Spray bottle, essential oil dropper and candle on a table with a plant

What are natural fragrances? The 8 best products to scent your home naturally.

Last Updated: July 16, 2024

Fresh balsam fir, clean linen, soothing lavender—scents can transport us to a place of comfort and wellness. Just be sure you're scenting your home naturally, or without the use of artificial fragrances. Learn the difference between the two and explore our eight favorite home scents to freshen up your home.

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The benefits of a good smelling home — to your mood and overall well-being — shouldn't be overlooked. But even more important is knowing what you're breathing into your lungs, not just what you're smelling. To help make your home smell good naturally, we've created a simple guide that details what to look for when choosing a home fragrance, why natural fragrance is better for you, and our top recs for natural fragrances to spruce up your living space.

First, what are natural fragrances?

The best way to answer this question is to look at what natural fragrances aren't.


Unlike synthetic fragrances, natural fragrances are less likely to contain a multitude of commonly used chemicals that are harmful to your health and the environment.


What are the benefits of using natural fragrances in your home?


An article in the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives outlines over 130 VOCs in a study of 25 common household products, including air fresheners and fragrances.


VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are often harmful or toxic, depending on the gases they give off that interact with other chemicals in the air.

What products and ingredients should you avoid in home fragrances?

  • Many plug-in air fresheners emit formaldehyde and/or contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors.
  • Candles containing paraffin can emit benzene, a known carcinogen.
  • Even fragrances called "natural" can be deceiving because the word "fragrance" is unregulated on labels, thus allowing for literally thousands of chemicals to be used.

Instead, look for …


  • Ingredients/essences derived from flowers and plants
  • Essential oils, like natural lavender oil
  • Clean-burning soy or beeswax in naturally scented candles

Scent yourself naturally, too! Read up on our favorite natural perfumes too.

8 best natural home fragrances

Creating a pleasing home environment shouldn't come at the expense of your health and well-being — it just makes scents! From natural home fragrance blends to air fresheners to candles, here's a list of our top 8 aromatic all-stars, chosen by Grove members and staff.

The best natural room sprays

Image of Mrs. Meyer's Room Freshener Daisy Scent

Mrs. Meyer's Room Freshener


Why we love it: A reliable brand known for its commitment to clean products at affordable prices, Mrs. Meyer's features a variety of incredible scents that Grove members love. And of course we love this room spray because it's paraben- and animal testing-free, non-aerosol, and long-lasting. It also comes in 15 scent options.


Grove member Maryssa K. wrote “Do it. My significant other finds a way to burn something at least twice a week & this eliminates the smell almost instantaneously. Not an overwhelming scent, it’s perfect."

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CALDREA Linen & Room Spray New Look

Caldrea Linen & Room Spray

Why we love it: Caldrea's sophisticated scents have created a loyal fan base. Ginger Pomelo, Blue Basil Sage, and Rosewater Driftwood are among some of Caldrea's most popular fragrances, and are cruelty-, paraben-, and formaldehyde-free. In addition to the scents above, this room spray comes in seven other amazing options.


Latoyia S. says “I love that this linen & room spray lasts a while. I expected to spray it and for it to last maybe 30 minutes to an hour, but the scent fills my house all day!”

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Image of GROVE CO. Room Spray Concentrate + Reusable Room Spray Bottle

Grove Co. Glass Room Spray Glass Bottle & Concentrates

Why we love them: Our reusable glass bottle will serve you year after year, saving you money and the planet from unnecessary waste. And that's just the start. Our concentrated blends are steam-distilled or cold-pressed from plants or fresh fruit peels. More than just aromas, these concentrates are sure to set the mood you're looking for. There's Relaxing Wild Lavender and Sage, Uplifting Grapefruit and Orange Blossom, and more.

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The best essential oils and diffusers

Relax and Unwind Set - Ultrasonic Diffuser + Essential Oils
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The best natural soy candles

Soy Wax Versus Paraffin Wax Hero.

Grove Co. Soy Candles


Why we love it: These scents are 100% natural, made from essential oils and other plant-based ingredients. They are also vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. Soothing Sanctuary and fresh Stargazing scents each burn for 40+ hours and come in reusable glass jars with cotton wicks.

Grove member Claire R. wrote “I love grove candles they all smell good not overwhelming. They also burn slowly and are not too strong having asthma these candles don’t bother me. I give them as gifts also and everyone I’ve given them to love them. They make perfect gifts for any occasion.”

P.F. Candle Co. Soy Candles


Why we love it: If you have a soft spot for good aesthetics, P.F. Candle Co.'s simple presentation makes each candle a small work of art. Add to that their striking scents — such as watermelon chili, saltwater jasmine, and teakwood & tobacco — and you'll wonder how you ever got along without them. Handmade in California from 100% soy wax, they have a long-lasting burn time for hours of ambiance and relaxation. And if you can't get enough of their candles, they also have a room and linen spray, reed diffusers, and more.

Mrs. Meyer's Soy Candles


Why we love it: Mrs. Meyer's variety of scented candles match their home cleaning products, and they burn up to 25 hours with soy wax and natural ingredients.

Grove member Velma C. said “I love the Mrs. Meyer's Soy Candle in Basil. They are my favorite candles . They have a very long burn time, and keep my house smelling really nice . I've had several visitors ask what the scent was, so they could find some of these candle for themselves.”

You can also browse Mrs. Meyer’s soy candles in an aluminum tin for a smaller candle that’s still infinitely recyclable.

DIY home fragrance ideas

Want to make your own home scents? Here are some Grove recipes to freshen up your home. Feel free to mix up the ingredients depending on what scents you gravitate towards — that's half the fun of DIY, after all.

Homemade holiday potpourri

In a saucepan or small slow cooker, combine:

  • 5–6 cups water
  • 2–3 T. cinnamon or 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • Peel of one orange
  • Chunks of one apple
  • 3–4 star anise
  • 1–2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • ~5 cloves

Homemade fresh & clean potpourri

In a saucepan or small slow cooker, combine:

  • 5–6 cups water
  • Juice and peel of 1–2 fresh lemons
  • Juice and peel of 1–2 fresh oranges
  • 1–2 sprigs of rosemary

Homemade floral potpourri

  • Gather rose, gardenia, or lavender petals from fresh plants.
  • Place petals in a single layer on a wire rack or screen (such as an old window screen) in a cool, dry place for a couple of weeks.
  • Mix petals in a jar or bowl. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rose.

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