Historically, incense was made from plants.

Herbs were dried and powdered. Resins were harvested from trees. Woods were ground, gums were used as binders, and blends were formed by hand. These materials were chosen for their scent, their availability, and their long-standing use in ritual and daily life.

The result was incense that burned gently, produced less smoke, and smelled of the earth it came from.

As incense became a global commodity, production shifted toward speed and scale. Many modern incense sticks are now made using:

• Waste wood powders
  

• Industrial binders or glues
  

• Synthetic fragrance oils
  

• Bamboo cores used as a structural shortcut
  

These materials allow incense to be produced quickly and inexpensively, but they also change how incense burns, smells, and feels in a space.

Some people experience no issues with commercial incense. Others notice headaches, irritation, or discomfort. Bodies are different, and sensitivity varies widely.

We believe people deserve to know what is being used in their products.

We choose a slower path.

All Midnight Apothecary incense is made using the traditional joss-stick method - incense formed entirely from botanical materials, without a bamboo core. Our blends are composed only of:

• Herbs

• Flowers

• Resins

• Woods

• Gums

Each ingredient is selected intentionally and ethically sourced from reputable vendors. We avoid synthetic fragrance oils and unnecessary fillers, relying instead on the natural scent profiles of the plants themselves.

This approach produces a lower-smoke burn and a scent that feels closer to how incense was historically experienced.

Transparency is a cornerstone of our work.

Every Midnight Apothecary product includes a full ingredient list on the label. No vague terms. No hidden components. No mystery blends. Knowing what you’re burning allows you to make informed decisions, especially if you have sensitivities or preferences.

Education is about choice.

Incense is a tool, not a requirement.

Some people burn it daily. Others only during specific rituals or moments of reflection. Some prefer light, fleeting smoke. Others enjoy deeper, resinous scents. There is no “correct” way to use incense - only what feels right for you.

If you’re sensitive to smoke or scent, we recommend:

• Burning in a well-ventilated space

• Using shorter burn times

• Choosing blends with lighter botanical profiles

Listening to your body is part of the ritual.

Many modern incense blends,  including those marketed as “all natural,” rely on essential oils or oil-based fragrances applied through dipping methods. While these oils may be plant-derived, the presence of added oils changes how incense burns.

Oil-heavy incense typically burns hotter and faster, producing thicker smoke and stronger scent throw. For some people, this can be overwhelming or irritating, particularly in enclosed spaces.

At Midnight Apothecary, we do not use essential oils, fragrance oils, or carrier oils in our incense. Instead, scent comes entirely from the plants themselves - herbs, resins, woods, and gums - blended and formed using traditional dry methods. This results in a slower, lower-smoke burn and a scent that unfolds more gently over time.

There is no single “correct” way to enjoy incense. Our goal is simply to offer an option rooted in traditional materials and transparent methods, so you can choose what feels right for you.

Midnight Apothecary is about offering an alternative rooted in tradition, transparency, and care - for the craft, the materials, and the people who use them.

Incense doesn’t need to be complicated. It simply needs to be made with intention.