Learn why to avoid conventional candles and how to fill your home with enticing aromas – the clean way

Fall and all its spiced glory has officially made its grand debut, and if you’re at all like me, the moment that first dried leaf hits the ground marks the annual ritual of exchanging the vibrant and floral scents for all things rich, sweet and decadent.

Though while we all know nothing completes the ambience of cozy Autumn evening better than the warm glow and saccharine aroma of that spiced pumpkin pie candle flickering in the corner, there are substances lurking in our beloved candles that can, over time, make you pretty sick – even kill you quicker, believe it or not.

“Seriously? A candle?”

I know, only a Debbie Downer would try to snuff out some of our favorite things, but I promise it’s not all bad news. So hang tight: there are super simple solutions and some even better-smelling alternatives to keep the Fall vibes smelling sweet all spooky season (and year) long.

Disclosure:
Some of the products I mention use affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. This is at no cost to you; some links may even offer you additional discounts (which I will specify). I only recommend products I have personally tried and loved. All opinions are my own, and try to support small businesses as much as possible by linking directly to them.

The stinky truth behind our sweet-smelling products

The frightening state of fragrance

The overwhelming majority of our scented products, whether they be candles, air fresheners, shampoo, perfume, fabric softeners, cleaning products – you name it  – contain chemicals classified as pththalates.

By now, you might have already seen this this awkward word with too many consonants, but phthalates encompass a variety of chemicals most commonly found in plastics and artificial fragrances. And simply put, they’re abysmal to our health. Researchers are discovering that they’re so bad, in fact, that they’re linked to an early death. Specifically, individuals exposed to the highest amounts of phthalates were found to be more likely to die of any cause, though heart disease was noted as the prime killer.

Contrary to the old adage (and Kelly Clarkson): what doesn’t kill you does not always make you stronger, either. Phthalates are also robust endocrine disruptors, as they block testosterone – so strongly, in fact, babies born to pregnant women who exposed to higher amounts of phthalates actually suffered from underdeveloped genitalia and lower testosterone levels than babies exposed to lower thresholds. And no, these were not extreme circumstances, either.

Just keep in mind: there are no limitations on amount of  phthalates companies can dump into their products, so you have no way of knowing the full extent of your exposure.

If phthalates aren’t bad enough, these chemical cocktails we call “fragrance” are often proprietary blends that can also contain toxins and irritants like acetone, benzyl acetate, phenol, and limonene. No thanks.

Problems with paraffin wax

We generally look down on burning coal and petroleum as we know full well how they contribute to air pollution, so what if I told you those cheap paraffin wax candles are made from – that’s right – coal, petroleum, or shale oil? Pretty gross, huh?

So when you burn that toxic petroleum-based candle, it dumps all sorts of carcinogenic compounds, namely toulene and benzene into the air. While you’ve probably heard of benzene being used in other things you don’t want to inhale, such as crude oil and natural gas, toulene is an industrial solvent for adhesives and is similarly found in car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, and gasoline fumes.

And while a single burning wick won’t rival the tailpipe of a Ford F-150, you might surprised how much a little flame can impact air quality. In fact, the EPA warns that the burning of scented (and paraffin wax) candles can contribute to air pollution in your own home, and years of “normal” frequent use can contribute to allergies, asthma, and even cancer.

Fragrance and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Just like how chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields can cause a sensitivity, this constant bombardment of compounds artificial compounds also holds the potential to sensitize us to all fragrances. Though arguably “rare,” (just like EHS) due our saturation in environmental stressors, conditions like Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are on the rise.

This chronic exposure to the chemicals used in fragrance, especially coupled with other forms of stress, increases your chances of succumbing to this debilitating condition, so it’s essential we take measures where we can to safeguard our immune systems from falling victim. Because once this happens, a single whiff of a laundry detergent might make the room spin or provoke a migraine.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your smells

Luckily, there are super simple alternatives to those noxious fumes that smell just as inviting, if not richer and more authentic.

You might not be able to exactly replicate that blueberry crumble candle, but you can come pretty darn close, with a much fresher end product, to boot.

