What are phthalates?

Phthalates are chemical compounds used to make fragrance oils more stable and long-lasting. In candle-making, they're often added as a "carrier" that helps the scent bind to wax and disperse more evenly when the candle burns — basically, they make fragrance oils behave better and smell stronger for longer.

Why are they in most candles?

They're cheap, effective, and have been an industry standard in fragrance oils for decades. Most synthetic fragrance oils on the market are formulated with a phthalate (commonly DEP, diethyl phthalate) because it's an easy way to boost scent throw and shelf life without reformulating the fragrance itself. If a candle brand isn't specifically sourcing phthalate-free fragrance oils, there's a good chance phthalates are in the mix.

Why it matters:

Phthalates aren't regulated the same way in candles as they are in some other consumer products, and there's growing research on their effects when burned and released into indoor air over time. That's led a lot of small-batch makers (us included) to seek out fragrance suppliers who formulate without them.

Where we stand:

Every fragrance oil we use is phthalate-free, screened against California Prop 65, and free of confirmed carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins. It's not just a marketing claim; it's backed by independent toxicology review through RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials).