P.F. Candle Co.
Amber & Moss Scented Candle
The Amber & Moss Scented Candle is a 7.2 oz (204 g) hand-poured soy wax candle from P.F. Candle Co., presented in an amber glass jar with a metal lid. It features a fragrance blend of sage, moss, and lavender and provides up to 50 hours of burn time with a strong scent throw. The candle is made in the United States with 100% soy wax.
- Category
- Home & Garden > Decor > Home Fragrances > Candles
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- 100% soy wax
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Home & Garden > Decor > Home Fragrances > Candles
Product Insights
P.F. Candle Co.’s Amber & Moss Scented Candle ($39, 7.2 oz) is a hand-poured soy candle developed from the brand’s bootstrap origins in 2008, now made in an LA factory with the same amber jar. Its fragrance—a blend of musk, amber, oakmoss, and orange—is iterated up to four times for a consistent throw that transforms from cold to warm without overpowering, and the lavender note is imperceptible even to sensitive noses. The candle uses a lead-free wick and phthalate-free oils, with a brass lid to preserve scent between burns. Priced at $3.24/oz, less than half the boutique average, it offers strong value, but requires careful use: the first burn must last 2–4 hours, the wick trimmed to ¼ inch, and sessions limited to 4 hours to ensure a full 50-hour burn and prevent tunneling. The brand’s intentionally gender-neutral design has attracted 25–30% male customers, and the candle is stocked by retailers like West Elm and Urban Outfitters.
- Candle care
For optimal burn: first burn 2–4 hours, trim wick to ¼ in, limit to 4-hour sessions.
Why this is supported
To achieve the advertised 50-hour burn life and strong scent throw, these user practices are essential:
The first burn rule states that the first time you light a new candle, you must let it burn until the melted wax pool reaches completely across the surface to the edges of the container. This typically takes 2 to 4 hours.
therealmaxwellthomas.comIf you skip this,
Skipping this foundational step causes your wax to tunnel, shortening your candle's lifespan by up to 50%.
therealmaxwellthomas.comBefore each lighting,
Always trim wicks to ¼ inch (6 mm) before lighting!
candlescience.comThis candle uses a
cotton-core wick, which is lead-free.
What type of wick is used (e.g., cotton, paper, wood) and is it lead-free?Additionally,
Always extinguish candles after four hours.
candlescience.comand ensure draft-free placement to maintain an even melt pool:
A draft from a window, ceiling fan, or air vent can push the flame to one side and create an uneven melt pool.
aunaturelsoycandles.caFollowing these steps prevents tunneling and maximizes scent throw.
- Value
Cost per ounce is about $3.24, less than half the boutique average of $7.30/oz.
Why this is supported
At $23.29 for the 7.2 oz candle, the per-ounce cost is $3.24.
P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss Soy Candle, 7.2oz (SC11) $23.29
staples.comThis is well under the boutique average:
Average cost per ounce: $7.30 to (non-subscribers); $6.30 (subscribers)
nytimes.comSo the candle offers premium hand-poured soy wax at a significant discount.
- Fragrance development
Fragrance is iterated up to four times for consistent throw, and formulated for sensitivity.
Why this is supported
The brand develops its fragrances through multiple iterations to ensure even delivery:
they'll send us three or four samples for every pitch, and we'll iterate—sometimes up to four rounds—really drilling down and asking them to pull back on certain components.
apartamento710.comThis process ensures the scent profile (sage, moss, lavender) throws consistently from top to bottom. Additionally, the candle is intentionally formulated for fragrance sensitivities, providing a strong but balanced scent throw that does not dominate a room.
- Brand story
Bootstrapped in 2008 on a kitchen stovetop, now hand-poured in an LA factory with the same amber jar, offers gender-neutral scents.
Why this is supported
When Kristen Pumphrey started P.F. Candle Co. from her kitchen stovetop in 2008, she had no MBA, no business plan,
forbes.comvertically integrated fragrance brand
shopify.comWe might try different fonts or scents, but our core — the DIY aspect, the California identity, hasn’t changed since day one.
apartamento710.com25% to 30% male customer base, which is really unusual for a candle company.
shopify.comWest Elm, Urban Outfitters, CB2, Steve Allen, and Madewell.
shopify.comsynonymous with artisanal craftsmanship, distinctive scents, and chic aesthetics
8days.sg- Scent
Scents achieve a strong throw that transforms from cold to warm without overpowering the space.
