The Best Incense

  • Duddy Greene

There aren't many things in the world that smell great when they burn. Formulated to do exactly that, incense has a storied past stretching back thousands and thousands of years. And thanks to its versatility, incense is just as likely to be found smoldering in the background of a religious ceremony as in the foreground of a college dorm room. There are all types of incense available these days, many of which are ideal for everyday use. We've rounded up a few of our favorites to help you find one that you'll love.

What to Look For

Not everybody will enjoy the same incense, but there are a few universal qualities to search for to find the right incense for you. Namely, those qualities are ingredient quality, burn time, and smokiness. With those criteria guiding our search, we think Incienso de Santa Fe’s incense bricks are an excellent option for most people. The delicious aromas, affordable prices, and high-quality ingredients helped win us over. But we also love some of the traditional Japanese and Indian incense on the market, such as those offered by Shoyeido, Minorien, and Satya Sai Baba. Read on to learn more about these.

Incienso de Santa Fe Incense Bricks

It just makes scents

With a sophisticated range of fragrances reminiscent of campfires and forests, this affordable line of incense has made a name for itself.
Best Overall

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Though many folks think of exotic aromas when they think of incense, Incienso de Santa Fe’s homey scents challenge those presuppositions. Their range of natural wood scents has won the favor of many of the most discerning nostrils thanks to the warm, sophisticated aromas. You can choose from lovely fragrances such as juniper, cedar, piñon, and more. Add to that an affordable price tag and this is a hard pick to beat. Don’t worry if you’ve never used incense bricks, either; they work just the same as incense sticks.

Pros:

  • We love that all of these incense bricks are handmade in the USA.
  • These bricks aren’t dipped in synthetic chemical fragrances like many other incenses. Instead, they’re comprised of natural wood.

Cons:

  • If you don’t handle these incense bricks carefully, they could crumble a bit in your hand.

Shoyeido Plum Blossoms Incense Sticks

Stop and smell the flowers

If you're not immediately sold when you hear "plum blossoms," take our word for it: this sophisticated incense smells as lovely as it sounds.
Runner Up

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This company is well-known in the incense industry for offering high-quality incense at unbeatable prices. And it’s not just the prices that people seem to love — it’s the unique fragrances, too. As one of their most popular fragrances, Shoyeido’s Plum Blossoms incense has been a mainstay for many years. Its sweet floral aromas blend with warm hints of cinnamon and sandalwood to create a smooth, soothing synergy. This box contains 150 incense sticks, so even if you get a little burn-happy, you’ll have enough incense to last quite a while.

Pros:

  • Unlike some incense, this one isn’t too overpowering. Thanks to that, even those who aren’t crazy about incense might enjoy this one.
  • Considering the quality of this incense and the number of sticks included per box, we think the price is fantastic.

Cons:

  • It burns fairly quickly, which can be a bit disappointing if you’re accustomed to longer burn times.

Satya Sai Baba’s Nag Champa Incense Sticks

Back to basics

You've smelled it before and you'll smell it again, and that's because it's a classic.
Best Traditional

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Offered everywhere from highway gas stations to heady crystal shops, Satya Sai Baba’s Nag Champa is perhaps the most ubiquitous incense out there. That’s largely due to its unique scent, affordable price, and its authentic ties to traditional Indian culture. Thanks to the long burn time, it can be enjoyed for quite a while. And once it burns out, the scent is distinct enough to linger in the memory for hours.

Pros:

  • If you use incense on a daily basis, this is a great option. Not only is it affordable — it also includes a large number of sticks.
  • The company’s production standards are high, so you can expect good-quality burns from these incense sticks.

Cons:

  • This isn’t the most subtle scent. Some might find it to be overpowering.

Minorien Japanese Sandalwood Incense Sticks

Less is more

Formulated with only two ingredients, this unadulterated incense boasts a smooth and subtle aroma.
Best Sandalwood

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Sandalwood is one of the most common scents used in traditional incense, and this sandalwood incense from Minorien may be one of the best out there. Delicate, warm, and muted, this Japanese incense is one of the most soothing we’ve come across. It isn’t too smoky, either, so it’s great for setting a mood subtly. Plus, the ingredients are as simple as can be. Each stick contains nothing but natural sandalwood and makko powder.

Pros:

  • Because the ingredients are so simple, the sandalwood fragrance is as close to pure as can be.
  • Even the incense box is beautiful. Thanks to that, you could use it as a decorative piece.

Cons:

  • The burn time isn’t too long with these.

Shoyeido’s Daily Incense Assortment

Strength in numbers

Rather than taking a chance on one scent, why not opt for this beloved bundle?
Best Assortment

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Buying incense on the internet isn’t always easy since you really need to smell it to know if you’ll like it. But with this assortment from Shoyeido, you won’t have to worry about that. Thanks to the six fragrances included in this bundle, there’s bound to be something for you. The selection includes some of Shoyeido’s hit fragrances, such as “Moss Garden” and “Kyoto Autumn Leaves.”

Pros:

  • This makes for a great gift bundle. Whether you’re shopping for an incense fanatic or a newcomer, this set can help them discover new fragrances.
  • Assortments can often be pretty expensive, but the cost value here is pretty impressive.

Cons:

  • Unlike gaudier scents, Shoyeido’s incense fragrances are typically more understated. If you’re not accustomed to that level of subtlety, the scent of these sticks might seem underwhelming at first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is incense made of?

This depends on the type of incense. The fragrant material is usually sourced from aromatic plants such as wood and herbs. Other materials are added to form the structure of the incense, whether it’s in brick, cone, or stick form.

Can it be harmful to breathe in incense smoke?

There are no two ways about it: inhaling any type of smoke is not good for you. Smoke contains particulate matter and other organic compounds that are harmful to the airways. That said, this doesn’t mean you’re going to going to get sick from lighting incense in your home now and again. Consider airing out your home during and after burning incense to help the burnt particulate matter escape.

About the Author

If style and fashion tips are what you're after, Duddy is your man. He spent his formative years studying the works of artists, designers, stylists, and curators to learn what pleases the eye. But he isn't just interested in aesthetics — he also seeks out products that balance form with function. Thanks to his many years of reviewing products, he has a keen understanding of what makes a great buy.

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