"Oh I can't do candles, they give me a headache."
I hear this often when I'm set up at vendor shows or talking with people about my business. It's very common for traditional candles to trigger those unwanted effects such as headaches, migraines, and wheezing. These side effects are directly related to the common chemicals used in synthetic fragrances such as benzene and toluene.
Flame and Arrow set out to go against the grain of traditional aroma. I wanted to craft a product that smelled great without compromising our health or the environment. Sourcing these ingredients was a very intricate process, and being in a market where things are constantly changing it's important to stay up to date on the most current and relevant information. One thing that has remained consistent since 2021 is the wax blend. Coconut-Apricot wax is by far the most luxurious blend on the market. I proudly consider myself to be ahead of the game when it comes to using this high-end blend. It's just now starting to gain popularity amongst makers for its sustainable resources and key benefits in candle performance. You can check out more about why I chose this wax blend at my other blog: Coconut-Apricot Wax: Superior + Sustainable – Flame and Arrow.
Finding trusted and valued suppliers for fragrance oils has been something that's evolved over time. When I first started pouring candles, I had a general understanding of ingredients to avoid. I looked for different suppliers and found one that checked the boxes. They offered a huge variety of scents that ranged from floral to fruity to bakery and all things imaginable. I liked the way they performed, and I was frequently getting compliments that these candles did not trigger those unwanted side effects, so I was satisfied. But continuing knowledge and education led me to more. I learned that of course it's great to source ingredients that are free from parabens, phthalates, and ingredients found on the California Proposition 65 list. But furthermore, they should be free of carcinogens, mutagens, acute toxins, reproductive toxins, and organ toxins. They should be completely free of benzene and toluene which are hazardous chemical vapors known to cause headaches, respiratory issues, and more. I also wanted a supplier that shared the same beliefs as I do in reducing our environmental impact. I realized I could take my great product and elevate it even more!
Halfway through 2023, I started switching all of my scents to certified Clean Scents by Candle Science. The first thing I noticed right off the bat was how much lighter these scents smelled. Not lighter in the sense of they don't perform as well but lighter as in they're not heavy perfume scents. They're refreshing. They're crisp. They're clean. Not every scent I offered had a "clean replacement" so along came further testing and trials to blend oils and make sure I could replicate the scent the best I could (hello Island Breeze instead of Blue Hawaiian). The scent throw and product performance are top tier, and I feel good knowing that I'm able to offer customers the cleanest scents on the market. Customers are quick to compliment how "clean" the candles smell, and I'm still getting reviews that they do not trigger those unwanted scent sensitivities! Plus, I can sleep good knowing that my values align with my suppliers' values as well.
There are other fragrance suppliers that are starting to launch their own clean scent initiatives which is really exciting. I love to see more brands get on board with supplying makers with the cleanest ingredients possible. I'm excited to try out other brands as they release their clean scents, but you can always guarantee one thing is for sure: I'll be here researching, testing, and reading safety data sheets and lab notes to ensure I'm sourcing the best and safest ingredients possible. Customer safety and minimal environmental impact will always influence where I get my ingredients from!
Interested in learning more about Candle Science's Clean Scents? Check their article out for more information: About CandleScience Clean Scents - CandleScience.