ps,* i love you: an overview of pumpkin spice scents for fall

Though autumn officially arrives the third week of September, for many, the true herald of autumn is the return of all things pumpkin.

Whether that makes you break out your scarves and dash to your favorite coffee shop, or roll your eyes and brace yourself for the orange onslaught, there’s no denying that pumpkin spice everything has asserted itself as more than a passing fad.

When it comes to pumpkin scents, the truth is the “pumpkin” in pumpkin fragrances isn’t so much replicating the actual smell of pumpkin as it is evoking the memories people associate with it. The rich spices and buttery crust of a homemade pie at Thanksgiving. Coming in from the crisp autumn air with the smell of fallen leaves clinging to your sweater. Hours passed lingering over a cup of something sweetly spiced at your favorite cafe with friends. Basically, most people probably aren’t looking for a squash-scented candle.

What they’re looking for is a memory, a feeling, an aesthetic. The excitement about the return of this lovely, fleeting season suspended in a bit of wax or a bar of soap. As makers and creators, that’s the power we have: capturing the intangible within a physical object we can use, touch, and smell.

No matter where you stand on the pumpkin spice scale—enthusiast or detractor—there is no denying that pumpkin is the iconic fall scent.

Our six pumpkin scents each have their own interpretation of this seasonal classic. So when you’re considering something new for your fall line or making gifts for the PSL (that’s Pumpkin Spice Latte for the uninitiated) lovers in your life, what story do you want to tell?

Let us help you decide.

You like pumpkin spice, but maybe you’re looking for something a little different. Pumpkin Chai is the sophisticated, intriguing older sibling of pumpkin spice. Worldly and well-traveled, this complex fragrance incorporates notes of clove and black tea with the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg for an experience that’s at once familiar and unexpected.

Great for: High-end body care products like foaming body butters and scrubs—your customers will love the festive pop of spicy pumpkin!

You'll like this if: You want an upscale, skin-safe pumpkin scent, evocative of local cafes rich with the wafting aromas of handcrafted, artisanal ingredients.

Crafters’ Notes: “Such a great fall scent! It's warm, inviting, and yummy, I love that you can really smell the chai with this one so it’s a bit different than your typical pumpkin fall scents. A keeper for sure!”

This sweet, buttery pumpkin scent is a perennial favorite. One of our bestselling pumpkin fragrances year after year, it’s a great performer in soy and a perfectly balanced, irresistible bakery scent for any season.

Great for: Filling the spot of “bestseller.” This one will be a winner with your customers no matter the price point of your line. Buttery, extra sweet pumpkin provides all the deliciousness pumpkin spice lovers expect in candles, wax melts, and tarts.

You'll like this if: Your customers or gift recipients are PSEs—Pumpkin Spice Enthusiasts. You want a sweet pumpkin scent with mass appeal.

Crafters’ Notes: “Whenever we make candles with this scent, they sell out so fast! Lovely for Fall and Halloween candles.”

Maybe your sweet tooth is more of a semi-sweet tooth or souffle isn’t really your jam but pie definitely is. This is a warm, mellow, true-to-life fragrance that greets you with nostalgia. Everyone looks forward to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, and when it is complemented by a tablescape alight with Pumpkin Pie-scented votives, or handcrafted soaps in the guest bathroom, the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Great for: Your line of fall or bakery-themed bath and body products. We love this in candles and votives, and it’s also a beautiful pumpkin for skin applications.

You'll like this if: You’re a bit of a traditionalist—or just really, really love pumpkin pie.

Crafters’ Notes: “This is the best Pumpkin Pie scent I have found from any company. Many of the others I've sampled from other companies smell ONLY of cinnamon and no pumpkin or even other spices, and cinnamon isn't even the dominant spice in pumpkin pie to begin with... It truly smells like pumpkin pie, which is so refreshing after searching for one for years! Great job CandleScience!”