Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by IncenseJunction
Incense sticks have been gaining great popularity in their market because of their ability to calm the mind. They have been in use for different reasons including aiding in prayer, religious ceremonies, as well as meditation. The scents, fragrances, and aromas have proven to stir certain feelings and responses.
Since the popularity of incense sticks is growing rapidly, more and more brands are emerging claiming to have the best incense in the market with better health benefits. However, that is not always the case.
Choosing the right incense brand is the first step you have to take if you want to get quality incense sticks.
So, which are the best incense brands in the market? What makes them special? We have reviewed a wide range of brands and have come up with some of the popular and best-selling incense brands that will assure you of high-quality incense sticks. The information in this post features the highest-quality Japanese and Indian brands in the market.
Read on for further details;
The Best Incense Brands
First, we will start by looking at the top brands in the market, after which we will help you choose the right incense brand.
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Best Overall: Shoyeido
Shoyeido is one of the companies based in Japan that is responsible for the best products in the market right now. The brand has received great reviews on online platforms and if you use one of their products, you will understand why it is among the best in the market. One of their best-ranked products in the world is the Plum Blossoms Incense, and Golden Pavilion Incense.
Since the brand is very conscious about the environment, they ensure that they create their incense using only natural materials. You will note that there is a wide range of incense lines they provide. However, the series that is most appreciated is the Shoyeido Daily.
That series has 8 incense sticks that are created using high-quality material. Every scent has a Japanese name coupled with an English translation that is printed on their beautiful boxes.
You will also realize that they use a wide range of ingredients for each of the variants. However, five ingredients are used in all of the sticks available. These ingredients include patchouli, sandalwood, cinnamon, clove, and camphor.
Even with these distinct ingredients, other additional spices will offer a distinct smell coupled with a unique health effect.
If you are worried about burning an incense stick and having to deal with a room full of smoke, you should choose this brand. The manufacturer is responsible for the production of options that are gentle and have low smoke levels. You will not deal with the smoke that certain brands have.
Pros
- Wide range of incense lines.
- Natural ingredients
- Low-smoke incense sticks
- Great designs with a lasting scent.
Cons
- None.
>>> Check Shoyeido on Amazon <<<
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Runner-up: Nippo Kodo
Now, if you are looking for a brand that will deliver the quality they promises, try NIPPO KODO. Get a great experience when burning their wide range of incense sticks. Whether you are burning an incense stick or an incense cone, you probably want to get a calm and ambient atmosphere and that is exactly what you get from the NIPPO KODO brand.
This brand is one of the most popular brands for incense lovers all over the globe. It is a Japanese incense brand that has a range of products including Morning Star, Sandalwood, and many more. What’s more, the brand produces amazing incense holders, incense cones, and incense sticks.
To show just how much dedication the brand has to produce quality products, they pack their incense in some beautiful packs that you can easily reuse or even display in your house to match your décor. They are simply beautiful.
Finally, none of the products have any toxins in them and you can expect that the burn time is longer than most other brands.
Pros
- Beautiful and reusable packing
- Long burn time
- Absolutely no toxins included
- High reviews from previous customers
- A wide range of products including
Cons
- None
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Best Relaxing Blends: Kunmeido Japanese Incense Brand
Kunmeido is a brand based in Osaka, Japan. It is a brand that is very popular and safe for creating high-quality incense sticks in the Japanese market. The company is responsible for the creation of Reiryo Koh, an incense that gets a great response in the market as one of the best. The incense is used in the Temple of eternal peace, a temple based in Japan.
One of the most amazing features of the incense from this brand is that they have rich aromas that are also traditional. You will also enjoy some spicy and peppery notes in their incense sticks. It is one of the things that you will extremely enjoy in this brand’s incense sticks. Their medieval feeling.
There are different ingredients used in this brand’s incense. For instance, there are incense sticks associated with fenugreek, clove, turmeric, sandalwood, patchouli, as well as borneol camphor. These are some of the most popular fragrances that are associated with the brand’s incense sticks. However, you will realize that they have additional ingredients such as oregano, cumin, dill, as well as fennel, which are the additional ingredients used to improve the aroma of the incense sticks.