Why this is supported
we'll iterate—sometimes up to four rounds—really drilling down and asking them to pull back on certain components.
apartamento710.comfragrance tends to be more subtle in a soy candle
brambleberry.comYou could DEFINITELY smell the musk and amber on a cold smell and the sage and orange came through when burning.
vanillaandlime.comvery masculine and seductive scent
vanillaandlime.comdesigned for people with fragrance sensitivities - meant to enhance a space rather than overpower it.
pfcandleco.com- Burn care
First burn of 2–4h and proper care ensure 50-h burn and strong scent.
Why this is supported
The first burn is critical: it must create a full melt pool across the jar's edge, otherwise tunneling can cut the candle's lifespan by up to 50%.
Skipping this foundational step causes your wax to tunnel, shortening your candle’s lifespan by up to 50%.
therealmaxwellthomas.comTo keep the burn even, trim the wick to ¼ inch before each lighting.
Always trim wicks to ¼ inch (6 mm) before lighting!
candlescience.comAlso, never burn the candle more than 4 consecutive hours.
Always extinguish candles after four hours.
candlescience.comAvoid drafts, which can push the flame off-center and create an uneven melt pool.
A draft from a window, ceiling fan, or air vent can push the flame to one side and create an uneven melt pool.
aunaturelsoycandles.caLastly, a full melt pool is needed for strong scent throw because fragrance oils evaporate efficiently only from warm liquid wax.
Premium scent oils need a wide surface area of warm, liquid wax to evaporate efficiently. A narrow tunnel restricts how well the aroma disperses through a room.
therealmaxwellthomas.comFollowing these steps ensures the candle can achieve its rated 50-hour burn and strong scent throw.
- Storage
Brass lid protects the candle between burns to preserve fragrance.
Why this is supported
The candle includes a brass lid for storage between burns, preventing dust and debris from degrading the fragrance.
Yes, the glass jar comes with a brass lid for storage.
Does the glass jar have a lid or cover for storing the candle?- Safety
Wick is lead-free and fragrance oils are phthalate-free for a clean burn.
Why this is supported
The cotton-core wick is lead-free, and the fragrance oils are phthalate-free, which together contribute to a cleaner burning candle.
This candle uses a cotton-core wick, which is lead-free.
What type of wick is used (e.g., cotton, paper, wood) and is it lead-free?Yes, the fragrance oils are phthalate-free.
Are the fragrance oils phthalate-free?These features make the candle safer for scent-sensitive environments.
- Fragrance profile
Unlisted notes of musk, amber, oakmoss, and orange create an earthy masculine scent.
Why this is supported
The product's listed notes are only sage, moss, and lavender, but research confirms the full formulation includes musk, amber, oakmoss, and orange essential oils, creating a damp, earthy profile.
Mossy and clean right out of the jar, this fragrance’s base of musk and amber evokes a damp, wooded forest floor layered with soft oakmoss.
vanillaandlime.comThis results in a scent frequently described as
very masculine and seductive
vanillaandlime.com. The lavender note is so subtle that even a reviewer sensitive to lavender
couldn’t get any lavender from this candle
vanillaandlime.com. The scent evolves when lit:
You could DEFINITELY smell the musk and amber on a cold smell and the sage and orange came through when burning.
vanillaandlime.comThe formulation is designed for sensitive noses, to
enhance a space rather than overpower it.
pfcandleco.comMarket validation confirms its appeal—the candle is described as
A top-seller!
luckyscent.comand the fragrance was refined over
up to four rounds
apartamento710.comwith a professional fragrance house.
- Fragrance sensitivity
Lavender note is imperceptible even to those sensitive to lavender.
Why this is supported
The brand designs scents for fragrance-sensitive people:
P.F. products are designed for people with fragrance sensitivities - meant to enhance a space rather than overpower it.
pfcandleco.com. To ensure balance, fragrances undergo up to four rounds of iteration:
we’ll iterate—sometimes up to four rounds—really drilling down and asking them to pull back on certain components.
apartamento710.com. A buyer with lavender sensitivity confirmed the subtlety:
I don’t like lavender at all and am quite sensitive to it but luckily I couldn’t get any lavender from this candle
vanillaandlime.com.
- Materials
100% soy wax produces less soot, and the candle is phthalate- and lead-free.
Why this is supported
The candle uses 100% soy wax, which
produces significantly less soot
livefumo.com. The fragrance oils are
phthalate-free
Are the fragrance oils phthalate-free?and the wick is
cotton-core wick, which is lead-free
What type of wick is used (e.g., cotton, paper, wood) and is it lead-free?.
