Aircare had another year of growth as consumers turn to aircare for reasons beyond functional odor control, presenting new growth and engagement opportunities for brands and retailers to boost the sluggish aircare market. Optimal growth will hinge on brands addressing ingredient concerns, which are in part contributing to shrinking inventories. Brands that offer greater transparency and deliver on consumers’ interest in safer, healthier options that elevate the user experience will find a receptive audience.

Mintel defines the US aircare market as consisting of the following product categories:

• Candles – a body of wax formed around a wick that provides a flame and, in many cases, fragrance, when lit. Includes tea lights, votives, pillars, tapers (dinner candles) and birthday candles. Candles can stand alone or be designed for use in a holder or metal container. Both scented and unscented candles are included.

• Home air fresheners – including aerosol/spray, slow-release (solid, gel, liquid, reed diffusers) and plug-in and electric/battery-operated devices.

• Vehicle air fresheners.

Wax melts, which consist of a burner device that melts wax pieces as a means of releasing fragrance are excluded from the Market Size, but they are discussed in the Consumer sections of this Report. Potpourri and flameless candles, which use LED lights or light bulbs to create the appearance of a candle flame, are not included in the Market Size and are discussed minimally in the Market sections of the Report.