The Hidden Truth Behind Synthetic Scents

We often get asked: Why don’t you use fragrance oils in your candles?

The answer is because we care about your health, your family, your pets, and the environment. 

Of course, the longer explanation is far more complex and deeply concerning, and that’s why we believe it’s our responsibility to educate and lead by example.

Fragrance oils might smell sweet, but the truth behind them is anything but.

 What Are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils, often marketed as “aromatic oils” or “perfume oils,” are synthetic compounds created in laboratories to mimic scents found in nature. These fake scents — like "apple blossom", "fresh linen", or even “ocean breeze”  may also be combined with a small percentage of natural essential oils, but the bulk of the formula is made up of artificial ingredients.

These artificial fragrances are commonly found in candles, air fresheners, body sprays and perfumes, and of course cleaning products like laundry detergents and baby wipes - and even some “natural” skincare items

 What’s Inside Fragrance Oils?

Here’s where it gets worrying. Fragrance oils are made up of undisclosed chemical cocktails, often including:

Phthalates (linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues)

Petrochemicals (derived from petroleum)

Synthetic musks (which bioaccumulate and may disrupt hormone function)

Allergens (which can trigger asthma, headaches, or skin irritation)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (which affect indoor air quality and may cause long-term health effects)

The exact formulation of a fragrance oil is typically protected under “trade secret” laws, meaning companies are not legally required to disclose what’s actually in them.

In short: when you see the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient list, it could mean hundreds of chemicals you’ll never know about.

 Why We Believe Fragrance Oils Don’t Belong in Your Home

Your home should be a safe haven.

We refuse to use any ingredient that could put you or those you love ones at risk — especially the most vulnerable: babies, children, pregnant women, pets, and people with respiratory conditions or chemical sensitivities.

Fragrance oils are NOT safe for:

Pets – Cats and dogs process chemicals differently. Synthetic fragrances can be toxic to their livers and respiratory systems.

Babies and children – Developing brains and lungs are particularly sensitive to synthetic VOCs.

Pregnant women – Exposure to endocrine disruptors like phthalates during pregnancy is linked to developmental concerns.

Anyone with asthma, allergies or migraines – Artificial scents are known triggers.

 The Candle Industry’s Dirty Secret

And it gets worse. Most commercial candles — even those labeled “soy candles” or “natural candles” — contain fragrance oils and paraffin wax, both derived from petroleum. When burned, they release formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxic compounds into the air.

This combination pollutes your indoor environment. Ever see black soot and leaves residues on walls and windows? That's on your lungs, too.

That’s not ambiance — that’s air pollution.

 We Use Only 100% Pure Essential Oils

At Bryluen Botanicals, our candles are infused exclusively with pure, plant-derived essential oils — never synthetics. We carefully select oils that are:

Safe for use around pets, babies, and pregnancy (where applicable)

Therapeutically beneficial (aromatherapy is a real science)

Wildcrafted or ethically sourced

Free from phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, and toxins

Our blends are intentionally designed to support your wellbeing — whether you’re seeking calm, focus, energy, or restful sleep — without compromising your health.

 Is It More Expensive to Use Essential Oils?

Yes, it is. Poison is cheap. Essential oils are more costly and delicate than fragrance oils, and they require experience and precision to blend correctly. 

We’re proud to be one of the few candle companies in the world that refuses to use synthetic fragrance oils. This choice defines everything we do.

 What You Can Do as a Consumer

Read labels carefully. “Fragrance” or “parfum” means synthetics.

Ask questions. A transparent brand will be happy to tell you what’s inside.

Be wary of greenwashing. “Natural” and “eco” mean nothing without real ingredient disclosure.

Support brands that are transparent about their ingredients. If what is in the product isn't clear to you, don't. buy it. 

In Summary

Fragrance oils:

Are made from undisclosed synthetic chemicals

Can contain phthalates, VOCs, and hormone disruptors

Can harm pets, babies, pregnant women, and sensitive individuals

Pollute indoor air quality

Have no aromatherapeutic benefit — just scent

Instead, we choose nature. Always.

If you're looking for a candle that smells beautiful and supports your health, Bryluen Botanicals is here for you. Our mission is simple: to create candles that are safe, honest, and healing — with nothing to hide.