This candle's 100% soy wax formulation provides a measurable burn advantage over paraffin:
A soy candle will typically outlast a paraffin candle of the same size by 25% to 50%.
livefumo.comIt also
produces significantly less soot.
livefumo.comThe natural frosting on the wax is a normal characteristic:
Because of this wax's tendency to frost we recommend using very light shades of color or no color.
candlescience.comThis confirms that the wax is additive-free, affecting only appearance, not performance.
outlast a paraffin candle of the same size by 25% to 50%
livefumo.comThe candle is made with clean ingredients, verified by the brand:
The wick is specifically lead-free:
And the fragrance oils are phthalate-free:
The 100% soy wax may develop a harmless white film called frosting, which indicates no additives were used to prevent it.
Because of this wax’s tendency to frost we recommend using very light shades of color or no color.
candlescience.comAdditionally, soy wax produces significantly less soot compared to paraffin, keeping the glass jar cleaner over the candle's life.
Soy also produces significantly less soot. Not zero, but measurably less. If you burn a paraffin candle and a soy candle side by side for 20 hours, the difference in jar discoloration is visible.
livefumo.comThese properties confirm the candle's high-quality soy composition.
The candle is
Made in our California factory using 100% domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks.
pfcandleco.com, confirming hand-poured domestic production.
The 100% soy wax candle commonly develops a white crystalline film (frosting) — a natural recrystallization that confirms the wax is free of synthetic hardeners. This cosmetic effect does not alter the 50-hour burn time or scent throw. A candle-making resource explains,
indicating that frosting is an expected property of this unadulterated soy wax.
- Gender-neutral appeal
25–30% of buyers are men, unusually high for candle brands.
Why this is supported
The brand reports an unusually high proportion of male buyers:
.
- Brand identity
Intentionally gender-neutral brand with 25-30% male customers and minimalist packaging.
Why this is supported
Founder Kristen Pumphrey intentionally built a gender-neutral brand, explaining:
The packaging has remained consistent since 2008:
The brand is often grouped with other inclusive indie labels:
And its bootstrapped origins reinforce its independent ethos:
- Room fit
7.2 oz for small–medium rooms; the 12.5 oz Classic Line for larger spaces with stronger throw and similar hourly cost.
Why this is supported
For the 7.2 oz candle, the brand reports a strong scent throw, making it ideal for small–to–medium rooms. The larger Classic Line version is stated to offer
Classic Line candles in a larger size, with a longer burn-time and stronger scent throw.
staples.com, targeting larger areas. A trade-off of soy wax is that it holds fragrance less well than paraffin,
The trade-off: soy wax is softer than paraffin. On its own, it does not hold fragrance as well at high concentrations.
livefumo.com, yet P.F. Candle Co. achieves a strong throw in the 7.2 oz. The cost per hour is nearly the same between sizes, making the Classic Line a stronger value for frequent use or larger rooms.
- First burn
First burn must last 2–4 hours to prevent tunneling and ensure full scent throw.
Why this is supported
To achieve maximum scent dispersion, the first burn should allow the wax pool to fully reach the container edges, which typically takes 2–4 hours:
The first burn rule states that the first time you light a new candle, you must let it burn until the melted wax pool reaches completely across the surface to the edges of the container. This typically takes 2 to 4 hours.
therealmaxwellthomas.comThis prevents tunneling, which reduces burn time and limits scent throw:
Premium scent oils need a wide surface area of warm, liquid wax to evaporate efficiently. A narrow tunnel restricts how well the aroma disperses through a room.
therealmaxwellthomas.comThis advice applies to all candles, including the 7.2 oz, ensuring optimal performance.
- Market acceptance
Top-seller on Luckyscent, carried by West Elm and Urban Outfitters, and 25-30% male customer base.
Why this is supported
Luckyscent calls it
A top-seller!
luckyscent.com, confirming strong consumer approval. Additionally, the brand secured early distribution from design-forward retailers:
In 2013, the company started getting orders from major retailers like West Elm, Urban Outfitters, CB2, Steve Allen, and Madewell.
shopify.com. Finally, the brand's gender-neutral approach has yielded
- Artisanal quality
Hand-poured in California since 2008, grouped with artisanal brands like Boy Smells.
