Is Another 13 Candle Worth Buying? Discover Its Unique Scent and Benefits
I still remember the first time I walked past a stranger wearing Another 13. It wasn’t a perfume that screamed for attention; it was a ghostly, addictive whisper that made me turn my head. It smelled like fresh magazine paper, clean skin, and something vaguely metallic yet warm. Naturally, as a home fragrance enthusiast, my immediate thought was: “I need my entire apartment to smell like this.”
If you are here, you are likely on the same hunt. You are looking for that elusive another 13 candle to transform your living space into a sanctuary of modern minimalism. But does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the luxury price tag? And most importantly, how do you get that specific scent profile without breaking the bank?
In this guide, I’ll break down the chemistry behind this cult-favorite scent, compare the best options available, and help you decide if this investment is right for your home.
The Scent Profile: What Actually Is It?
To understand why this candle is so sought after, you have to understand the “anti-perfume” movement. Unlike traditional floral or citrus scents, the another 13 candle profile is built around a synthetic molecule called Ambroxan.
🧪 Knowledge Point: The Magic of Ambroxan
Ambroxan is a synthetic replacement for ambergris (a rare substance from whales). It is prized for its ability to smell different on everyone. In a candle, it provides a scent that is:
- Velvety and Woody: Like dry cedar and moss.
- Musky and Clean: Often described as “your skin but better.”
- Long-lasting: It acts as a fixative, meaning the scent lingers in the air for hours after the candle is blown out.
This complex structure is why the scent is so hard to replicate. It mixes Ambroxan with jasmine petals, moss, and ambrette seeds to create a “dirty potion” that is somehow incredibly clean.
Why It Works for Home Fragrance
According to olfactory experts at Basenotes, molecular scents like Ambroxan are excellent for interior spaces because they don’t cause “olfactory fatigue.” Unlike a heavy vanilla candle that becomes cloying after an hour, this scent profile fades in and out of your awareness, making your home feel naturally fresh rather than perfumed.
Comparison: The Original vs. The Inspiration
Here is the tricky part: Le Labo technically calls their candle version “Ambroxyde 17,” and it can cost upwards of $80 for a standard size. Many of us love the scent but find it hard to justify burning almost a hundred dollars of wax in a week.
This is where imixx perfume has changed the game. By focusing on the exact same high-quality raw materials (Ambroxan and Ambrette) without the markup of a massive marketing budget, they offer a compelling alternative.
Luxury Brand “Ambroxyde 17”
Price: $85+ (Standard Size)
Burn Time: Approx. 60 Hours
Scent Throw: Moderate to High
Pros: immense brand prestige, heavy glass vessel.
Cons: Extremely expensive for a consumable item.
Imixx Perfume Inspiration
Price: Affordable Luxury
Burn Time: 50-60 Hours
Scent Throw: High (Optimized for rooms)
Pros: Uses identical top-tier Ambroxan notes; great value.
Cons: Minimalist packaging (which some prefer).
When I tested the imixx perfume version, I was genuinely surprised. The “opening” of the candle—the scent you get when it’s cold—was virtually indistinguishable from the inspiration.
Deep Dive: The Olfactory Notes Breakdown
To give you a better idea of what you will actually smell, I’ve broken down the layers. This isn’t just “musk”—it’s a carefully architectural scent.
| Layer | Key Ingredients | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Top Notes | Ambroxan, Iso E Super | Airy, metallic, slightly salty, and incredibly fresh. |
| Heart Notes | Jasmine, Moss | A subtle floral creaminess that grounds the airy musk. |
| Base Notes | Ambrette Seeds, Pear (trace) | Sweet, warm skin scent that lingers on fabrics. |
For those interested in the science of these molecules, Scientific American has fascinating articles on how synthetic biology is reshaping modern perfumery, making these scents more sustainable and consistent.
Is It Worth the Investment?
If you are someone who gets headaches from strong floral scents like rose or tuberose, this candle is absolutely worth it. It falls into the “skin scent” category, which is rare for home fragrance. It makes your home smell expensive, not like a fragrance shop.
However, spending nearly $100 on a candle is a luxury not everyone wants to commit to. This is why I personally recommend starting with a high-quality alternative to verify if you love the scent profile in your space. You can find your own another 13 candle option through curated collections that focus on the juice rather than the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Another 13 candle smell exactly like the perfume?
Yes and no. The candle version (often labeled Ambroxyde 17 by the original brand) is slightly optimized for burning. It has a bit more “throw” to fill a room, whereas the perfume is designed to sit close to the skin. However, the core DNA of Ambroxan and musk remains the same.
What is the main smell of Another 13?
The main note is Ambroxan, a complex synthetic musk that smells woody, amber-like, and clean. It is often described as smelling like fresh paper, clean laundry, or warm skin.
Is imixx perfume a good alternative?
Absolutely. imixx perfume specializes in using the same high-grade raw materials as luxury houses. Their interpretation of the Another 13 profile offers excellent longevity and scent accuracy at a fraction of the price.
How do I stop my candle from tunneling?
Always burn your candle for at least 2-3 hours on the first light, ensuring the wax melts all the way to the edges of the jar. This sets the “memory” of the wax and prevents tunneling in future burns.
My Final Advice: Don’t just buy a label. Buy the chemistry that makes you feel at home. Whether you splurge on the original or choose the smarter imixx perfume route, the scent of Ambroxan is a game-changer for any modern home.
