As a fragrance and scent lover, I have read all kinds of inflammatory, fear-mongering articles about how dangerous fragrance is, how toxic candles are and lots of scary words like cancer and hormone disruption. Before I started making candles, I worked in cosmetics for 5 years. I worked for a couple of very well-known department store brands and got to understand cosmetics, their ingredients and how products were created. Now that I make my own products, understanding ingredients and making goods that are safe is of utmost importance. I'm here to give you some peace of mind when navigating the wide-world of scent.
Myth #1: Fragranced products are dangerous
The most important lesson I've learned while educating myself on fragrance is that the dose makes the poison. Drinking too much water can kill you--the same applies to fragrance materials.
Companies that create fragranced products have strict usage guidelines that are updated yearly from a governing organization known as IFRA. The International Fragrance Association is made up of chemists, scientists and industry experts who evaluate the use of natural and synthetic aroma chemicals and deem safe use percentages in products in every part of your life. Toothpaste, laundry detergent, dish soap, deodorants, lotion, perfume, soap, candles; they all have recommended usage rates for fragrance.
Remember that perfume that you used to love back in the day and doesn't smell the same now? That's because updated IFRA guidelines remove or update the usage of fragrance materials yearly, so that precious bottle of Chanel no. 5 your grandma wore is literally NOT the same formula you find at stores today.
Myth #2: Natural Fragrances are Better than Synthetic Ingredients
I blame the greenwashing in the beauty space for this sentiment. Just because a natural ingredient exists doesn't mean that it's morally or ethically "better" than a synthetic version. The fragrance industry employs millions of people around the globe who harvest, process and ship natural ingredients. Over-harvesting, mono culture, unfair labor and low wages play a large part in the natural materials industry. Because of continuously updated standards, chemists create synthetic versions of materials that are over-harvested, extinct or cause adverse reactions. Animal-derived materials such as civet, musk and ambergris are no longer allowed in mass-produced fragrance creation and if used are exorbitantly priced and rare.
Myth #3: Allergies + Sensitivities
I have often had conversations with guests at markets asking if I use only essential oils to scent my candles. The simple answer is no. Then they usually respond with "oh well I'm allergic to most fragrances" and move on. The more nuanced answer I give is that essential oils don't burn very well and are quite expensive; I'd rather use them in a perfume or room spray where the complex notes can really be enjoyed.
The reality is that synthetic fragrance materials are much more "basic" on a molecular level and don't usually contain the many hundreds of natural compounds that contribute to irritation. Think of seasonal allergens like pollen, grasses and hay: they can make you sneeze, cough, get itchy eyes (springtime in Portland can be brutal!). Natural fragrance materials contain a multitude of potential irritants and therefore are also a culprit for producing sensitivities. However, do not ignore any irritations to candles and fragranced products--you know yourself best!
In conclusion, fragrances derived from natural sources have been used for millennia--humans have always loved smelling good. Technological advancements allow perfumers and chemists to create fragrances that are friendlier to the earth, cheaper to produce and have no limits to what scents they create. Both naturals and synthetic fragrance are tools and when used safely can be absolutely inspiring.