Step aside, Pumpkin Spice—this Fall, Apple is taking center stage! While Pumpkin Spice usually dominates the season, Apple Spice is increasingly making its mark. We've previously explored the ingredients of a Pumpkin Spice fragrance candle, but how does Apple Spice compare? Let's delve into this emerging trend.
Manufacturers are not required to disclose the chemicals used to create fragrances. The ingredients that give a candle or any scented product its unique aroma are considered trade secrets under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966. As such, they are not obligated to reveal the fragrance ingredients. So, how can we uncover some of these fragrance chemicals?
We took a look at the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the Apple Harvest fragrance, sold by CandleScience, a leading candle ingredients supplier in the United States
Safety Data Sheets (SDS), also known as the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), includes the properties of each chemical; physical, health, and environmental health hazards of the chemicals; protective measures; and safety procedures for storing and working with the chemicals.
OSHA regulations require laboratories, facilities or shops that use chemicals to have an SDS that is specific to each chemical used in the workplace. They also require the SDS be readily available during each shift to employees in the work area.
Unfortunately, this important safety information does not make it to the consumer purchasing the final product.
It is important to remember that fragrance manufacturers do not have to disclose all of their ingredients. The SDS sheet could only be showing us a portion of the chemicals in this fragrance.
Just like the Pumpkin Chai fragrance we’ve discussed before, this SDS sheet carries the warning: "very toxic to aquatic life. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects."
You have to have a chemistry degree to understand these ingredients, but here are some of our favorite takeaways:
After reviewing the ingredient list, it's understandable if you're not feeling as cozy with your Apple Spice candle as before. Regrettably, crafting an apple-scented candle without synthetic ingredients isn't possible, as apple essential oil simply doesn't exist.
So, what do we suggest for a safe alternative?
At Fontana, we've crafted a Harvest Apple candle with pure essential oils. Although apple essential oil doesn't exist, we've expertly blended chamomile, bergamot, and ylang ylang oils to mimic an apple-like aroma. To enhance this, we've added cassia oil for a hint of spicy sweetness, capturing the beloved essence of fall.
There are many things to look for when trying to find a truly non-toxic fall candle. It is important to remember that there is no natural way to make an Apple candle. However, you still have natural options with many essential oils. For Fall, we highly recommend essential oil blends containing cinnamon oils, clove oils, and other spices. Until candles and air fresheners are required to have their ingredients disclosed on their labels, the only way to play it safe is with pure essential oils, and with companies that are independently certified as safe and nontoxic through third party verification like MADE SAFE® and EWG Verified.
We’ve carefully selected all of the ingredients in our candles and only work with trusted suppliers. Our candles are simple: they’re made from hand-poured beeswax and coconut oil, 100% pure essential oils, and wooden wicks. No synthetic fragrances, no petroleum byproducts, and no toxins. Better yet, Fontana candles were the first to be MADE SAFE certified!
Shop our collection of non-toxic fall and winter holiday candles to find the perfect scent for your home or gift for a loved one!
