When natural scented candles are mentioned, vegetable waxes and cotton wicks are highlighted. What about perfumes? Not all perfumes, fragrances or essential oils can be breathed in.
Many essential oils are dangerous when heated, and many candle fragrances contain carcinogens.
You will also find in the article "how to choose a scented candle" indications to make the right choice.
For the manufacture of your scented candles, I only use perfumes without CMR substances and without Phthalates. Find out how I make your scented candles
CMR substances
- Carcinogens (C): substances and mixtures which, by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration, can cause cancer or increase its frequency.
- Mutagens (M): substances and mixtures which, by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration, can produce hereditary genetic defects or increase their frequency.
- Reproductive toxicants (R): substances and mixtures which, by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration, may produce or increase the frequency of non-hereditary harmful effects in the offspring or impair reproductive functions or capacities.
Be careful: many certified organic essential oils release a lot of CMR into the air when heated. Natural product does not mean safe!
Phthalates
The main purpose of phthalates is to fix the perfume and thin the liquid. The European Cosmetic Regulation prohibits the use of certain phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate.
The diethyl phthalate used both in perfumes for candles and in cosmetics (such as gloss or eyeliner) is authorized because it is considered less toxic. The first consequence of phthalates is to intensely reduce the production of testosterone.
Essential oils
Burning or diffusing an essential oil are two different techniques. Candles burn essential oils. This technique is strongly discouraged. Indeed, once burned, they release many pollutants into the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene and toluene.
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When shopping, don't forget to check two essential pieces of information. To diffuse essential oils, prefer a diffuser by micronization (vaporization).
To perfume your interior with a candle, prefer a product based on vegetable wax and fragrances without phthalates or CMR substances.