Fontana founders Katie and Eric sat down with Warren Phillips of Non-Toxic Dad to talk all things Uplift, the new collaboration candle we created together (launching February 23rd!), and why ingredient transparency and truly clean ingredients matter for healthier homes and families.
What inspired you to create Uplift?
WARREN: Uplift was born from researching rosemary and its powerful effects on mood, focus, and brain health... I wanted to create something that didn’t just smell incredible but actually shifted how you FEEL when you light it…energizing and uplifting you so you can bring more focus and energy to your day.
As “Non-Toxic Dad,” how did your personal health journey shape what you were (and weren’t) willing to put into this candle?
My own experience with chemical sensitivities made it non-negotiable that this candle be free from synthetic fragrances and ingredients, which can negatively impact your nervous system, brain and hormones. We carefully chose clean essential oils that work synergistically to UPLIFT your day instead of ruining it - like chemical fragrances do for so many individuals like me.
What misconceptions do you think most people still have about candles and fragrance?
The biggest one is assuming that if something smells good or is sold at a high-end store, then it must be safe. THEY ARE NOT SAFE. Most people don’t realize that “fragrance” is a legal loophole that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many linked to hormone disruption, allergies and respiratory issues. With that being said, Fontana is out here changing the candle game… clean simple ingredients go into making candles you can trust. Clean candles are like clean food. It should be only a few ingredients, NOT 100s of chemicals for God's sake.
What ingredients did you immediately rule out when formulating Uplift, and why?
If it’s not from nature, it’s not going in the candle and if an essential oil isn’t adding real value to the person burning it each day, it doesn’t belong. That’s what I love about Fontana Candle Company: they obsess over the best wicks, containers, and filling methods because their heart isn’t just to make candles, it’s to disrupt the toxic candle industry.
Why was it important to use essential oils only, rather than fragrance?
Here’s the scary thing about fragrance: they’re literally linked to many of the degenerative conditions we face today, including diabetes. These chemicals trick your brain into thinking it’s smelling something good yet have been shown in research to have massive negative consequences on your body—it’s almost unbelievable they’re still allowed to be used. Essential oils are scents right from nature that add value by supporting your energy, mood, and focus, rather than taking that from you. One hurts you the other supports you and natural healing.
How did Fontana’s approach to ingredient transparency differ from what you’ve seen elsewhere?
Being as picky as I am when it comes to the products I use and the brands I partner with, Fontana welcomed all my questions with full disclosure. That’s rare in an industry built on trade secrets and vague language. Fontana felt completely aligned with my mission immediately.
What emotions or moments did you want this scent to support in people’s daily lives?
I wanted to create a candle that, when you burned it, you could feel it shifting how you think and feel and increasing your energy without any stimulants. Rosemary and ginger are well-documented in the literature for supporting mood, memory, energy, and alertness, while sweet orange and vetiver balance those herbs with grounding and focus to help support your best outcomes each day. Thus, the name Uplift!
Is there a specific time of day or ritual where Uplift really shines for you?
You can use this candle any time, but for me it’s perfect after my morning coffee, when I’m ready to start the day and need that shift in mood and focus to tackle what’s ahead, or when I’m working and want a boost in productivity and clarity. Burning it feels like stepping outside barefoot in the sunshine, smelling my herb garden, and reconnecting with the earth.
What would you say to someone who’s just beginning to question fragrance and household toxins?
You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the products you use the most, for the longest, in the air you breathe. As you run out of products that you have, try making meaningful switches to non-toxic alternatives. Awareness alone is already a powerful step.
What does it mean to you to create a candle that people can feel genuinely safe using around their families?
It means trust. It means peace of mind. It means one less hidden exposure in a world where parents are already carrying too much.
When someone lights Uplift, what do you hope they feel — physically, emotionally, and mentally?
I hope they feel calm, relaxed and have the mental clarity and alertness to be productive. I hope they feel as though they can rest easy knowing their home and products in it, don’t hurt their health but support it.
Uplift launches on February 23rd!
Where to follow along:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nontoxicdad/
Website: https://www.nontoxicdad.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nontoxicdad
About Warren:
Warren, known as Non-Toxic Dad, is a scientist, speaker, and father dedicated to helping families reduce everyday toxin exposure. After earning his master’s in geology and working as a scientist, his focus shifted when personal health challenges led him to research the impact of environmental and household toxins. Through years of study and his own healing journey, Warren became passionate about educating others on practical, accessible ways to live a cleaner lifestyle. Today, he shares evidence-based insights and approachable tips across social media and speaking engagements, empowering families to make simple changes that support healthier homes.
The views and opinions expressed in this Q&A are those of the individual speaker. Fontana Candle Co. does not make medical or therapeutic claims regarding its products. Our candles are intended for aromatic enjoyment only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
