Why You Need to Ditch the Bath & Body Works Candles this Fall
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. With that being said, this post may contain affiliate links that I make a small commission on, but it is of no additional cost to you. Thank you for using my links and helping support me as I share information!
It’s officially Fall! Not on the calendar, but Starbucks released the PSL and we all know they’re really the ones in control of the seasons. In the past, I used to look forward to rushing into Bath & Body Works during a sale to get my fix of all things pumpkin, vanilla and maple scented. But once I started cleaning up my routine, I started getting instant headaches walking into Bath & Body Works. Why? In a word: Fragrance. In more than a word? Thousands of ingredients that do not legally have to be disclosed or tested for safety—many of which are known hormone disruptors.
What exactly is “Fragrance”?
According to EWG, over 70% of products that have “fragrance” on the label contain “phthalates” (pronounced “THAL-ATES”), which are known hormone disruptors. Some studies have linked phthalates with things like diabetes, liver and breast cancer, fertility issues and have even found connections with problems such as ADHD. However, because there is no legal obligation to disclose the ingredients that make up a fragrance, there really is no way to know if that “fragrance” on the label is a toxin cocktail or totally natural.
If this weren’t enough, 95% of synthetic chemicals in fragrance are derived from “petrochemicals”—chemicals which are known to cause cancer, birth defects, issues with the nervous system, asthma and environmental allergies.
Since I’ve committed to no more fragrance in my lifestyle, I knew I had to say buh-bye to my beloved fall candles from Bath & Body Works. But there’s no denying the coziness and ambiance of bringing the fall vibes into your living room during this time of year. Here are a few ways that you can still bring the spirit of fall to your home!
1. Essential Oils
You can create amazing fall scents by using essential oils in a diffuser! I love Rocky Mountain Essential oils because they are incredibly high quality, without the extra mark up that comes along with an MLM brand.
Try out this blend: 3 drops of Cinnamon Bark, 3 drops of Ginger, 3 drops of Orange. Or check out these “fall” blends. There’s even a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte blend!
2. Non-Toxic Candles
This is tricky, because I can almost guarantee you that any candle you find in a store is loaded with toxic ingredients. Not just fragrance, but candles made from petroleum/paraffin emit toxic fumes into your home! If you are going to burn candles, the best options are to find ones made from: 1) Beeswax 2) Organic Soy 3) Coconut wax. You also want to make sure it has a cotton wick. A lot of candles say “lead free”, but that’s not enough. Actually, lead core wicks were banned in 2003 so “lead free” on the label of any candle you find in a store is really just a marketing tactic. Some candles still have metal cores, so you want to look for “cotton wick”.
If you’re looking for something that still has a pleasant scent, it must be 100% pure essential oils/plant based. Often times candles will say they are “made with essential oils” but that doesn’t mean they’re not also filled with other synthetic fragrances.
Here are a few brands I know of:
3. Grow Fragrance
Grow Fragrance (mentioned above for their amazing candles) is one of the only room sprays I stand behind because they’re completely plant based, without synthetic or endocrine disrupting chemicals. Their winter Holiday Hearth blend is heavenly for recovering B&BW lovers! Browse all of their sprays here!
4. Stove Top Blends
Create a simmer pot by boiling water on the stove top with things like cloves, apple slices, cinnamon, orange peel, etc. Reduce to a simmer to make your house smell heavenly!
I know ditching those delicious fall scents will be tough, but you’re so much better off without filling your house with toxic chemicals! Made a switch find me on IG to let me know! @LivingwellwithL