However, do not assume that Kunmeido is only responsible for spicy incense sticks. You will also get certain blends with sweet aromas.
Pros
- The brand has a wide variety of fragrances from which you can choose
- The incense sticks are of high-quality
- The brand’s incense sticks burn for a long and leave an adequate scent after they burn out
- Kunmeido’s incense sticks are reasonably priced.
Cons
- The scent might be a bit too strong.
>>> Check Kunmeido on Amazon <<<
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Best Indian Incense Brand: HEM
When it comes to good and safe incense brands, Hem is among the giants. The brand is very popular and has some of the best incense in the world. Their incense is made in India. That’s not all. They are handmade, with a wide variety of scents available. Some of the popular scents include eucalyptus, jasmine, opium, amber, lemongrass, as well as lavender. Their most popular, highly preferred scent is lavender.
The main reason why it is one of the most popular is the fact that it is a relaxation and sleep inducer, which means that it can get rid of your tension and also create an atmosphere of complete tranquility.
However, that is not all it does. It can get rid of all the bad odors that would be in your home or room and will also make the general environment better.
If you want to be at peace all the time, you can easily choose this brand and you can be sure that you will not regret it.
Pros
- Wide range of scents to choose from
- Hand-made incense sticks
- Popular and effective lavender option
- Reasonable prices.
Cons
- It is not clear if the brand uses synthetic materials, although it states that it uses completely natural ingredients.
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Worth a Mention: Song of India
Song of India is among the Indian brands that have gained great recognition over the years. The brand has been recognized for the production of some incense products that include natural materials, plants, as well as other spices. What’s more, their products are hand-rolled, so you can expect the best from the brand. At the same time, there might be inconsistencies in their products.
One of their most popular products is the India Temple incense which has a very great aroma. Their products can be used for a range of purposes that include meditation, concentration, yoga, and more.
Unlike most of the brands on our list, this one has been known to produce some resins and essential oils that have great effects in regard to the purification of the atmosphere, as well as meditation and relaxation.
If you are a picky person in regard to essential oils and incense, then you will like this incense. As you will see from the reviews online, the brand has not disappointed. Even when the incense sticks are not lit, you will get a whiff of the amazing scent.
Pros
- The amazing brand’s products have an exceptional aroma
- The fragrance is strong
- Affordable products that are worth every penny
- The incense burns evenly
- No excessive smoke is produced
- The products are packed well.
Cons
- We could not find any.
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Another Favorite: Baieido Incense
This company came to be in Sakai in the year 1657. The brand is known for a range of reasons including the Aloeswood fragrances. When burning their products, you will find yourself thinking of spicy, warm, and deep descriptors.
Its name is divided into three parts. Bai, which means Plum tree, Ei, which means prosperity, and finally Do, which translates to store or shrine.
As far as Japanese brands go, this brand is recognized for high-quality and safe products. The brand makes use of blends of the best resins and aromatic woods, resulting in the production of some mild, natural, and low-smoke sticks with superb aroma and quality.
One of the popular products from this brand includes the Baieido Bikou Kobunboku. Bikou translates to delicate incense.
If you are looking for a safe incense brand that will offer high-quality, natural products at affordable prices, then this is the brand you should be thinking of.
Pros
- Wide range of scents to choose from, each with different benefits
- Produces some very high-quality incense products
- Completely natural aromatic woods and resins are used
- The products produced do not have a lot of smoke.
Cons
- Some of the products from the brand are a bit more expensive.
>>> Check Baieido on Amazon <<<
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Another Indian Brand: Satya Incense
Satya is one of the most popular and best-selling incense brands in the world. It is a brand that has gained great recognition over the years for producing some of the best products in the market. Some of the most exported productions include Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa. It is one of the most exported incense.
The incense brand makes use of some high-quality ingredients. The incense made is hand-rolled using some traditional methods. These are methods that have surpassed time and have been passed down from generation to generation.
The brand is responsible for making a wide range of products including sticks and cones. They are made available for purchase in different market platforms and are made available even for wholesale purchases.
In case you are looking for a safe brand that will not disappoint you in any way, then Satya is the brand for you. It features a range of scents including Dragon’s blood, Nag Champa, as well as Super Hit.
