5 Main Types of Incense: A Complete Guide to Sticks, Coils, Resin, Powder, and Joss Sticks

Scentsations Incense
Oct 15
7 min read

Updated: Oct 15

Incense has been used for thousands of years across cultures for meditation, relaxation, spiritual rituals, and simply to make a home smell inviting. While the purpose of incense remains similar, the form it takes can dramatically change the experience. From the classic incense stick to the lesser-known but powerful resin or powder, each type has its own character, burn time, and method of use.

In this article, we’ll explore the five main types of incense:

Incense Sticks
Incense Coils
Incense Resin
Incense Powder
Joss Sticks

You’ll learn about their typical burn times, how to use them, what kind of holders you’ll need, and how each form differs from the others.

1. Incense Sticks

Perhaps the most recognizable type, Hand Dipped incense sticks are the go-to choice for everyday use. They’re versatile, affordable, and come in countless scents ranging from sandalwood and jasmine to more complex blends.

Burn Time

Standard incense sticks typically burn for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on thickness and length.
Thicker “masala” sticks or extra-long sticks may last up to 90 minutes or more.

How to Use

Light the tip of the stick until it glows red.
Blow out the flame, allowing the stick to smolder and release fragrant smoke.
Place the stick securely in a holder.

Type of Holder Needed

A wooden boat holder (ash catcher) is most common—it collects falling ash for easy cleanup.
Ceramic, stone, or brass stick holders are also widely used.

What Makes Them Unique

Easy to use with minimal setup.
Perfect for meditation, yoga, or simply refreshing a room.
Portable and mess-free compared to resin or powder incense.

2. Incense Coils

Incense coils are a striking and efficient way to burn incense for long durations. Originating in East Asia, they’re often hung in temples, shrines, or outdoor spaces.

Burn Time

Coils are known for their extra-long burn times, ranging from 2 hours to 24 hours, depending on size and thickness.
Large temple coils can burn for days.

How to Use

Light the outer edge of the coil.
Once it begins to glow, hang or place the coil in its holder.
Allow the smoke to waft through the air in a continuous spiral.

Type of Holder Needed

Coils can be hung from hooks or placed on a special coil holder that suspends them safely.
Some smaller coils can be set flat on ceramic plates or sand-filled bowls.

What Makes Them Unique

Long-lasting fragrance for extended meditation, ceremonies, or festivals.
Ideal for large spaces where a single incense stick wouldn’t suffice.
The spiral shape is both functional and decorative.

3. Incense Resin

Resin incense is one of the oldest forms, used in ancient temples and rituals. It comes in the form of small, hard crystals—like frankincense, myrrh, or copal—that must be burned on charcoal rather than directly lit.

Burn Time

Resin itself doesn’t burn with a fixed duration—it depends on how much you place on the charcoal disc.
A charcoal disc burns for 30–45 minutes, during which you can add multiple pinches of resin.

How to Use

Place a charcoal disc on a heat-resistant burner filled with sand or ash.
Light the charcoal until it begins to spark and glow.
Sprinkle a small amount of resin onto the hot charcoal.
The resin will melt and release its aromatic smoke.

Type of Holder Needed

A charcoal burner, censor, or brass bowl filled with sand to absorb heat.

What Makes Them Unique

Produces rich, powerful smoke with a deep, traditional aroma.
Strongly associated with spiritual and ceremonial use.
Requires more preparation and care compared to sticks or coils.

4. Incense Powder

Incense powder is finely ground incense material that can be burned in multiple ways. It offers flexibility in creating custom blends and burn times.

Burn Time

Burn time depends on how much powder you use.
A small pinch may last 5–10 minutes, while a larger mound can burn for 30 minutes or more.

How to Use

The most common method is to form a small mound or line of powder on a heatproof surface and light it at one end.
Alternatively, incense powder can be placed on hot charcoal like resin.

Type of Holder Needed

A ceramic dish, brass bowl, or stone plate lined with sand or ash.
Some users create designs or lines of powder for gradual burning.

What Makes Them Unique

Flexible and customizable—you control the burn length.
Great for blending different powders to create your own fragrance.
Often used in traditional rituals where specific amounts are measured.

5. Joss Sticks

Joss sticks are often confused with regular incense sticks, but they have distinct differences. Originating in China, joss sticks are widely used in temples, ancestor offerings, and spiritual practices.

Burn Time

Thin joss sticks burn quickly, usually 20–40 minutes.
Thicker temple-grade joss sticks can burn for several hours.

How to Use

Light the tip of the joss stick until it glows.
Blow out the flame and let it smolder.
Place upright in a holder or directly in a pot of sand.

Type of Holder Needed

A sand-filled urn or pot is traditional for temples and ancestor offerings.
At home, a simple incense holder with upright slots can work.

What Makes Them Unique

Usually coreless (no bamboo stick inside), meaning they burn completely with minimal ash.
Associated strongly with spiritual and religious practices.
Produces steady smoke but less ash mess compared to bamboo-core sticks.

