Is Paraffin Wax Really Unsafe?
Strong Smelling Wax Melts UK: The straight truth on paraffin wax safety, “toxic candle” myths, and UK CLP basics for soot and fragrance allergens, without the panic.
Paraffin scaremongering debunked for UK readers: what the 2019 Clean Air Strategy actually said, how paraffin is refined, how CLP labels allergens (limonene, linalool, citral, geraniol, eugenol), soot in candles vs wax melts, the paraffin tealight irony, wick care, and ventilation tips. Last updated: .
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Glossary
- Paraffin wax
- A highly refined wax used in candles and wax melts. After refining it is not classified as hazardous.
- Paraffin refining
- Filtering, de-oiling and de-colouring that removes impurities from crude paraffin to create purified wax.
- Clean Air Strategy (UK, 2019)
- Government policy on air quality that triggered media stories about “toxic” scented candles; the evidence cited varies by product and formula.
- CLP labelling (UK/EU)
- Classification, Labelling and Packaging rules: labels list hazardous ingredients (often fragrance allergens). Base waxes such as paraffin are not listed as hazardous.
- Fragrance oil
- A blend of aroma chemicals (natural or synthetic) that creates the scent. Different formulas behave differently.
- Fragrance allergens
- Labelled ingredients that can trigger sensitivities in some people. Common examples include limonene, linalool, citral, geraniol and eugenol.
- Limonene
- Citrus-type aroma chemical; common allergen listed on CLP where present above thresholds.
- Linalool
- Floral/woody aroma chemical (e.g., lavender, bergamot); common allergen.
- Citral
- Lemon/lemongrass-type aroma chemical; potential allergen.
- Geraniol
- Rose-type aroma chemical; potential allergen.
- Eugenol
- Clove/spice-type aroma chemical; potential allergen.
- Benzaldehyde
- Almond/cherry nuance aroma chemical referenced in perfumery; listed when above CLP thresholds.
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Compounds that evaporate into the air and can be measured in tests; levels depend on the specific fragrance formula.
- Soot
- Black carbon from incomplete combustion in candles. Wax melts are warmed without flame, so they avoid soot.
- Wax melt
- Fragrance product warmed without a flame; releases scent by heating rather than burning.
- Candle
- Flame-burning product that can produce soot if the burn is poor (e.g., wrong wick length or airflow issues).
- Tealight (paraffin)
- Most standard tealights are paraffin; many “soy-only” users still melt soy melts with paraffin tealights — the irony.
- Sensitisation
- When repeated exposure to certain allergens can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Ventilation
- Fresh air flow that helps disperse fragrance and maintain comfortable indoor air quality during use.
- Paraffin vs soy
- Marketing comparisons often overstate differences; safety depends more on formulation and use than the base wax alone.
Are scented candles toxic? What the 2019 UK story missed
Remember that whole "scented candles are toxic" kerfuffle back in 2019? It was like a bad episode of EastEnders, full of drama, confusion, and a whole lot of hot air.
Headlines screamed about Michael Gove declaring war on scented candles and the dangers of paraffin wax, leaving us wax melt lovers feeling a bit...well, melted.
But hold your horses, because the truth is far less dramatic than the tabloids would have you believe. Let's grab a cuppa, put our feet up, and have a good old chinwag about the real deal with fragrance safety.
UK Clean Air Strategy 2019: where scented candles fit
The UK government's "Clean Air Strategy," launched in 2019, aimed to reduce air pollution-related deaths, a great cause.
Scented candles, unfortunately, got caught in the crossfire, with concerns raised about their potential to release harmful gases and particles when burned. But here's the kicker: the studies cited by the media mainly focused on scented candles, not wax melts. And even those studies didn't exactly paint a clear picture.
To get the lowdown on the nitty gritty, scientists put a variety of scented candles to the test in special chambers, measuring the emissions of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde and benzene.
Some of the tested fragrances, like those with cedarwood, plumeria, oriental spices, rhubarb, and aloe vera, did release higher levels of these VOCs.
Fragrance oils vary: formulas and sensitivities
However, these levels only approached the maximum allowed for a healthy home environment in two of the tested candles, with the rest passing as non-hazardous.
However, it's crucial to note that every fragrance oil is unique, with its own specific blend of ingredients.
The fragrance oils tested in these studies won't be the same as the ones you find in your favourite wax melts.
Besides, fragrance oils are constantly being reformulated and updated, so even if you find the same scent name from different brands, they might smell completely different and have different ingredients!
This is why you might love a "raspberry and rhubarb" scent from one maker, but find it absolutely awful from another.
Is paraffin wax safe? What refining removes
That's right, paraffin wax gets a bad rap, but it's not the villain here. In its crude form, yes, paraffin wax (derived from petroleum) can contain impurities. However, it undergoes a rigorous refining process to remove these impurities. It's filtered, de-oiled, and decoloured to create a purified wax that's non toxic and perfectly safe for use in candles and wax melts.
This is why all WAX's are never listed on a CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) label, because they are not considered a hazardous material!
In fact, paraffin wax is incredibly versatile and used in a wide range of products we use every day. It's found in cosmetics like lip balms and lotions, used in food packaging to keep things fresh, and even employed in medical treatments like paraffin baths for arthritis relief. So, it's not just about candles and wax melts, paraffin wax is practically everywhere!
