We Smelled Every Single Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Candle—Here's Our Definitive Ranking

Rating: 5.1/10

Tester notes:

• Smells like fall brunch, perfect if you like the smell of pancake syrup.
• This one is super strong; it definitely smells like pecan waffles.
• VERY sweet but I do like that it's a little nutty.

Rating: 5.4/10

Tester notes:

• This one reminds me of biting into a caramel apple on a fall day!
• Smells sugary, definitely has an artificial tinge to it.
• Smells to me more like a strawberry shortcake than anything pumpkin.

Rating: 5.4/10

Tester notes:

• I love that the sweetness of this one is balanced by some spices. I get notes of clove, nutmeg, and allspice.
• This would be a good gift for somebody who isn't necessarily PSL obsessed.
• This one smells more like vanilla frosting than pumpkin.

Rating: 6.2/10

Tester notes:

• This literally smells like maple syrup freshly tapped from a tree in Vermont. It's SO delicious.
• A little too sweet for my preferences, but I like the balance of the maple. The pumpkin isn't as strong.
• Smells like pancake syrup. People who don't like sweet scents might find the artificial maple notes cloying.

Rating: 6.4/10

Tester notes:

• Just as sweet as you'd expect, perfect for someone that likes gourmand fragrances.
• This one smells like candy corn—and I love candy corn.
• This smells like frosting—which might smell enticing in a large room.

Rating: 6.8/10

Tester notes:

• Although this isn't my personal favorite, I'm ranking it high because of how delicious and edible it smells. It's literally like a Cinnabon stand in a candle.
• This smells like a bakery! It's very, very sweet, but not in an overpowering way.
• This one smells exactly like a donut; I'm impressed. It's more so "dessert" than "fall"!

Rating: 6.9/10

Tester notes:

• Spicy warm notes of cinnamon and clove mark this the epitome of what a fall scent should be. I would light this next to a roaring fire and cozy up under a blanket.
• I would burn this during Thanksgiving, because the pumpkin is subtle and the clove lends a holiday-ready touch.
• This is very cinnamon-forward, making it a great fall-into-winter scent.

Rating: 7.1/10

Tester notes:

• This smells exactly like a freshly baked snickerdoodle cookie!
• Warm and inviting, smells like a candle a realtor burns at an open house of your dream home.
• Definitely a scent that will make your home smell like a bakery or cinnamon rolls.

Rating: 7.3/10

Tester notes:

• I don't smell a ton of "pumpkin," but it's definitely something I'd like to have in my apartment between November and December.
• Love the woody notes in here! Pleasant, with subtle pumpkin vibes.
• The pumpkin note is very subtle; I'm mostly getting notes of warm earl grey tea, but it's very cozy!

Rating: 7.8/10

Tester notes:

• This smells exactly like Starbucks' white hot chocolate and I'm not mad about it. It's warm, nutty, and sweet.
• Actually smells like a PSL. Perfect scent to burn on a fall morning thanks to the coffee notes.
• I love the smell of coffee (and pumpkin spice, obviously), so this is one of my favorites.

Rating: 8.6/10

Tester notes:

• Love that it's clove-forward, very spicy, and fresh—yet still cozy!
• It's warm and familiar and fall-y without being too on-the-nose.
• I typically don't like cloves or spicy candles, but this one smells so good!

Rating: 8.8/10

Tester notes:

• Nothing beats this OG fall scent, it's got the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• This one is so classic! I love all the spiced notes that make it smell like fresh-baked pumpkin bread.
• It has a more elevated feel for a sweet scent that's balanced out with depth of spice notes.

Rating: 8.9/10

Tester notes:

• Refreshing, earthy, vanilla-esque, home-y, warm, and all the good things that autumn brings.
• A nice break from traditionally sweet pumpkin scents. This one is earthy and musky.
• Smells like a bonfire! I'm partial to patchouli scents and I love that it's layered with pumpkin and fall spices.

Rating: 9.0/10

Tester notes:

• I LOVE an apple scent and this one is juicy and well-rounded. It smells like my favorite upstate orchard.
• This smelled more apple-y than pumpkin-y to me! It doesn't quite scratch the pumpkin candle itch.
• The smell of apples instantly reminds me of fall, and this candle definitely delivers on that front.

Rating: 9.0/10

Tester notes:

• Obsessed with the combination of pumpkin and sandalwood! Smells fresh and clean, but still feels seasonal.
• This smells like freshly cleaned sheets, with a pumpkin-y twist.
• It's something I would burn in my home to feel cozy and comfy.

Rating: 9.1/10

Tester notes:

• It smells like a fresh autumn day, baking apple pies, and the crunch of leaves.
• I like the tart cranberry mixed with the warm spices and subtle, creamy pumpkin.
• The apple and cranberry notes are stronger than the pumpkin.

Rating: 9.6/10

Tester notes:

• It's so unique. It has the right blend of fieriness and a home-y warm feel—with a little bit of pumpkin.
• A living room scent, warm and cozy like curling up next to a crackling fireplace.
• It's so fresh and clean with an elevated touch. There's a subtle spice to it along with earthiness that makes it a grounding scent.