Are Fragrance Oils Safe To Touch?

Fragrance oils are commonly used to scent candles. However, the question of whether touching these oils can be harmful remains. The answer is complex, as the safety of fragrance oils depends on their specific ingredients and usage. While some fragrance oils are skin-safe and can be used in personal care products, others may contain chemicals that pose potential health risks. It is important for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in fragrance oils and make informed choices, especially when it comes to direct skin contact.

Fragrance oils are manufactured in a laboratory, whereas essential oils are natural

The main difference between fragrance oils and essential oils is that fragrance oils are manufactured in a laboratory, whereas essential oils are natural and extracted directly from plants and other natural sources.

Fragrance oils are made in a laboratory and contain a type of chemical called Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), which is used as a solvent to elevate the fragrance and make it last longer. There are two types of fragrance oils: natural and synthetic. Natural fragrance oils are made in a lab by taking naturally derived aromatic raw materials and then isolating or combining them. Synthetic fragrance oils, on the other hand, use artificial chemicals to recreate scents that cannot be derived from nature. For example, most fruity notes are made with synthetic fragrance oils, as essential oils cannot be extracted from fruits (with the exception of citrus fruits).

Essential oils, on the other hand, are truly from nature. They are defined by the Oxford dictionary as "a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted". Essential oils are generally collected through a distillation process that carefully separates the oil from the flowers, needles, twigs, fruit peels, seeds or roots. This process is far more time-consuming and expensive than the manufacturing of synthetic fragrance oils. For example, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), it takes 220 pounds of lavender flowers to produce just one pound of lavender oil!

While fragrance oils are made in a lab, essential oils have been used for centuries in a wide range of fields, including medicine, aromatherapy, cooking and the fragrance industry. Despite the higher cost and volatility of essential oils, some candle makers prefer this option because the ingredients are all natural and may offer health benefits.

It is worth noting that while essential oils are natural, they are complex mixtures of compounds, some of which are known allergens and skin sensitising agents. Therefore, it is important to indicate essential oils on cosmetics labels, especially for consumers with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

Fragrance oils are made with Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), a type of chemical

Fragrance oils are often assumed to be safe and natural. However, they are usually made in a laboratory and can contain up to 5,000 separate ingredients, many of which are chemicals and petroleum by-products. One such chemical is Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), which is used as a solvent to elevate the fragrance and make it last longer.

DEP is a type of phthalate, a group of chemicals with varying structures. While some phthalates are harmful, others are not. The "bad" phthalates, such as Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP), are considered toxic and have been banned for use in cosmetics and skincare products in the European Union. However, these phthalates have never been used in the fragrance industry.

On the other hand, DEP is known as the "good" phthalate and is widely used in fragrance products. It has been deemed safe for human health and the environment by multiple authoritative organizations, including the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and various scientific committees in the European Union. Extensive testing has shown that DEP is not harmful, does not cause allergies or skin irritation, and is even safer for human use than natural essential oils.

DEP is particularly useful in candle fragrances as it helps dissolve the fragrance into the wax and prevents certain fragrance oils from forming crystals. This property makes it a popular choice for candle makers, ensuring a long-lasting and consistent fragrance.

While DEP in fragrance oils is generally considered safe, it is important to note that the fragrance industry has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding the chemicals used in its products.

Fragrance oils are cheaper and more user-friendly than essential oils

Touching fragrance oils for candles is generally safe, but it's important to remember that they are not natural products and often contain synthetic chemicals. While most fragrance oils are designed for scent and not for therapeutic benefits, they can still be enjoyed safely when handled correctly.

Now, here are some reasons why fragrance oils are cheaper and more user-friendly than essential oils:

Price and Accessibility

Fragrance oils are typically more affordable than essential oils. This is because they are mass-produced in laboratories, whereas essential oils are derived from natural sources and require a more labour-intensive extraction process. The cost of producing essential oils is often reflected in their retail price, making them a more expensive option.

Consistency and Reliability

Fragrance oils offer a consistent and reliable scent profile. Essential oils, on the other hand, can vary in scent and potency depending on factors such as the specific plant they are derived from, the season, and the extraction method. This variability can make it challenging for candle makers to achieve the desired scent consistently. Fragrance oils, with their consistent performance, are more dependable for creating scented candles.

User-Friendliness

Fragrance oils are specifically formulated to create long-lasting and impactful aromas, making them ideal for candle-making. They have a higher flashpoint, making them more suitable for withstanding the heat involved in the candle-making process. Essential oils, with their lower boiling points, can evaporate more quickly when exposed to heat, making fragrance oils a more user-friendly choice.

