Did you know that if your candle is labeled “all natural” or even “infused with essential oils” is doesn’t meant you’re burning a clean, non-toxic candle? This is one of the many reasons, we began disrupting the candle making process and making our own natural oils using an extraction process we could trust. Here are some details your big box retailer doesn’t want you know.
Three Major Red Flags:
-
Paraffin wax (the main wax for most big box stores)
A common ingredient in non-soy candles, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. When burned, paraffin can release harmful byproducts like benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens.
-
Synthetic fragrances (this is the most dangerous in my opinion because its not as easy to detect)
Many candles contain synthetic fragrances to add scent, but some of these fragrances can emit harmful chemicals when heated. Fragrances commonly contain phthalates, which are chemicals that help the scents last longer. Studies have shown that more than 75% of products with fragrances contain these endocrine disruptors.
-
Synthetic dyes (frequently found in seasonal and decorative candles)
Used to color candles, synthetic dyes can be made from coal tar or petroleum products. Some dyes contain heavy metals and other toxic substances.
Three Ingredient Categories to Avoid:
Phthalates- Phthalates are a common industrial chemical used in increasing a products flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are most frequently found in plastics, solvents and is a hidden ingredient in most fragrance oils used in big box candles, as well as those pesky oils you can buy for a “great deal” on Amazon.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the "fragrance" component of the oil. This is NOT natural essential oils, but a cocktail of synthetic chemicals. The catch is that if it’s “mixed” with an essential oil, they will list it as infused with essential oils. Since DEP won't be listed separately, as it’s not regulated to do so. So it’s hidden within this generic term 'fragrance.’ Unless it specifically states that it is derived from a natural source, assume that it is not.
Parabens - Parabens are an artificial preservative added to many cosmetics and fragrance oils to increase their shelf life. Parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation."
What should you look out for? Parabens go by the following names: Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ethylparaben, Polyparaben and Isobutylparaben.
Another gentle reminder, companies do not have to disclose the ingredients hidden within their catch all 'fragrance', parabens are most likely hiding in this 'secret formula'.
3. Benzyl Alcohol - When discussing Benzyl Alcohol as a potentially dangerous ingredient in fragrance oil, we are not referring to the naturally occurring compound found in plants and essential oils, but rather the synthetic version produced in a chemical lab.
Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and solvent to dissolve other ingredients to make a smooth formulation when it comes to fragrance oils. Like some other preservatives, it can break down to create aldehydes when combined with other chemicals, and one of those aldehydes can be formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.
Whitmark oils using in any of our products are from homegrown, home made ingredients that never use additives. The base carrier for our oil is natural grape seed oil. Our ingredients are always proudly displayed. Our candles are made from natural sox wax and our jars are sourced from vendors in the US only using recycled glass. It’s important that if these products are a vessel to set your intentions to be your best self, our products show up in the best form possible to support your mission.