Can Scented Candles Cause Allergies or Sensitivities?Updated an hour ago
Millions of people enjoy scented candles every day without any issues. However, like with any fragranced product, it's possible that a particular scent might trigger a reaction in some individuals.
Individual Sensitivities Vary
Everyone's different. If you have known sensitivities to specific fragrances or ingredients, you may want to avoid candles with those scents. This is true for any scented product, not just candles.
Common sensitivities can include:
- Specific floral notes
- Strong spice scents
- Certain essential oils
- Heavily fragranced products in general
If you're trying a new fragrance for the first time, start with a shorter burn time to see how you respond.
Proper Ventilation Matters
Always burn candles in a well-ventilated area. Good airflow helps:
- Distribute fragrance evenly throughout your space
- Prevent fragrance from becoming overwhelming
- Ensure proper combustion
- Maintain healthy indoor air quality
You don't need windows wide open, but your room shouldn't be completely sealed off. Normal household ventilation is usually plenty.
Tips for Sensitive Individuals
If you're sensitive to fragrances but still want to enjoy candles, here are some approaches:
Start with lighter scents. Try fresh, clean fragrances like Clean Crisp White or White Ocean Sands before moving to heavier scents.
Burn for shorter periods. Instead of 4 hours, try 1-2 hours at a time (after the initial 4 hour burn).
Try smaller spaces first. Burn a candle in a bathroom or small room before using it in your main living area.
Keep the room ventilated. Open a door or window slightly while burning.
When to Stop Burning a Candle
If you experience any of these while burning a candle, extinguish it:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Respiratory discomfort
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing or congestion
These reactions aren't common, but they can happen with any strongly scented product if you're sensitive to that particular fragrance.
Quality Matters
At Votivo, we create all our fragrances in-house and adhere to strict safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). Our candles are also Paraben, Phthalate, and Formaldehyde Free.
We test extensively to ensure proper combustion, which means our candles burn cleanly when used correctly. However, sensitivity to fragrance is a personal response that varies by individual.
The Bottom Line
Most people can enjoy scented candles without any issues. If you have known fragrance sensitivities, trust your instincts and avoid scents that bother you. And remember, proper ventilation is always a good practice when burning any candle.
Not sure which Votivo fragrance is right for you? Our Fragrance Sample Kit lets you try our library of scents before committing to a full-size candle. It's a great way to discover which fragrances work best for your space and sensitivity level.
Questions about candles? Call 1.877.7VOTIVO (1.877.786.8486) or send an email to [email protected].