Make your home smell festive with essential oils

No doubt you’ve encountered them before, but quality essential oils are the way to go. Here’s why:

1. Since essential oils are directly derived from their respective flora, their scents are the quintessence of the aroma. The lemon you smell is as lemony as lemon gets; and they are purer, fresher, and richer smelling than any artificial fragrance dupe.
   
   
2. Unlike all the chemicals we mentioned above, they are 100% safe for inhalation. Just don’t drink them or touch them undiluted.
   
   
3. Believe it or not, over time, using essential oils can be more economic than candles. Despite their tiny bottles, they will last you an eternity, as you only need a few drops for each batch. For example, I use them nearly every day through Fall and Winter, and the bottles you see above are approaching their third year with plenty of oil left. Compare that to a $15 jar candle you burn through in a season or two.
   
   
4. Essential oils are super customizable. Whether you’re someone who likes your spicy scents extra zippy, or you just want geranium without the ylang ylang, you can craft your own blends or use single oils for one-note aromas.
   
   
5. Though I’ve personally never hopped on the aromatherapy bandwagon, there are folks who swear by their stress-reducing and mind-clearing potential. And unlike synthetic fragrance, there’s nothing to lose in trying.
   

But don’t just run out and buy any ol’ craft store brand oil! Most are fake or cut with those noxious fragrance oils; some even employ unethical practices for sourcing their ingredients, such as over-harvesting or harvesting endangered plant species.

This is why Mountain Rose Herbs is the only brand I will ever buy from. All their oils are genuine, organic, and sustainably produced. Seriously, I’ve scoured the internet for hours trying to find the best, most eco-conscious brands, and MRH is unparalleled.

How to use essential oils

Diffuser method

For the most pungent effect, opt for an ultrasonic diffuser. Simply add water, a few drops of your favorite essential oils, plug it in, and go! These diffusers emit scents in a cool mist and are by far the best method for larger spaces or stronger aromas.

Check for tank size, as smaller tanks will need to be refilled more often, as well as timers or auto shut-off features for more efficient usage. Some even light up, if that’s your thing.

Reeds

For a low-tech method, you can always use the reeds-in-a-bottle method. Just add water, a small amount of rubbing alcohol (usually about a tablespoon), and a few drops of oils. Truthfully, I’ve found this method to be a bit underwhelming if used anywhere other than in a closet or a small bathroom, but some oils will travel better than others.

Sprayer

Instead of adding the oil mixture mentioned above to an open bottle, toss it in a spray bottle and spritz away. This is more of a means of freshening up spaces before company or adding a touch of lavender to your pillow before bed, for instance, than it is a continual measure. Nonetheless, it breathes a little life into a room all the same.

Not a fan of essential oils? Not a problem

If, for whatever reason, you’re not on board with oil methods or are on a tight budget, there are a few other avenues to explore.

On the stovetop

Arguably the most old fashioned method, you can emulate the aroma of fresh pumpkin muffins with a pot of water and some spices. Bring to a boil, sprinkle in some spices, and reduce to a simmer. Of course, you’re a little more limited with your options, but this does well at filling the room with a comfy, warm spice.

The right candles

Though phthalate and other toxin awareness is still in its infancy, there are a growing number of responsible companies who are dedicated to distributing cleaner products. And if candles are an irreplaceable addition to your home, look for specifically designated phthalate-free soy candles. I can’t recommend any brands since I have yet to try them, but the fact that half a dozen or so brands already exist (in conjunction with Etsy sellers) bodes well for the future of our health and air quality.

Closing thoughts

Aroma is such an important facet of our atmosphere, but if you have children or are pregnant, it is even more critical you convert to healthier scented options, and ideally remove other sources of artificial fragrance, too.

Besides, once you start purging your space of all those toxic chemicals, the fragrance slurries will lose their luster and you’ll naturally gravitate towards cleaner, healthier aromas for your home. With so many essential and natural candle options available, don’t think you’ll ever have to surrender the ambience!