Are Candlescience Fragrance Oils Safe?

Introduction

CandleScience is a North Carolina-based company that specializes in providing high quality candle making supplies to candle makers and hobbyists. They offer an extensive range of fragrance oils that are designed specifically for candle making, soap making, and other crafts. CandleScience aims to provide safe, high performing fragrance oils at affordable prices. Their selection includes fruity, floral, fresh, and classic scents. With over 300 fragrance oils to choose from, CandleScience has a diverse variety of complex and simple scents for candle makers to explore and enjoy.

Fragrance Oil Safety

Fragrance oils are synthetic scents that are created in a lab to replicate natural aromas like flowers, spices, fruits, and more. They are composed of artificial and natural ingredients blended together to produce a particular scent profile. The artificial components allow the scent to last longer and be more consistent than pure essential oils. Fragrance oils are commonly used in candle making, soap making, perfumes, and other scent-based products.

According to The Problem with Fragrance Oils article by Fontana Candle Company, fragrance oils are cheap to produce which makes them popular, but they also contain synthetic chemicals and allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Many manufacturers do not disclose all ingredients in their fragrance oil blends. The article argues pure essential oils are a safer, more natural option.

CandleScience’s Sourcing

CandleScience sources their fragrance oils from trusted suppliers around the world, primarily in the United States and Europe. They carefully select suppliers that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and have a strong reputation for quality. Many of their oils come from major fragrance houses that also supply the perfume and food industries.

According to their website, “We purchase our fragrance oils from companies of all sizes, but the one thing they have in common is an unwavering dedication to quality.” They look for suppliers that can provide test results and documentation to ensure the fragrance oils meet CandleScience’s high standards.

Some of their top suppliers include companies like Givaudan, Firmenich, IFF, Symrise, Takasago, Natures Garden, and Oregon Trails, among others. By partnering with industry-leading suppliers, CandleScience gains access to top-quality ingredients for their fragrance blends. https://www.candlescience.com/fragrance-oil/

CandleScience’s Testing

CandleScience has rigorous internal testing procedures to ensure the safety and quality of their fragrance oils. According to their website, “Every fragrance oil is tested for saturation, acceleration, migration, scent throw and more before it’s approved for sale” (source). For cold process soap specifically, they test each fragrance at 3%, 5%, and 8% concentrations for qualities like acceleration, ricing, discoloration, separation, and scent retention after cure. Their goal is to provide a “comprehensive overview of how each FO performs in cold process soap” (source). This extensive testing helps provide customers with the information needed to safely use CandleScience’s fragrances.

Compliance with Regulations

Fragrance oils used in consumer products like candles are regulated in the United States primarily by the FDA and IFRA. The FDA requires that fragrances be safe for their intended use, but does not require pre-market approval. Instead, companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their fragrance oils before selling products containing them. According to the FDA, “Fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same requirement for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. The law does not require FDA premarket approval of cosmetic products or ingredients, with the exception of color additives.”

Additionally, many companies follow standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA creates guidelines and restrictions for fragrance ingredients known to cause irritation or sensitivity. Their standards are recognized globally and followed by a large percentage of the fragrance industry. According to the IFRA, “Recognized by government authorities and trade bodies around the world, the Standards are compulsory for all IFRA members – who produce around 80 per cent of the world’s fragrance chemicals, and include the majority of international fragrance houses.”

Common Irritants

Certain fragrance ingredients are known to potentially cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Common irritating ingredients include:

• Linalool – a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spices. It has a floral scent and is used extensively in fragrances. Linalool oxidizes when exposed to air and can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially those with sensitivities.
• Limonene – another naturally occurring terpene found in citrus fruits. It has a strong citrusy aroma and is commonly used in fragrances. Limonene is generally non-irritating but oxidized limonene can be a skin irritant for sensitive skin types.
• Eugenol – found naturally in clove oil, basil, cinnamon and bay leaves. It has a spicy, warm scent. Eugenol can sometimes cause irritation, especially when used in high concentrations.
• Cinnamaldehyde – gives cinnamon its distinctive flavor and odor. It may cause skin irritation and allergy symptoms in some people.
• Citral – occurs naturally in lemongrass, lemon, and other citrus fruits. It has a strong lemon scent. Citral can be irritating to skin.

Testing fragrances on a small patch of skin first is recommended, especially for those with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies. Stop using a product if irritation occurs.

Sensitivity Reactions

Some people may experience adverse reactions when exposed to fragrance oils or essential oils. These sensitivity reactions can vary in severity but often include symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, skin irritation, rashes, and eye irritation (Source).

Fragrance sensitivity is quite common, with estimates ranging from 30-60% of the population experiencing some degree of adverse reaction to fragranced products (Source). The most common symptoms are respiratory issues and headaches. Skin irritation like redness, itching, and hives may also occur upon direct contact.

The exact causes of fragrance sensitivity are not fully understood, but it appears to be linked to an overstimulation of scent receptors. For some, it may be an allergy-like reaction. Those with asthma, migraines, and chemical sensitivities tend to be more prone to experiencing fragrance sensitivity.

CandleScience’s Commitment to Safety

CandleScience takes product safety very seriously and is committed to providing high-quality, safe fragrance oils. As noted on their website, “This commitment is evident in its daily operations” (KPA). CandleScience tests all their fragrances for compliance with regulations and ensures any potential irritants are clearly labeled. They source only high-quality raw materials and subject each batch to rigorous quality control testing. Additionally, CandleScience provides guidance on safe usage and handling precautions for consumers.

CandleScience’s commitment to safety extends across their entire business, from product development to manufacturing to customer education. They recognize the responsibility involved in supplying fragrance oils to candle makers and work diligently to uphold safety and quality standards.

Usage Precautions

When using CandleScience fragrance oils, there are some best practices to follow for safe usage:

• Avoid direct skin contact – Wear gloves when handling the oils and wash hands after use. Skin irritation is possible for some individuals.
• Don’t ingest – Fragrance oils are not meant to be consumed. Keep out of reach of children.
• Use in well ventilated area – Work in a space with good airflow to avoid inhaling vapors directly.
• Follow usage instructions – Carefully measure and add the recommended usage amount. Using too much could lead to skin sensitization.
• Conduct a skin test – Try a small patch test on your arm before using a new fragrance oil. Look for any reaction in 24-48 hours.
• Watch for reactions – Discontinue use if you experience headaches, breathing issues, rashes, or other reactions.
• Store properly – Keep fragrance oils in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

By carefully following safety precautions, CandleScience fragrance oils can be used without incident by most people. However, those with sensitivities should exercise additional caution when working with fragrances.

For full safety information, see CandleScience’s fragrance oil safety page.

Conclusion

In summary, CandleScience goes to great lengths to ensure their fragrance oils are safe when used properly. They source high-quality ingredients from reputable suppliers, rigorously test each oil, comply with regulations, avoid common irritants, and are committed to customer safety. While sensitivities can occur in rare cases, this is true of any fragrance product. By using caution, reviewing usage guidelines, and discontinuing use if irritation develops, customers can enjoy CandleScience oils with confidence. The available evidence indicates these oils are safe for most people when used as directed.