Nothing sets the mood like the soft flicker of candlelight and a beautiful fragrance filling the air. But did you know that not all candles are created equal? Many conventional candles release harmful toxins into your home, affecting air quality and overall well-being. At The Scented Essence we believe luxury shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. That’s why we handcraft our candles using non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients—so you can enjoy a cleaner burn without worrying about hidden chemicals.
In this guide, we’ll explore why non-toxic candles matter, what to look for when choosing safe home fragrances, and how making the switch can benefit both you and the environment.
What’s in Regular Candles? The Hidden Dangers
Many mass-produced candles contain toxic chemicals - Here’s a closer look at the common culprits:
-
Paraffin Wax – A petroleum byproduct that, when burned, can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene—both classified as carcinogens. These toxins contribute to indoor air pollution and may cause respiratory issues over time.
-
Phthalates – Frequently used in fragrance oils and commonly referred to as "plasticizers" they are used to throw a scent further and enhance scent longevity, phthalates are SVOC's (Semi Volatile Organic Compounds) They are endocrine disruptors, respiratory and cardio depressive and have been linked to many health concerns such as ADHD, autism and diabetes. Phthalates can be absorbed through inhalation, and prolonged exposure may be linked to reproductive issues and other health concerns.
- 💡 Our Alternative: Instead of relying on phthalates, our candles achieve a deep, lasting scent throw through carefully balanced wax formulas that release fragrance gradually as the melt pool deepens.
-
Parabens – Synthetic preservatives used to extend shelf life. They can cause skin irritation, aggravate existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and mimic estrogen in the body, which may lead to hormone imbalances.
-
CMRs (Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reproductive Toxins) – These harmful chemicals are found in some synthetic and natural ingredients. CMRs include carcinogens, which can increase cancer risk; mutagens, which cause genetic mutations; and reprotoxins, which can harm fertility or cause developmental issues in offspring. Some essential oils, such as cinnamon, clove, or lavender, can release CMRs when heated to high temperatures.
- Acrylates – Synthetic polymers that can be used in fragrance oils as carriers to control the release of fragrance. Acrylates may also cause or worsen allergies or asthma (allergic), immunotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. Prolonged exposure may increase the risk of cancer, allergic reactions and skin sensitivities, including contact dermatitis.
- Nitro and Polycyclic Musk – Synthetic musks, often used to stabilize fragrances, are persistent pollutants that accumulate in the body and the environment. They can disrupt hormone function and contribute to long-term health problems.
-
Silicones – Used as fragrance stabilisers in some candles, silicones do not biodegrade and can accumulate in the body, potentially impacting internal organs and overall health.
-
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol) – Emulsifiers such as PEG are used in some fragrance oils to help blend liquids more easily. PEGs can be contaminated with manufacturing byproducts like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are classified as carcinogens.
- 💡 Our Alternative: We control our fragrance-to-wax ratios carefully and mix at the right temperatures to ensure smooth, effective blending without the need for PEGs.
Why Switching to Non-Toxic Candles Matters
Choosing non-toxic candles isn’t just better for your health—it supports sustainability, cleaner air, and a more mindful home environment.
✅ Cleaner Indoor Air – No hidden toxins or harmful emissions.
✅ Eco-Friendly – Made with renewable, biodegradable ingredients.
✅ Long-Lasting & Better Burn – Less soot residue.
✅ Peace of Mind – Enjoy luxurious scents without worry.
At The Scented Essence, we craft candles that are as safe as they are beautiful. Every candle is hand-poured with care, using the finest non-toxic ingredients.
Ready to switch to a cleaner, healthier candle? Explore our Non Toxic Candle Collection here!
Essential Oils vs. Non-Toxic Synthetic Fragrance Oils
When it comes to candles, essential oils don’t always guarantee a cleaner or safer burn. While they’re naturally derived from plants, they aren’t always ideal for use in candles due to their chemical properties when exposed to high heat.
Here’s a comparison of the two:
Essential Oils in Candles
✔ Naturally extracted from plants, flowers, and botanicals.
✔ Can offer therapeutic benefits when used in aromatherapy.
❌ Some essential oils degrade at high temperatures, which can result in reduced scent throw or an uneven fragrance experience.
❌ Certain essential oils, such as cinnamon, clove, or lavender, can release CMRs when burned.
Non-Toxic Synthetic Fragrance Oils
✔ Specially formulated for use in candles, making them more stable and consistent under heat.
✔ Can replicate natural scents without depleting rare or protected plant species.
✔ Free from harmful ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, and CMRs.
✔ Safer to use in candles, as they are designed for clean combustion.
💡 Our Approach: At The Scented Essence, we carefully source high-quality, non-toxic synthetic fragrance oils that are designed for candle burning and free from harmful and toxic chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, acrylates, PEG, silicones, and CMRs. We also use natural, biodegradable soy wax which allows us to create beautiful, long-lasting scents that you can enjoy with complete peace of mind.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Candles
We believe luxury should never come at the expense of animals.
✔️ 100% Vegan – Our candles contain no animal-derived ingredients.
✔️ Cruelty-Free – Neither our candles nor our raw materials are tested on animals—by us, our suppliers, or anyone on our behalf.