As the year comes to a close, it’s time for some honest incense talk! While I’ve discovered incredible scents in 2024, I’ve also made a few regretful purchases. In this post, I’ll share the incense I wouldn’t buy again—so you can avoid common beginner mistakes and make smarter choices for your incense journey.
After two years of exploring incense and a year and a half of creating content about it, I’ve spent thousands testing different brands and styles. This guide is based on my personal experience, but I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
If you're just starting out and want a risk-free way to explore quality incense, I highly recommend trying the Incense Appreciation Set—a curated selection of 8 premium scents, perfect for scent testing and appreciation.
🚫 1. Skip "Super Cheap" Agarwood Incense
💚 Why I wouldn’t buy it again:
Agarwood is one of the most prized incense ingredients, known for its deep, complex aroma. But if it’s too cheap, it’s not the real deal.
I once read a quote:
"Agarwood incense should be pure and elegant. If it can’t showcase the beauty of agarwood, it’s better not to buy it at all."
I couldn’t agree more. My early mistake? Buying 50g of "agarwood" incense for just $3—and let’s just say, the only thing it’s good for now is freshening up my bathroom.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want high-quality agarwood incense, invest in trusted brands or curated sets like the Incense Appreciation Set, which offers a selection of premium wood-based scents for beginners.
🚫 2. Don’t Fall for "Mosquito Repelling" Incense
💚 Why I wouldn’t buy it again:
Tested and proven—these don’t work. My friend and I both got fooled by this marketing trick.
Incense sticks that claim to repel mosquitoes often contain mugwort, citronella, or chestnut blossom, but the thin stick format doesn’t hold enough active ingredients to be effective.
If you like the scent, go ahead and enjoy it. But if you’re buying incense specifically to keep mosquitoes away, don’t waste your money.
💡 What to Use Instead:
For a chemical-free natural solution, try:
✔️ Electric mosquito swatters—effective and immediate.
✔️ Pure moxa sticks (2cm diameter)—a traditional remedy that actually works.
🚫 3. Trendy or Viral Incense Brands Are Fun, But…
💚 Why I wouldn’t repurchase:
I love trying new things, and some viral incense brands—especially from Hong Kong, Japan, and Western countries—are beautifully designed and well-marketed.
However, their scents don’t always match my lifestyle. I’ve bought full-sized boxes based on hype, only to realize they weren’t for me. While I don’t mind paying for the experience, I’ve learned an important lesson:
👉 Pro Tip:
Never buy full-sized incense without trying samples first! If a brand offers mini versions or trial packs, always start there.
This is why I recommend the Incense Appreciation Set—it’s perfect for testing different scents before committing to a full box.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Incense Shopping in 2025
Mistakes are part of the learning process, but I hope my experience helps incense beginners avoid unnecessary purchases.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Skip super cheap agarwood incense—good incense is an investment.
✔️ Don’t buy incense for mosquito control—it won’t work.
✔️ Test before you commit—use sample packs or trial sets first.
If you're new to incense or looking for a variety of premium scents to explore, the Incense Appreciation Set is a great starting point. It’s curated with 8 unique aromas, making it the perfect way to experiment without wasting money.
What’s your biggest incense regret? Let me know in the comments! 🌿
