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How to Choose the Right Incense for Your Space and Rituals
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If the word incense makes you think of thick smoke and strong smells that linger for days, you’re not alone. A lot of people associate incense with old-school hippie shops and an immediate headache.
But incense has come a long way.
At Altasphere, we carry two styles that are worlds apart from what you might remember. Both are made using only pure essential oils, no synthetic fragrances, ever - and crafted by female-owned, small-batch brands who deeply care about what you're bringing into your home.
We'll break down the two types so you can find the right one for your space and your rituals.
🌸 Japanese-Style Incense (No Core)
This is a more subtle, elegant incense experience. These sticks are made without a bamboo core, which means the entire stick is made from aromatic ingredients that burn cleanly. The scent is softer and more grounded - think of it like a quiet exhale.
Why people love it:
- Breakable - you can snap a stick in half for a shorter ritual
- Cleaner burn, with less smoke
- Best with holders that fit a 2.5–3mm stick
ALTA – Japanese-Style Incense
- 45 sticks per box
- Approx. 45-minute burn time
- Coreless, traditional design
- Essential oils only
🔥 Bamboo Core Incense
This is what most of us grew up seeing, but much better. A fine bamboo stem runs through the centre, with a long-burning aromatic blend around it. Ours is handmade in Melbourne, with deep, rich scents that don’t overpower.
Why people love it:
- Longer burn time (great for evenings)
- Fits most standard holders
- Easy to light and let burn while you relax
EXURO – Bamboo Core Incense
- 20 sticks per box
- Approx. 75-minute burn time
- Handmade in small batches
- Essential oils only
Just note: if you don’t want to burn a whole stick, you’ll need to extinguish it and relight it later. Make sure it’s fully out.
Why We Only Use Essential Oils
We’ve made a conscious decision to only offer incense made with pure essential oils, never synthetic fragrance.
Synthetic scents can be overpowering and tend to linger in a way that feels more disruptive than grounding. Many are made with petrochemicals and artificial additives, which can trigger sensitivities or simply feel out of alignment with a natural, intentional lifestyle.
Essential oils offer a gentler, more supportive scent experience. They're closer to nature and more connected to how we want to feel in our spaces: clear, calm, and well.
So Which One Is Right for You?
| Japanese-Style (ALTA) | Bamboo Core (EXURO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Burn time | ~45 min (or less if you snap it) | ~75 min |
| Holder type | Needs a wider hole (~3mm) | Fits most standard holders |
| Extinguish early? | Yes, break to desired length | Must be extinguished manually |
| Scent profile | Soft, meditative, calming | Rich, warm, lingering |
| Look and feel | Minimal, traditional | More classic, slightly smoky |
Final Thoughts
Incense doesn’t have to be intense. It can be subtle, soothing, and beautifully modern, if you choose the right kind.
Whether you’re setting the mood for a slow morning, a restorative evening, or just want a small daily ritual to return to yourself, there’s a style of incense that can support you.
You can explore both options [here]