If you ask most of the customers who are fond of burning incense, you will find that Satya is a brand that is highly appreciated. There is a wide range of fragrances that keep customers coming back for more.
Pros
- Wide range of products to choose from with high-quality
- Most of the popular scents are included
- Careful production process
- Certified products
- Quality customer service to address issues and complaints.
Cons
- The products are not always available
- The prices might be higher due to the quality.
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Worth Mentioning: Kougyudado
Kougyudado, even though not highly recognized, is responsible for creating some of the best Japanese incense sticks in the market. They have created a line of incense sticks that are very appealing to the eye. But that is not all there is to it. There are different aromas, such as the Gionen Maisha fragrance that will give you a feeling of being exposed to some sunshine. The scents will make you feel different environments including the cosmos.
If you want a scent that resembles the waterfall from Oingba Waterfalls, then this is the brand you should consider.
Rich fragrance, coupled with perfectly made incense sticks make this brand one of the best on our list. The brand produces some high-quality, and safe natural incense sticks.
With the brand’s incense sticks, your house will be filled with some refreshing and restful ambiance. The use of traditional recipes coupled with modern scents provides a natural fragrance. The incense sticks are packed in boxes that match their color so that you can easily recognize them whenever you need to.
Pros
- Responsible for some of the most unique aromas
- Very beneficial incense sticks
- Quality incense sticks that burn longer
- Long-lasting fragrances
- Affordable traditional and modern fragrances.
Cons
- It is not easy to find incense from this brand online.
>>> Check Kougyudado on Amazon <<<
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Top Astonishing Blends: Wild Berry
The brand, Wildberry, is an amazing brand from Oxford, Ohio. The founder, Marc Biales, started this amazing brand in 1971. It is one of the most popular brands that used ingredients collected from all over the world. Their main focus was handcrafted items. This is now an amazing brand that still maintains a focus on finding unusual, wacky, and unique items to produce great material.
When you purchase incense from this brand, you can be sure that you will get some fresh, enlightening, ambient, and warm scents to take you through anything including meditation, yoga, and more.
This brand has amazing products that include Ocean wind, dragon’s blood, Fizzy Pop, cinnamon, and the list just keeps ongoing.
To light the incense sticks from this brand, you simply need to hold the end that has color on it, then light the other end. Blow it out when it starts glowing and then enjoy the pleasant smell produced by Wild Berry incense.
Pros
- The incense products are affordable
- It is a very unique brand with different products
- Great smell
- They have a wide range of beautiful incense sticks.
Cons
- Some of the incense products do not have the expected scents.
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Another Great American Brand: Sensari
Get some of Sensari’s amazing products to get the scent of special love, a very romantic evening, a peaceful afternoon or night, or even freshen your home. Sensari is one of those brands that you simply applaud when your nose gets the scent even from afar. It enriches and enhances all experiences.
The brand’s sticks are made using some of the pure and natural ingredients that produce that natural aroma. There are no additives, fake dyes, or colors that are included in the products. That means no toxins that would affect your health in any way.
The brand features around 12 assorted scents, which are made using natural ingredients without any fillers or alcohol. Their products are produced in The States.
Ash is one of the problems that most of us face when dealing with incense sticks but the brand provides a large ash catcher or incense holder that will get ash from two sticks. It is a brand that has received great reviews, even for the products meant for the Catholic Church.
Pros
- The brand produces some beautiful products.
- Their products have adequate size for the price.
- The incense burners are simply beautiful
- The fragrance produced is perfect
- No excessive smoke is produced
- The brand does not use fillers or additives
- Great products for gifts.
Cons
- No cons were associated with the brand.
>>> Check Sensari on Amazon <<<
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Chakras Brand Incense
This brand’s incense is popular for the balanced and unique aromas they produce. One of the features that make this the best incense brand in the world is that the sticks are made using 100% natural ingredients.
That means that there are no ingredients that are man-made or additional chemicals. Why are natural ingredients good? Well, they are completely functional in providing the desired aromas and scents. But that is not all. If you purchase incense sticks that feature completely natural ingredients, you will be safe from ingredients such as charcoal that would cause some health issues.
The fragrances you would get from this versatile package include peppermint, sage, lotus, rose, jasmine, patchouli, as well as bergamot.