Variety of Scents

Fragrance oils offer a wider range of scents compared to essential oils. While essential oils are limited to natural plant-based fragrances, fragrance oils can be designed to imitate classic scents or create unique combinations. This versatility allows candle makers to experiment with different fragrances and cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Ease of Use

Fragrance oils are generally easier to work with than essential oils. Essential oils require careful consideration of factors such as plant quality, storage, and transportation, which can affect the final product. Fragrance oils, being synthetic, offer more predictability and consistency, making them a more straightforward option for candle makers, especially those new to the craft.

Fragrance oils are not always disclosed on the ingredient list

The fragrance industry is notorious for its lack of transparency. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients used to create a fragrance because these components are considered trade secrets. This means that "fragrance" can be listed as a single ingredient on a product without revealing the specific chemicals involved.

The problem with this lack of disclosure is that fragrances can contain up to 5,000 separate ingredients, some of which may be harmful. According to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), approximately 95% of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrance oils are derived from petroleum, including aldehydes, benzene derivatives, and toluene. These chemicals are also found in household cleaning products and insect repellents.

The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists these ingredients as toxic substances, with warnings about the potential health risks associated with exposure. For example, toluene vapours can cause dizziness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and even death.

In addition to the potential health hazards, the use of synthetic fragrance oils also raises environmental concerns. The production and use of petroleum-based products contribute to air and water pollution, impacting ecosystems and human health.

To address these concerns, some companies choose to use essential oils instead of fragrance oils. Essential oils are derived directly from plants and other natural sources, and they do not contain the same toxic chemicals as synthetic fragrance oils. However, essential oils may be more expensive and less stable when exposed to heat, making them a less common choice for candle makers.

While the use of fragrance oils remains prevalent in the industry, there are ongoing discussions and efforts to close the "disclosure loophole". Proposed legislation has included wording that would require the disclosure of fragrance components on ingredient labels. However, as of now, manufacturers are not obligated to reveal the specific chemicals used in their fragrance oils.

Fragrance oils are linked to health issues like migraines and respiratory problems

Fragrance Oils and Their Link to Health Issues

Fragrance oils are a common ingredient in many products, from candles to personal care items. While they add a pleasant scent, there are growing concerns about their impact on our health. One of the primary issues is the lack of transparency regarding their ingredients, often hidden under the single term "fragrance" on labels. This makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices.

Migraines and Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils have been linked to various health problems, including migraines. For some individuals, strong scents can act as a trigger for migraine attacks. The connection between fragrance oils and migraines is supported by both anecdotal evidence and scientific studies.

In a personal account, an individual shared their experience of discovering that scented candles, particularly those with ginger cookie and cinnamon pie fragrances, were the culprits behind their frequent headaches and migraines. This is a common issue, as strong odors, whether pleasing or not, can trigger or exacerbate migraines for some people.

Scientific research has also explored the link between fragrance oils and migraines. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences in 2020 found evidence that rosemary oil could reduce migraine headaches and associated anxiety. Another study, published in the European Neurology journal in 2012, showed that inhaling lavender essential oil during a migraine attack reduced headache severity compared to a control group.

However, it is important to note that essential oils themselves can have strong scents, and for some individuals, they may also trigger migraines. Therefore, it is crucial to proceed with caution when using essential oils for migraine relief.

Respiratory Problems and Fragrance Oils

In addition to migraines, fragrance oils have been implicated in respiratory issues. Synthetic fragrance oils, in particular, can aggravate respiratory problems and decrease indoor air quality. This is due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals into the air, which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, triggering breathing difficulties.

A study from the University of Washington highlighted this concern, demonstrating a link between the use of air fresheners and asthma attacks and wheezing in babies. This underscores the importance of avoiding synthetic fragrances, especially in homes and spaces occupied by children or individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

A Healthier Alternative: Essential Oils

Given the potential health risks associated with synthetic fragrance oils, it is advisable to consider healthier alternatives. Essential oils, derived directly from plants, offer a natural option for adding scent to products. They have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, which can also help alleviate stress-related headaches.

When choosing candles, for example, it is recommended to opt for those made with essential oils and soy wax, as they are considered kinder to indoor air quality. Additionally, essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are recommended for aromatherapy to relieve migraine symptoms.

While essential oils may not be a cure-all for migraines and respiratory issues, they offer a natural, aromatic experience without the negative health effects associated with synthetic fragrance oils.

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