Safe Scents — The Truth About Candles and Health

Safe Scents — The Truth About Candles and Health

Posted by Christina Meskimen on

There’s a lot of confusion about candles these days. You may have heard people say that burning candles or using fragrance oils is “bad for you.” The truth is more nuanced — and fortunately, the science is reassuring. At Flora + Moon, I’m committed not only to creating beautiful, intentional fragrances but also to making sure everything I craft is safe for your home and your health.

What the Science Says

Independent research shows that burning candles under normal conditions does not pose a health risk. For example, a 2014 study published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology tested emissions from scented candles, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter. The results found that exposure levels were well below international safety limits set by organizations like the World Health Organization. The conclusion? Scented candles, when used properly, “pose no known health risks.”

More recent studies confirm the same — while candles do release small amounts of particles or VOCs, they are typically at levels far less than what you would be exposed to from everyday activities like cooking, using a gas stove, or even stepping outside into city air.

Clean, Tested Fragrance Oils

Not all fragrance is created equal. At Flora + Moon, I use fragrance blends made from both synthetic and natural ingredients, designed for safety, complexity, and longevity. Every fragrance is 100% phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and adheres to the strictest standards set by:

  • The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM)

  • The International Fragrance Association (IFRA)

  • California’s Prop 65 safety regulations

Just as important is what you’ll never find in my candles: carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, and acute toxins. My goal is to give you a luxurious scent experience without compromise.

Safe, Thoughtful Base Ingredients

Beyond fragrance, the base matters. My candles are made with soy wax grown in the USA, a renewable, biodegradable resource that burns cleaner than paraffin. My perfume rollers are blended with organic coconut oil, a nourishing carrier that’s gentle on skin. My room sprays are made with wild-harvested, organic witch hazel sourced sustainably in the Northeastern U.S. through a zero-waste process that even repurposes leftover plant material into biodegradable mulch.

Why This Matters

Some mass-produced candles on the market are made with cheap waxes, undisclosed fragrance materials, and dyes that release unnecessary byproducts when burned. At Flora + Moon, every detail — from the wick to the wax to the oils — is chosen with your safety and the planet’s wellbeing in mind.

A Safe, Luxurious Ritual

Lighting a candle is more than fragrance — it’s ritual. It’s the pause in your day, the glow in the dark, the grounding presence that connects you back to yourself and your space. And you deserve to enjoy that ritual without worry.

With Flora + Moon, you can rest easy knowing that your candles are crafted with safe, tested ingredients, clean fragrance blends, and eco-conscious practices. The only thing you’ll be breathing in is comfort, intention, and beauty.


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