Why this is supported
P.F. Candle Co. is consistently grouped with artisanal brands:
Brands like Boy Smells, PF Candle Co, and Nest have become synonymous with artisanal craftsmanship
8days.sg. Every candle is
Made in our California factory using 100% domestically-grown soy wax
pfcandleco.comand the company’s core identity remains unchanged:
our core — the DIY aspect, the California identity, hasn’t changed since day one.
apartamento710.comThe brand started
from her kitchen stovetop in 2008
forbes.comand now iterates new scents
sometimes up to four rounds
apartamento710.comto ensure quality across formats.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Amber-brown glass jar candle pictured from slightly above showing the open top with lit wick; a rectangular kraft paper label with several printed lines is adhered to the jar front.
- Jar shapeCylindrical glass jar with vertical sides and a rounded base visible at the bottom edge; jar mouth has a rolled lip and internal threading for a screw lid.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.75 (high) - Glass finishTranslucent amber-brown glass with glossy reflective highlights around the rim and shoulder.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.08 · w 0.44 · h 0.26 (high) - Wax surface and flamePale creamy wax surface with a single central lit wick producing a vertical flame and a small pool of melted wax around the wick.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.18 · w 0.33 · h 0.28 (high) - Wick detailSingle cotton wick with a charred black tip and a small curled ember at the top of the wick base.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.26 · w 0.06 · h 0.10 (high) - Front labelRectangular rounded-corner kraft paper label adhered to jar front with several lines of black stamped text; paper shows slight texture and tiny surface scuffs.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.46 · w 0.58 · h 0.28 (high) - Label text line 1“NO. 11 AMBER & MOSS”
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.47 · w 0.52 · h 0.06 (high) - Label text line 2“SOY CANDLE”
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.53 · w 0.36 · h 0.05 (high) - Label text line 3“POURED IN CALIFORNIA”
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.57 · w 0.42 · h 0.05 (high) - Label text line 4“WITH 100% SOY WAX”
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.61 · w 0.44 · h 0.05 (high) - Label text line 5“P.F. CANDLE CO.”
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.67 · w 0.40 · h 0.05 (high)
Packaging
Metal screw lid placed beside the jar on the left; lid is metallic with a muted olive-brass finish.
- Lid appearanceDetached metal screw lid sitting on the surface to the left of the jar; lid edge and flat top visible with a muted brass/olive finish and soft highlights.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.48 · w 0.32 · h 0.26 (high)
Other
Studio shot from slightly overhead with neutral textured cloth background; warm directional lighting creates soft shadow to lower left and reflections on glass.
- Shot compositionImage framed vertically with the jar centered slightly right-of-center and the lid left of the jar; camera angle is slightly above the jar rim looking down into the candle.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.76 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and surfaceNeutral beige textured fabric surface and background with even warm tones and subtle soft-focus, no additional props visible.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowWarm directional light from upper right creating a soft shadow toward lower left and glossy reflections on the glass rim and lid surface.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.06 · w 0.60 · h 0.80 (high)
Colors
amber brown· glass jar#9B3501warm cream· wax surfacekraft tan· labelmuted brass· lidPackaging- Jar shapeCylindrical glass jar with vertical sides and a rounded base visible at the bottom edge; jar mouth has a rolled lip and internal threading for a screw lid.
- 02
Packaging
A rectangular kraft cardboard box with black printed text and a small line drawing of a candle jar on the front face. Top flaps are closed and the front face carries product name, material claim in English and French, and maker/weight lines near the bottom.
- Box geometryRectangular cuboid kraft cardboard box shown standing on one end with top flaps closed; front face visible and right side partially visible.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.30 · w 0.45 · h 0.55 (high) - Primary front headline text“NO. 11: AMBER & MOSS”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.32 · w 0.38 · h 0.10 (high) - Material claim and origin lines (English)“100% SOY WAX CANDLE”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.42 · w 0.38 · h 0.05 (high) - Origin line (English)“POURED IN CALIFORNIA”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.47 · w 0.38 · h 0.05 (high) - Material claim and origin lines (French)“BOUGIE 100% CIRE DE SOJA”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.53 · w 0.38 · h 0.05 (high) - Origin line (French)“MOULEE EN CALIFORNIE”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.58 · w 0.38 · h 0.05 (high) - IllustrationSmall black line drawing of a jar candle with a single flame, located on the lower right area of the front face.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.62 · w 0.12 · h 0.15 (high) - Maker and weight line“P.F. CANDLE CO.”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.72 · w 0.25 · h 0.06 (high) - Weight statement“204 G • 7.2 OZ”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.25 · h 0.05 (high) - Printed ink and styleBlack ink printed directly onto uncoated kraft cardboard in a condensed uppercase type; small corner bracket marks printed near the headline.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.30 · w 0.40 · h 0.50 (high)
Other
Product shot with warm directional lighting from left, neutral brown textured backdrop and a soft shadow cast to the right of the box; image is vertically oriented and centered on the box.
- BackgroundEven warm brown textured background and flat surface matching the background color, creating a tonal, low-contrast scene.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowWarm directional light from the left produces a soft shadow projected to the right of the box and subtle highlight along the left top edge of the box.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.25 · w 0.80 · h 0.65 (high) - Shot compositionVertical centered product composition with the box placed slightly left-of-center and room above the box; minimal props or additional elements.
Colors
kraft brown· box exteriorPackaging#AB8C6Cmatte black· printed text and illustrationPackaging#543622- Box geometryRectangular cuboid kraft cardboard box shown standing on one end with top flaps closed; front face visible and right side partially visible.
- 03
Product
Three amber glass jar candles with round screw lids, two of the jars are lit and one jar is stacked on another. Each jar has a rectangular kraft paper label with black stamped text.
- Jar shapeCylindrical amber-brown glass jars with straight vertical sides and a slightly thicker rounded lip at the top opening.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.48 · w 0.32 · h 0.44 (high) - LidsDetachable screw-on metal lids with a matte gold finish; one lid is placed on the surface apart from jars and two lids are seated on jars.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.86 · w 0.22 · h 0.11 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.58 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (medium) - Kraft paper labelRectangular tan kraft paper labels applied near the upper third of each jar with visible black monospaced stamped text.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.66 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.55 · y 0.38 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (high) - Flame and waxTwo jars contain visible lit flames and exposed cream-colored solid wax around single centered wicks.
2 regions
x 0.38 · y 0.65 · w 0.25 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.20 · w 0.18 · h 0.22 (high) - Stacked arrangementOne jar is stacked on top of another jar at the right side, forming a two-high column with the top jar lit.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.18 · w 0.33 · h 0.48 (high) - Label texture and printingLabels show uneven ink density consistent with stamped or typewriter-style black uppercase text; paper surface has slight grain visible in close areas.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.66 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (medium) - Front lower jar label text“NO.29: PINON”
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.67 · w 0.30 · h 0.06 (high) - Front lower jar secondary label text“SOY CANDLE”
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.72 · w 0.30 · h 0.05 (high) - Upper stacked jar primary label text“NO.11: AMBER & MOSS”
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.25 · w 0.30 · h 0.05 (high) - Upper stacked jar secondary label text block“SOY CANDLE”
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.31 · w 0.28 · h 0.05 (high) - Upper stacked jar additional label lines“POURED IN CALIFORNIA”
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.34 · w 0.28 · h 0.04 (high) - Upper stacked jar label closing line“P.F. CANDLE CO.”
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.38 · w 0.28 · h 0.04 (high) - Right jar visible label text (partial)“NO.04: TEAKWOOD & TA”Partial
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.60 · w 0.18 · h 0.10 (medium)
Other
Warm-toned lifestyle shot on a tan fabric surface with soft directional lighting from upper left creating long soft shadows; shallow depth of field with background jars slightly out of focus.
- Background and surfaceSmooth tan fabric or paper surface covering entire frame with subtle texture and warm neutral color.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowsWarm directional light from upper left casts elongated soft shadows to the lower right and produces highlights on the glass rims and metal lids.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.10 · w 0.80 · h 0.80 (high) - Depth of fieldShallow focus with the center and right stack jars in sharp focus and the rear-left jar softly blurred and less detailed.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.14 · w 0.25 · h 0.38 (high) - Detached lid propA single gold lid placed on the surface near the bottom left acts as a prop and is fully visible.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.82 · w 0.18 · h 0.13 (high)
Colors
amber brown· glass jar body#62361Ckraft brown· labelmatte gold· metal lids#BC9B7Bcream· wax- Jar shapeCylindrical amber-brown glass jars with straight vertical sides and a slightly thicker rounded lip at the top opening.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
5 total5 reviews · out of 5
Excellent
Excellent
Love this scent.
I love the PF Line of diffusers and candles. The Amber and Moss is a beautiful, cozy scent. So happy I have found somewhere local here in Canada that I can but this product.
Smell is very very subtle
The smell is very very subtle but it's good if you like fraguances that are not too overpowering
Très beau le soir
Très beau le soir
Smells amazing! Exceeded expectations for
Smells amazing! Exceeded expectations for sure