Fragrance Does NOT Equal Wellness

Fragrance Does NOT Equal Wellness

If you follow us on our social media, you may have seen our team sporting our new Fontana t-shirts that proudly proclaim, “fragrance does not equal wellness.”

If you’re new here, welcome! You might be well into your wellness journey and familiar with the potential health risks associated with synthetic fragrances, or perhaps you’re just beginning your wellness journey and discovering the hidden toxins commonly found in everyday household products. Either way, we are so glad you are here.

Our Mission at Fontana is providing clean, non-toxic alternatives for traditional candles without the use of synthetic fragrances. We use only beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils - and we tell you each and every ingredient in our candles. 

When we first began Fontana back in 2018, the conversation about synthetic fragrances and potential health risks were not very common. We found that on Instagram we were one of the few voices trying to start the conversation.

The ingredients in candles were a passing thought for many, and didn’t warrant much attention broadly.

"Fragrance" serves as a catch-all term, often hiding a mix of over 3,000 undisclosed synthetic chemicals. Companies aren’t required to reveal the specific components of their fragrances, a practice protected by both the FDA and the International Fragrance Association.

Fragrances often contain hidden chemicals like phthalates and potential carcinogens, which have been linked to reproductive health issues and even cancer. These synthetic compounds are lab-created, and lab workers handling them must wear protective gear to stay safe. So why are we exposing ourselves to these chemicals—breathing them in or applying them to our skin? What risks are we unknowingly taking?

We wanted to explain why our new motto is so important to us, especially now.

We are now 7 years into our journey of educating about fragrance and providing a truly natural alternative to those who prioritize ingredient transparency. Around 2020 we have noticed the conversation begin to become mainstream - articles about the dangers of fragrance and even traditional candles have been found in the press and discussed by more and more wellness practitioners and influencers online. We are thrilled to see this and jump with joy as more and more consumers are becoming aware of the potential dangers of products in their homes - and swap those products out with nontoxic options!

However, we are very concerned about the numerous retailers branded as “health and wellness” stores that market their fragrance products as “natural” or “plant based.” This branding leads many consumers to assume that anything they pick off the shelf is a healthier, safer alternative. However, without full ingredient transparency, these health-focused retailers might be selling products that are no better than the so-called “toxic” options they claim to avoid.

We know that the vast majority of candle purchases (about 60%) are done as impulse purchases in stores. Unfortunately, it is still almost impossible to find truly clean and ingredient transparent candles in stores. 

We feel that we have grasped how to educate our customers and growing community on our social media on this topic. Unfortunately, we very much are at a loss on how to call attention to these large wellness retailers and implore them to thoroughly vet their products containing fragrance. At the very least, we feel that if they aren’t willing to ban synthetic fragrances from their store, they should require complete ingredient transparency on any fragrance products they sell.

Feedback from consumers is essential for companies to understand the needs of their target audience. As consumers, it’s our responsibility to demand better, cleaner options for ourselves and our families. While synthetic fragrances may never vanish entirely, the demand for safer products and stricter chemical regulations is growing. If we stop accepting harmful products, retailers will have no choice but to provide healthier, more sustainable alternatives.

Your efforts as a wellness consumer can drive change, creating a healthier, safer shopping experience for all. Whether it's a simple conversation, a concise email, or even a comment on social media, small acts of advocacy can have big results. 

Start today. Reach out to your local wellness store and ask them to vet their products for synthetic fragrances or offer cleaner alternatives. Together, we can redefine what wellness truly means—pure, intentional, and free from harmful chemicals. 


At Fontana, our focus is crafting candles and wax melts that create a warm, inviting ambiance while upholding our commitment to clean, high-quality ingredients. We prioritize 100% ingredient transparency, providing detailed information both on our website and directly on our labels. Unlike many candle companies that use vague terms like “coconut wax blend” or “natural fragrance,” we believe in full disclosure. These industry terms often mask hidden toxins, leaving consumers unaware of potential health risks. At Fontana, we’re dedicated to offering products you can trust, without compromise.

If you share our passion for this cause, take a stand against synthetic fragrances and champion the message of health and wellness. This impactful t-shirt was created to raise awareness and make a bold statement against harmful fragrances.