Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrances: What's Really in Your Candles?
, by Mika Jackson, 4 min reading time
Natural or synthetic fragrances, which is better? The answer might surprise you. I am letting you know what's really in your candles and why the debate isn't as simple as "natural = good, synthetic = bad." Here's what you actually need to know to choose safe, beautiful candles for your home.
When you light a candle, you're not just creating ambiance, you're releasing fragrance compounds into the air you breathe. If you've ever wondered what's actually creating that cozy vanilla scent or fresh linen smell, you're not alone. The debate between natural and synthetic fragrances in candles is one of the most misunderstood topics in the industry, and today I'm breaking it down so you can make the best choice for your home.
What Are Natural Fragrances? Natural fragrances come from plant-based sources like essential oils, extracted from flowers, fruits, herbs, and woods. Think lavender oil from lavender flowers, or vanilla extract from vanilla beans. These ingredients are derived directly from nature through processes like steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction.
The appeal is obvious: they're "from the earth" and often perceived as safer or more pure. Many people love knowing exactly where their scent comes from.
However, natural doesn't always mean better. Essential oils can still cause allergies or sensitivities in some people. They're also more expensive, less consistent (crops vary year to year), and some natural extraction processes can be environmentally taxing.
What Are Synthetic Fragrances? Synthetic fragrances are created in laboratories by combining aroma chemicals. Before you recoil, here's what that actually means: perfumers and chemists identify the specific molecules that create certain scents, then recreate them.
Sometimes they're copying nature exactly, synthetic vanillin smells identical to natural vanilla because it's the same molecular compound. Other times, they're creating scents that don't exist in nature or would be impossible to extract (like "fresh linen" or "ocean breeze").
The benefits? Synthetic fragrances are consistent, often more affordable, and can achieve scent profiles that natural ingredients simply can't. They also don't require harvesting rare plants or depleting natural resources.
The Safety Question Here's where things get interesting. Both natural and synthetic fragrances are regulated by organizations like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which sets safety standards for the industry.
"Natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe." Poison ivy is natural. Many essential oils are toxic to pets or can cause skin irritation. Meanwhile, many synthetic fragrances are rigorously tested and formulated to be hypoallergenic.
The key isn't whether a fragrance is natural or synthetic, it's whether the candle maker is using high-quality, properly tested ingredients and being transparent about what's in their products.
What About "Clean" or "Non-Toxic" Candles? You've probably seen these terms everywhere. While there's no official regulation for what "clean" means in candles, it generally refers to products free from:
- Phthalates (chemicals sometimes used to make scents last longer)
- Parabens
- Carcinogens or reproductive toxins
Reputable candle makers using natural or synthetic fragrances, avoid these ingredients altogether. Always look for companies that clearly state they're phthalate-free and comply with IFRA standards.
The Best of Both Worlds Many high-quality candle brands (including Luminate 365 Candles) use a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients. Why? Because it allows me to create beautiful, complex scents while maintaining:
- Consistency in every candle
- Safety standards
- Sustainable practices
- Scents that simply smell incredible
For example, I might use natural essential oils as the base and synthetic molecules to enhance longevity or create a unique twist that pure essential oils couldn't achieve alone.
How to Choose What's Right for You Ask yourself:
- Do you have sensitivities or allergies? Test small amounts first, regardless of whether it's natural or synthetic
- Are you concerned about specific ingredients? Look for phthalate-free, IFRA-compliant candles
- Do you prefer certain scent profiles? Some (like bright citrus) work beautifully with natural oils, while others (like complex gourmands) benefit from synthetic precision
- What's your budget? Natural ingredient candles typically cost more
The Bottom Line The natural vs. synthetic debate isn't black and white. Both have their place, and neither is inherently "better" or "worse." What matters most is:
- The quality and safety of the ingredients
- The transparency of the brand
- How the candle makes you feel in your space
At Luminate 365 Candles, I believe in being honest about what goes into our candles and why. Every fragrance we choose natural, synthetic, or a blend, is selected for its quality, safety, and ability to create the perfect atmosphere in your home.
Your Turn What matters most to you when choosing a candle? Let me know in the comments, and if you have questions about any of our specific fragrances, I am always happy to share what's inside.