FAQ
Everything you need to know about our candles, vessels, and brand.
Orders & Shipping
When will my order arrive?
We prepare and package orders within 1 to 2 business days. Shipping typically takes 2-5 business days depending on your location.
You'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number once your order has been dispatched.
Can I expedite my order?
Yes. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout.
If you've already placed an order and need to upgrade shipping, email us at hello@altroute.co and we'll do our best.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. We offer free shipping on all orders over $75.
Can I change my order after placing it?
Email us at hello@altroute.co as soon as possible.
We can sometimes make changes within a few hours of an order being placed, but we cannot guarantee changes once an order has been confirmed or prepared for shipping.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we ship within the US only.
If you would like to see Alt Route ship to your country, let us know at hello@altroute.co. It helps us understand where to go next.
Where are your products made?
Every candle is hand poured in Easton, Pennsylvania.
We are a women-owned small business, and everything is made right here in the US.
Returns & Exchanges
What is your return policy?
We offer free exchanges on all orders as long as the candle has not been lit, warmed, used, or damaged and is still in sellable condition.
Email us at hello@altroute.co within 15 days of receiving your order, and we will get it sorted.
What if I don't love the scent?
We know buying fragrance online is a leap of faith, which is exactly why we created The Travel Loop Discovery Set.
Six small tins let you experience the complete loop before choosing a full-size candle, or several.
If you have already purchased a full-size candle and it is not working for you, reach out and we will do our best to help you find one that does.
What if my candle arrives damaged?
Sometimes things happen in transit.
Email us at hello@altroute.co with a couple of photos of your unboxing experience and your order number within 15 days of receiving your order.
We will issue a one-time replacement free of charge. Please safely discard any broken merchandise.
What if I received the wrong item?
We are sorry. We are only human.
Email us at hello@altroute.co with a photo of what you received and your order number, and we will fix it as quickly as possible.
Bulk, Wholesale & Gifting
Do you offer corporate gifting or large orders?
Yes. We love the idea of Alt Route candles marking a meaningful moment for your team, clients, or guests.
Get in touch at hello@altroute.co and we will discuss what we can put together for you.
Do you offer wholesale?
Wholesale is something we are working toward.
If you are interested in carrying Alt Route in your store, reach out at hello@altroute.co and let’s start a conversation.
The Candles
What are your candles made from?
Our candles are made with a proprietary blend of coconut, soy, and apricot wax, paired with carefully selected fragrance oils.
Our fragrance oils are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and formulated without ingredients listed under California Proposition 65.
No paraffin. No dyes. No unnecessary additives.
Full details on our Ingredients page.
How long do your candles burn?
Our 12 oz wicked ceramic candles burn for approximately 50 to 60 hours.
Our 5 oz wickless ceramic candles are designed for use with an approved candle warmer lamp or warming plate. Warm time will vary depending on the warmer, room conditions, and how often the top layer of wax is refreshed.
The Travel Loop Discovery tins burn for approximately 25 to 30 hours each when burned in shorter sessions.
What are the wicks made from?
Our wicked candles use cotton wicks, selected for each vessel and wax blend.
A well-matched wick helps create a steady flame, an even melt pool, and a consistent burn.
Are your fragrances free of phthalates?
Yes. Our fragrance oils are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and formulated without ingredients listed under California Proposition 65.
We review supplier safety information and current fragrance classifications before selecting oils for Alt Route. Fragrance standards evolve, and we pay attention to those changes rather than making broad claims that may not stay accurate over time.
Do the candles have a use-by date?
We recommend enjoying your candles within 12 months of purchase.
Over time, fragrance can fade, particularly if a candle is stored in direct sunlight or heat. Keep your candle somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight to help it stay at its best.
Why does the color of my candle vary slightly between batches?
Natural waxes are exactly that: natural.
Minor color variation between batches is completely normal and can happen without synthetic dyes or color additives.
Each candle is slightly unique.
What is a wickless candle?
A wickless candle is a candle made without a wick. Instead of being lit, it is warmed from above or below using an approved candle warmer lamp or warming plate.
It gives you fragrance without an open flame.
How do I use a wickless candle?
Place the 5 oz ceramic wickless candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface and use it with an approved candle warmer lamp or warming plate.
Always follow the warmer manufacturer’s instructions. Do not add a wick or place a wickless candle near an open flame.
How long should I warm a wickless candle?
Warmer strength and room conditions vary, so start with shorter sessions and adjust as needed.
When the top layer of fragrance begins to fade, allow the wax to cool fully, then carefully remove the cooled top layer before warming again.
The Vessel
What are the candles housed in?
Our 12 oz wicked candles and 5 oz wickless candles come in ceramic vessels, chosen deliberately.
Ceramic is durable, beautiful, and designed to be kept long after the wax is gone.
The tins in The Travel Loop Discovery Set are reusable too, perfect for storing small things once the candle is finished.
Can I reuse the vessel?
That is the intention.
Our ceramic vessels have a second life as planters, desk organizers, bathroom storage, jewelry dishes, or whatever your next loop calls for.
For ceramic vessels, remove any remaining wax before cleaning. Pour a small amount of boiling water into the vessel to loosen the wax. Once cooled, lift the solidified wax out and wash with warm soapy water.
For The Travel Loop Discovery tins, freeze for two hours, pop out any remaining wax, and wash with warm soapy water.
The most sustainable choice is the one you keep.
Can the vessels be recycled?
Ceramic is not accepted by most curbside recycling programs, which is exactly why we chose vessels designed to be reused rather than discarded.
An object worth keeping is more sustainable than a recyclable one that ends up in landfill anyway.
Why is there wax remaining at the bottom?
We recommend stopping your burn when approximately 1/2 inch of wax remains at the base.
Burning beyond this point can cause the vessel to overheat. The remaining wax also makes it easier to clean and repurpose the vessel afterward.
The Brand
What is a Loop?
A Loop is a complete emotional cycle: the recurring pattern that underlies every significant human experience.
The Travel Loop is Loop 01.
To understand the full framework visit The Loop.
Will there be more Loops?
Yes. The Travel Loop is just the beginning.
Future Loops are already in development. Join our email list to be first to know when the next Loop arrives.
How can I get in touch?
Use the form below or email us at hello@altroute.co.
We read and respond to every message.
Press, collaborations and partnerships?
For press inquiries, influencer programs, giveaways, and collaborations, get in touch at hello@altroute.co.