How They Differ from One Another

To summarize the distinctions:

Incense Sticks: Everyday use, easy setup, moderate burn time.
Incense Coils: Long-lasting, ideal for temples or large spaces.
Incense Resin: Ancient, powerful, requires charcoal burner.
Incense Powder: Flexible, customizable, variable burn time.
Joss Sticks: Coreless, spiritual, used in temples and rituals.

Each type offers a different atmosphere—whether you want a quick, relaxing scent at home or a deep, ceremonial aroma for meditation or rituals.

Final Thoughts

Incense is more than just fragrance—it’s a sensory experience rooted in tradition. Choosing the right type depends on your purpose: relaxation, meditation, spiritual practice, or simply freshening a room.

If you want something simple: go with incense sticks.
For long ceremonies: try coils.
For a deep, resinous aroma: choose resin incense.
For customization: experiment with powder.
For spiritual offerings: use joss sticks.

Whatever form you choose, always burn incense safely in the right holder and enjoy the calming, grounding benefits it brings.

✅ Pair your incense with the right tools—browse our collection of incense holders and burners to get the most from your experience.

🌿 Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Incense

Incense Sticks

1. What’s the difference between hand-dipped incense sticks and masala incense sticks? Hand-dipped sticks are soaked in fragrance oils, giving a strong, immediate scent, while masala incense sticks are made from natural powdered herbs and resins, producing a more earthy, traditional aroma when burned.

2. How long should you let an incense stick burn? Most incense sticks burn for 30–60 minutes, but thicker or longer sticks can last up to 90 minutes. Always burn them in a proper holder to catch the ash.

3. Are incense sticks safe to use indoors? Yes, as long as you use them in a well-ventilated area. Avoid burning multiple sticks at once in small spaces to reduce smoke buildup.

4. Why do my incense sticks burn unevenly or go out? Uneven burning can happen due to humidity, poor-quality incense, or a weak flame when lighting. Make sure the tip is fully glowing before blowing it out.

🔸 Incense Coils

5. How long do incense coils last compared to regular sticks? Incense coils can burn anywhere from 2 to 24 hours, making them perfect for temples, meditation spaces, or all-day scenting.

6. Can incense coils be used indoors safely? Yes—but because they burn for long hours, it’s best to use them in open or well-ventilated spaces, away from flammable materials.

7. How do you hang incense coils without making a mess? Use a metal hook or coil holder designed to catch ash beneath the coil, or place the coil flat on a ceramic plate filled with sand.

🔸 Incense Resin

8. What’s the best way to burn resin incense like frankincense or myrrh? You’ll need a charcoal disc in a heatproof burner. Once the charcoal is glowing, sprinkle small pieces of resin on top to release the aroma.

9. Why does my resin incense smell burnt or harsh? usually means you added too much resin or your charcoal is too hot. Start with a small pinch and add more gradually.

10. Can resin incense be used without charcoal? Yes—electric resin burners are available and allow you to heat resin gently without smoke, giving a cleaner experience.

Incense Powder

11. What is incense powder used for? It’s used for blending your own fragrances, ritual use, or short, controlled burn sessions. You can shape it into lines, mounds, or symbols before lighting.

12. How do you make incense powder burn slower? Pack the powder more densely or mix it with natural wood powders (like sandalwood or makko) to slow the burn and make it more aromatic.

13. Can I mix my own incense powder blends? Absolutely! Combine different aromatic woods, herbs, and resins to create a signature scent. Many users mix frankincense powder with sandalwood for a balanced aroma.

Joss Sticks

14. What’s the difference between joss sticks and regular incense sticks? Joss sticks are usually coreless (no bamboo stick) and burn completely, while regular incense sticks are coated around a bamboo core that stays behind.

15. What are joss sticks used for in spiritual practice? They’re often burned for ancestor offerings, temple rituals, or as part of daily prayers in many Asian traditions.

16. Do joss sticks produce less ash or smoke? Yes—since they’re coreless, joss sticks produce finer ash and a softer smoke compared to bamboo-core incense.

General Incense FAQs

17. Which type of incense lasts the longest? Incense coils offer the longest burn time—up to a full day—while resin incense can also last long if added gradually to charcoal.

18. What type of incense is best for meditation? Masala incense sticks, resin incense (like frankincense or copal), and soft-burning coils are great for deep meditation and relaxation.

19. What incense is most natural or chemical-free? Masala incense, resin incense, and powdered blends are generally more natural because they’re made from herbs, woods, and resins rather than synthetic oils.

20. How can I choose the right incense holder for my incense type?

Sticks: Wooden or ceramic ash catchers.
Coils: Hanging metal coil holders or flat ceramic dishes.
Resin/Powder: Brass censers or bowls filled with sand.
Joss Sticks: Upright holders or sand pots.