Fragrance load vs ingredients: what really triggers reactions
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Dayas Essence uses a paraffin blend"
Nope! It's not the wax itself causing any trouble; it's like blaming the oven for a burnt dinner, the real culprit is the chef who forgot to set the timer!
In our case, it's those sneaky little aroma chemicals lurking in the fragrance oils.
You see, each fragrance oil is a unique blend of natural and synthetic compounds. These are the very things that give your favourite scents their distinct personality. But for some people, these same chemicals can be a bit of a party pooper, sometimes triggering a reaction like a headache or sneezing fit.
Remember, it's not about the amount of fragrance, but the specific ingredients within it.
Even a melt with a lower fragrance load can cause a reaction if it contains a pesky ingredient your nose doesn't like.
Common fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, citral, eugenol, geraniol)
Here's a deeper look at some of the most common aroma chemicals known to trigger sensitivities:
| Citral | This sharp, citrusy compound is found in lemon, lemongrass, and other citrus scents. |
| Limonene | Another citrusy character, limonene is responsible for the zesty, refreshing aroma of oranges, limes, and grapefruits. |
| Linalool | A key component in many floral and herbal fragrances, linalool gives scents like lavender and bergamot their characteristic aroma. It's important to note that linalool is naturally occurring in many oils, making it a common trigger for sensitivities. |
| Geraniol | This sweet, floral compound is found in roses, geraniums, and other floral scents. |
| Eugenol | This warm, spicy compound is responsible for the aroma of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. |
| Benzaldehyde | This almond like aroma chemical is a common ingredient in many perfumes and scented products. |
Concentration doesn't dictate reaction, but chemical composition does!
I take pride in creating intensely rich wax melts, using three times more fragrance oil than other brands. This means you get a longer-lasting, more powerful scent throw, perfect for filling larger spaces or for those who simply love a strong fragrance.
“Paraffin is toxic.”
Refined paraffin used in melts is purified and not classified as hazardous.
“CLP lists wax hazards.”
CLP flags hazardous ingredients (usually fragrance allergens), not the base wax.
However, it's crucial to understand that the concentration of fragrance oil doesn't change the chemical composition of the scent itself.
Imagine two wax melts, one with 8% fragrance load and another with 30%. If both use the same exact fragrance oil containing limonene, for example, both melts will contain limonene.
It's like for example thinking a triple shot of espresso will make you more jittery than a single shot if you're sensitive to caffeine, the amount doesn't matter if you're already sensitive to the ingredient.
The same goes for other sensitivities, such as those to milk, gluten, or even penicillin. Even a tiny amount of the allergen could cause a reaction.
It's important to remember that if you're sensitive to a specific aroma chemical, it could trigger a reaction at
ANY concentration
Even in small amounts. Therefore, a wax melt with a lower fragrance load (e.g., 8%) containing a chemical you're sensitive to could still cause a reaction.
It's also worth noting that sensitisers can be found in up to 90% of oils. This means that even "natural" products can trigger reactions in some individuals.
At Dayas Essence, I'm committed to using high quality fragrance oils and providing detailed CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) information.
Think of it as the wax melt's CV, it tells you everything you need to know about the ingredients and any potential allergens.
Soot explained: candles vs wax melts
Soot, that black, powdery stuff that can make your walls look like they've been to a goth festival, is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. This happens when there isn't enough oxygen for the fuel (in this case, the wax and fragrance oil) to burn completely. Instead of turning into harmless carbon dioxide and water, some of the carbon gets left behind as soot.
Candles are more prone to soot because they burn with a flame. The intensity of the flame, the type of wax, the fragrance load, and even the wick can all affect how much soot a candle produces, that's why wicks also need to be trimmed.
Wax melts, on the other hand, are gently warmed, not burned. This means there's no flame and therefore no risk of incomplete combustion and soot formation. That's why I focus on wax melts rather than candles at Dayas Essence, it's a cleaner, safer way to enjoy fragrance.
How to enjoy wax melts safely in the UK
It's all about being a savvy scent shopper:
| Check the CLP | This is your wax melt's ingredient list. If you have known sensitivities, avoid fragrances with those specific ingredients. |
| Start small | New scent? Test it out with a smaller piece first to see how your body reacts. |
| Trust your nose | If a scent smells off or gives you a headache, ditch it! There are plenty of other fragrances out there that will make you happy. |
| Choose reputable brands | Make sure your wax melts come from a trusted source that prioritises quality and safety. |
Bottom line: paraffin vs soy and real safety
Don't Fall for the Paraffin Panic
The scaremongering around paraffin wax is a bit like a dodgy tabloid headline, attention grabbing, but not always accurate. Remember, paraffin wax itself is non toxic and perfectly safe to use. The real culprits behind any potential problems are usually lurking in the fragrance oils.
When it comes to soy wax, let's be honest, a lot of the hype is just clever marketing. While soy wax does have its benefits, it's not necessarily "better" than paraffin in terms of safety or emissions. Both waxes can be perfectly safe when used responsibly.
Don't let fear mongering and misinformation ruin your love of fragrance.
By being informed, understanding the science, and choosing high-quality products from reputable brands like Dayas Essence, you can enjoy your wax melts without worry. So go on, light your favourite wax melt, put your feet up, and relax. After all, life's too short to let a bit of paraffin panic get in the way of a little fragrance fun!
I do wonder how many paraffin bashing purists melt their “non toxic” soy wax melt with a paraffin tealight… the irony.
