Candle Fragrance Oils: Are They Safe To Use?

CandleScience fragrance oils are safe when used as directed. The company has developed its own set of safety standards for fragrances, which it calls CandleScience Clean Scents, that exceed industry norms. These industry-leading safety standards mean that the products you make, sell, and enjoy at home are toxin-free and safe to use.

CandleScience CleanScents: safer fragrance oils

CandleScience CleanScents are safer fragrance oils that are free of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other concerning chemicals. These industry-leading safety standards mean that the products you make, sell, and enjoy at home are toxin-free and contain the safest scents on the market.

CandleScience CleanScents are formulated without phthalates and adhere to RIFM and IFRA standards for safety and purity. They are also made without ingredients on the California Prop 65 list. The goal of CleanScents is to provide peace of mind for anyone using fragrance oils in their homes, around their families, and in their businesses.

The CleanScents project was launched in 2020 as an in-house regulatory program to offer as many fragrances as possible that met rigorous safety standards for in-home makers. The maker community enthusiastically embraced this innovative approach, and CandleScience was proud to lead the way in the candle and soap-making supply industry by offering more regulatory transparency for fragrances geared toward individual makers and small businesses.

In 2024, an updated version of CleanScents was introduced, which included tiers, along with CleanScents+ and CleanScents designations, for additional ingredient transparency. CleanScents+ fragrances contain no known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, or acute toxins. CleanScents fragrances do not contain organ toxins or acute toxins but may contain an ingredient recently added to the RIFM list of suspected carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins.

With the use of proper ventilation and basic personal protective equipment, all CandleScience fragrances exceed widely accepted fragrance industry standards. The company has always been committed to having the safest, highest-quality, and most thoroughly tested fragrance line in the industry. As regulations evolve and new fragrance safety research becomes available, CandleScience CleanScents standards evolve too.

Fragrance oils: synthetic vs natural

Fragrance oils are safe to use when used as directed. However, it is important to take certain precautions, such as working in a well-ventilated area and using protective equipment.

Now, when it comes to fragrance oils, there are two main types: synthetic and natural. So, what's the difference between these two types of fragrance oils, and which one should you choose? Let's explore the topic of synthetic versus natural fragrance oils in more detail.

Synthetic Fragrance Oils

Synthetic fragrance oils are created entirely by humans and do not occur naturally. These oils are designed to reproduce natural essences or to create new, unique scents. They are commonly used in beauty products and hair perfume due to their low cost and ability to create a wide range of fragrances. Synthetic fragrances can be stronger, longer-lasting, and more complex than natural fragrances. They are also easier to manufacture due to the reproducibility of their components. However, synthetic fragrances may contain up to 3000 ingredients, which are not always disclosed to consumers. This lack of transparency can be concerning, especially for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.

Natural Fragrance Oils

Natural fragrance oils, on the other hand, are derived from natural sources such as blossoms, citruses, woods, leaves, spices, and resins. These oils are often perceived as safer and more healthful by consumers. They are typically made from ingredients harvested from sustainably grown plants. However, it is important to note that natural does not always mean better. Natural fragrance oils can also be harmful at certain levels, and their production may have negative environmental impacts. For example, large quantities of plant matter are required to produce a small amount of essential oil, which can lead to the exploitation of natural resources and local farmers. Additionally, natural fragrances are generally more expensive than synthetic options.

Both synthetic and natural fragrance oils have their advantages and disadvantages. Synthetic oils offer greater creative freedom, stronger scents, and lower prices, but they may raise concerns about transparency and potential allergies. Natural oils are perceived as safer and more sustainable, but they can be more costly and may have environmental implications. Ultimately, the choice between synthetic and natural fragrance oils depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and the specific application. It is essential to make an informed decision by considering the potential benefits and drawbacks of each type of fragrance oil.

Safe handling of fragrance oils

When used as directed, fragrance oils are safe to work with and enjoy. However, to ensure safety, there are several measures that should be taken when handling fragrance oils.

Firstly, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area. Keep a window open or run an exhaust fan to ensure adequate airflow. Additionally, it is recommended to use protective equipment, such as eye goggles and gloves, when working with fragrance oils. This is especially important for those creating in their homes, as they may not have access to specialised protective equipment or expensive air filtration systems.

Another important consideration is to avoid reusing containers or jars that have been used to weigh or hold fragrance oil for food preparation. This is because fragrance oils contain synthetic aroma chemicals, solvents, and diluents, which are not meant for consumption.

Furthermore, it is crucial to clean up spills immediately, as fragrance oils may cause damage to surfaces. Fragrance oils are concentrated liquids, and even a small spill can have a significant impact.

Additionally, when shopping for fragrance oils, it is important to carefully review the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provided by the manufacturer or supplier. These sheets should include information on the potential hazards and proper handling procedures for the product. If the SDS sheets from a supplier appear to contain the same generic information, this may be a red flag, and further inquiries should be made before purchasing.

Lastly, it is worth noting that not all fragrance oils are created equal. Some may contain hazardous chemicals, such as phthalates, which have been linked to negative health effects. Therefore, it is important to purchase fragrance oils from reputable suppliers who prioritise safety and transparency, such as CandleScience, which offers a line of CleanScents fragrances that are free from known toxins and hazardous chemicals.

CleanScents+ and CleanScents: what's the difference?

CleanScents and CleanScents+ are both ranges of products by CandleScience. The CleanScents range includes detergent sheets and various candle fragrance oils, while CleanScents+ refers specifically to a range of fragrance oils.

CleanScents Detergent Sheets

CleanScents Laundry Detergent Sheets are lightweight, pre-measured sheets that can be placed directly into the washing machine with clothes. They are designed to be convenient, easy to use, and mess-free, eliminating the need for heavy jugs or powder boxes, which often cause spills and residue. They are also ideal for those with limited storage space and for those who travel frequently.

CleanScents Fragrance Oils

CleanScents fragrance oils are formulated without phthalates and adhere to RIFM and IFRA standards for safety and purity. They are strong, true-to-life, and tested for exceptional performance in soy and natural wax candles. These fragrance oils are safe for use in soap, lotion, and other bath and body products, with usage rates outlined on the product page for each oil.

CleanScents+ Fragrance Oils

CleanScents+ fragrance oils are an upgraded version of the original CleanScents range, developed by CandleScience to further enhance the safety of their fragrance oils. These oils are free of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other potentially harmful chemicals. While standard fragrance oils are not unsafe, certain ingredients in CleanScents+ have been excluded as they have been flagged as potentially toxic or hazardous in large quantities or as raw materials.

Are CandleScience fragrance oils vegan and cruelty-free?

CandleScience CleanScents are fragrance oils that are free of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other concerning chemicals. They are the safest scents on the market and are toxin-free.

Even fragrance oils without the Clean Scent designation are not unsafe or dangerous to use. While the ingredients excluded from CleanScents have been flagged as potentially toxic or hazardous in large quantities or as raw materials, they do not pose a risk at the concentrations used in fragrance oil.

CandleScience has always been committed to maintaining the safest, highest quality, and most thoroughly tested fragrance line in the industry. They want their community to experience the joy of creating something amazing, confident that they are using the safest, highest-quality supplies on the market.

Regardless of where a fragrance oil falls in the CandleScience system, every single one is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without phthalates and ingredients found on California's Proposition 65 list. With the use of proper ventilation and basic personal protective equipment—like gloves and glasses—all their fragrances exceed widely accepted fragrance industry standards.

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