath & Body Works |
| Sleek, modern vessels | Novelty shapes and designs |
| Minimalist, plain labels | Colorful, graphic labels |
| Neutral color palettes | Rainbow bright colors |
Pura aims for a minimalist, modern aesthetic. Their candles come in simple shapes like cylinders, squares, and short rounds. The vessels are made from sleek materials like stainless steel, powder coated aluminum, and glass.
The labels feature plain text stating the scent name and the Pura logo. Color palettes are neutral with lots of white, black, and grey.
Bath & Body Works embraces playful designs to match their fun fragrances.
Candle vessels come in all shapes and sizes from classic jars to unicorns, pineapples, and more.
Labels have colorful graphics and curly script fonts. The candles use a rainbow of dyes and decorations for seasonal collections.
Pura’s candles have an elevated, designer look perfect for minimal spaces. Bath & Body Work’s playful appearance makes them great statement pieces and gifts. It comes down to the vibe you want your candles to create.
Price Comparison
Lastly, price is a major difference between these two popular candle brands. As a luxury, non-toxic brand, Pura candles command a higher price point. Bath & Body Works wins on affordability.
| Pura | Bath & Body Works |
| $28 – $48 per candle | $6 – $30 per candle |
| Higher prices | Very affordable |
Pura’s candles range from $28 on the low end for a single wick soy wax candle in a tin up to $48 for larger three wick jars. Their gift sets with candle accessories like matches and car fragrance also top $60.
Bath & Body Works offers much more affordable options. Large three wick jars start at just $15.50 each when regular priced. During frequent sales and specials, prices can drop as low as $6 per candle. Even the novelty shapes and gift sets stay under $30.
For budget-minded shoppers, Bath & Body Works is the clear choice. You can build a large candle collection without spending a fortune. But Pura fans feel the higher cost reflects the quality of ingredients. It depends how much value you place on non-toxic compositions.
If cash is tight, Bath & Body Works has better deals. But Pura is a worthwhile splurge for non-toxic candles.
Also Read: Reasons For Le Labo Perfume Being So Expensive.
Pros and Cons of Each Brand
To summarize the key points, here are the major pros and cons for Pura and Bath & Body Works candles:
Pura Pros:
- Natural ingredients like soy wax and essential oils
- Subtle, complex aromatherapy scents
- Chic, minimalist design
- Non-toxic, clean burning
Pura Cons:
- More expensive
- Limited scent options
- Smell is lighter than Bath & Body Works
Bath & Body Works Pros:
- Huge variety of scents
- Affordable, frequent sales
- Fun vessel shapes and designs
- Strong fragrance throw
Bath & Body Works Cons:
- Uses paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance
- Scents can be too strong or headache-inducing for some
- More repetitive scent collections
Which Candle Brand Should You Choose?
When choosing between Pura and Bath & Body Works candles, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What’s your budget? If you want affordable candles, Bath & Body Works can’t be beat.
- How sensitive are you to scents? Those with sensitivities may prefer Pura’s lighter essential oil aromas.
- Do you prefer simple or playful designs? Pura suits modern minimal spaces while Bath & Body Works is fun for dorms and kids’ rooms.
- Are natural ingredients important? Pura is the better pick for non-toxic candles.
At the end of the day, there’s no universally “better” option. It depends on your personal preferences and priorities. For budget-friendly, punchy scents, pick Bath & Body Works. If you want an elevated candle experience with cleaner ingredients, spring for Pura.
Hopefully, this detailed comparison helps you decide which brand is the right choice for your home and lifestyle!
FAQ About Pura and Bath & Body Works Candles
Pura diffusers are on the pricier side, but fans say the experience is worth it. The ultrasonic system quickly disperses essential oils for aromatic benefits. The streamlined designs come in lovely natural wood, ceramic, and glass. While not cheap, Pura diffusers create a clean, therapeutic scent experience compared to lower-end models.
Pura products emphasize clean ingredients which makes them healthier than many standard candle brands. Pura uses natural soy wax and essential oils instead of paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances. This means fewer toxins released into the air as the candle burns. Those sensitive to scents may find Pura’s aromatherapy blends more tolerable and headache-free.
Best selling Bath & Body Works candles include classics like Mahogany Teakwood, Vanilla Bean, and Fresh Balsam. Other top picks are seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, Peppermint Sugar Cookie, and Hot Cocoa & Cream. The selection is diverse, so visit your local store and sniff out your new signature scent!
Some popular alternative clean candle brands include Homesick, Boy Smells, and Otherland. These use natural wax blends and essential oils but at lower prices than Pura. For budget-friendly clean candles, check out Marks & Spencer’s clean living collection. IKEA also sells affordable soy wax candles with minimal ingredients.
Wrapping Up
Pura and Bath & Body Works encompass two ends of the candle spectrum. Pura represents clean, non-toxic ingredients while Bath & Body Works delivers affordable, crowd-pleasing scents.
Which you choose ultimately depends on your budget, scent preferences, and priorities when it comes to ingredients.
There’s no universally “right” option. Look at your lifestyle and decide which qualities matter most for your home. Both Pura and Bath & Body Works make excellent candles in their own regard.
Hopefully, this guide gave you a detailed overview to determine which brand best suits your needs!