These incense sticks are available at a very reasonable and affordable price. These rates are perfect because you get incense sticks that will allow you a scent that lasts for longer, around 1 hour.
The packaging of these brands is made with recyclable material, with each chakra getting individual packets.
Pros
- Wide range of fragrances
- Reasonable rates
- Completely natural ingredients
- The incense scents last for a long when burned
- Perfect gift for people into meditation or yoga.
Cons
- Some people complain that some of their incense sticks tend to be smoky.
>>> Check Chakras on Amazon <<<
Traditional vs. Modern Scents
In the timeless world of incense, the clash between traditional and modern scents creates a harmonious symphony. Traditional fragrances transport us to ancient rituals, while modern blends innovate and adapt to contemporary lifestyles.
Exploring the timeless appeal of traditional scents
The deep, earthy notes of traditional Japanese incense evoke centuries-old rituals, connecting us to the spiritual practices of Shinto and Buddhism. These timeless scents carry a cultural weight that transcends generations.
Embracing the innovation in modern incense fragrances
On the flip side, modern incense brands experiment with innovative blends, incorporating floral, fruity, and even spicy notes. This dynamic approach appeals to a broader audience, inviting them to explore the world of incense without being bound by tradition.
Choosing the Best Smelling Incense Brand in The World
We have established that there are many incense brands in the market, each with some specific advantages and disadvantages. So, how would you choose the right brand to purchase?
Well, here are several features you can take into consideration.
Reason for Purchasing incense
Some people use incense for spiritual and religious purposes. That would allow you to purchase any scent you would want with any type of ingredient you fancy. However, if you are purchasing incense for purposes of health, you should choose a specific set of ingredients. Lavender, for instance, will induce sleep, lemongrass will repel insects and Dragon’s Blood is best for cleansing.
Range of Scents in a Single Pack
You might be a person who prefers to use a variety of scents for different activities and moods. You will find that some brands provide a range of scents in a single pack, some giving up to 50 scents in a single pack.
Some will even offer more than 100 in a single pack. If you are not sure about the best smell, this top incense brand would be one with a variety of scents.
Length of Cone or Incense Sticks
The best brand of incense should provide you with incense sticks that will last longer. You can figure out how long incense sticks are from the length of the one or sticks. The longer a stick is, the longer it burns, in most cases. For more info check out this article.
Handmade and Natural Ingredients
If you purchase incense sticks with natural ingredients, you can be assured that you will receive more health benefits compared to incense that has synthetic ingredients with some artificial scents. The incense sticks that have synthetic ingredients will give off a strong scent that will in most cases be unpleasant.
How do I know if my incense is good quality?
When it comes to incense, there are a lot of factors to consider. But one of the most important factors is quality. How do you know if your incense is good quality? Here are a few things to look for:
- The smell: Good quality incense should have a strong, pleasant smell. If it doesn’t smell very strong, or if the smell is unpleasant, it’s probably not good quality.
- The color: Good quality incense should be a deep, rich color. If it’s pale or has any other coloration, it’s probably not good quality.
- The texture: Good quality incense should be smooth, not gritty. If it’s gritty, it’s probably not good quality.
- The burn: Good quality incense should burn evenly and slowly. If it burns quickly or unevenly, it’s probably not good quality.
If you keep these things in mind, you should be able to tell if your incense is good quality. And if you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with a higher quality incense.
Incense Brand FAQs:
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Is Satya a good incense brand?
Yes, Satya is a good brand of incense. It is a popular brand that is known for its high quality and pleasant scent.
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Is Hem Incense a good brand?
The answer is yes! Hem is a good brand of incense, and its products are known for being high quality. If you’re looking for a good incense brand, Hem is definitely one to consider.
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What is the best brand of backflow incense cones?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different people will have different preferences. However, some brands that are generally well-regarded when it comes to backflow incense cones include Nippon Kodo, Baieido, and Daihatsu.
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Conclusion
Incense is great for your soul, mind, body, and home. They will not only contribute to a calm environment but also give you certain health advantages. There are several best incense brands from which you can choose. It would be good if you choose wisely for the best experience. Purchase incense sticks today and start enjoying the benefits.
