What's in a name?
- Alysia
- May 26, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 15, 2021
Shakespeare said a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. But would you buy a fragrance called Ethyl methylphenylglycidate?
Disclaimer: All opinions in this article are based on fact and entirely my own. This article is not sponsored and no links in this article are affiliated.
Who doesn’t like candles? Beautiful, divinely smelling jars of warmth and light, creating a soothing atmosphere in any space and flooding it with aromatic scents.
And there's so many to choose from nowadays. Want a home that smells like cupcakes? It's possible. How about a candle that smells like a campfire? Sure (although why someone would want their home to smell like smoke I don't know). Even the smell of ocean air on a warm summer's evening is captured in jars usually named something like 'Summer Twilight's Wonder'.
But most of us are simply after something relaxing after a long day. And if we're focusing our search to natural candles, chances are you won't find one smelling of bubblegum.
How to spot a natural brand
The best way to identify a natural brand is by their transparency. If they state clearly what ingredients they use (or don't use) and why, as well as full lists for each product, then they don't have anything they want to hide. This doesn't always mean what they are using meets your criteria, but generally if they're proud of how they make their products, they'll tell you, making it easier to find the best item for you.
It should come as no surprise that using artificial fragrances create strongly scented candles. As the best candles are often judged by this factor, these are the ones we tend to choose, despite it meaning breathing in some harmful chemicals.
It doesn't help that it's never clear what exactly is in a candle, but there are a few factors that can point you in the right direction.
When looking for a clean candle, first notice what type of wax is used. Soy wax is the most ideal and often a sign of good quality. They burn cleaner than paraffin wax - which are made from petroleums - and that means no harsh chemicals are released into our homes when lit (excluding those from the flame of course). It's also slow burning, so the candle will last much longer. Vegetable waxes such as rapeseed are also ok, or a mixture of both, as these are also slow burning and cleaner than paraffin.
Wicks wrapped around metal are also not a good idea. In the past lead has been used, which obviously when burned releases all kinds of toxins into the air, but any sort of metal should be avoided. Cotton and wooden wicks are best, but make sure no dangerous materials are hiding beneath the surface.
Oftentimes candles using clean wax and wicks are still fragranced with synthetic scents, which defeats the object of a natural product. But there are brands making entirely natural candles, which is exactly what we want. The downside is that sometimes the fragrances are weak and barely fill a room.
But then I found Kuki, and they proved that natural candles can in fact produce strong and inviting scents.
Founded in 2019 and inspired by Japanese wellness, I stumbled upon this small London-based business in 2020, and was impressed by the quality of the business and its products.
Their candles come in a range of shapes and sizes, from large jars with wooden wicks, which gently crackle as they burn, to smaller amber jars which let off a warm glow, to repurposed coconut shells that bring the outside in, each unique and beautiful. Oh and all are made with soy wax, essential oils and plant-based extracts, so you get your money's worth no matter which size you choose.
Kuki offers a range of scents that aim to create a spa-like atmosphere in your home. And from the three I have tried at least, they really do.
Lychee, Mandarin and Coconut is a sweet, uplifting tropical paradise. Vanilla and Musk, Kuki’s signature scent, is smokier, but warm and encapsulating. And Ansei, a collection of essential oils proven to help reduce stress and anxiety, is smooth, comforting and calming.
They don't list specifically which oils are in each candle, which is understandable as the majority of fragrance-based brands don't like revealing their secrets. But it does put consumers at ease knowing exactly what it is made from, especially when some essential oils and artificial fragrances are known allergens.
One brand that has taken this seriously is ELM RD, who are completely transparent about what they use and why.
A wooden wick crackles as it burns to help ground you in the present. Feeling relaxed yet? (Video by Alysia Georgiades)
I have yet to try ELM RD's products, but the company is on my list as they produce candles, mists and diffusers from entirely natural ingredients. Founded by Miguel Ángel and handmade in Kent, they use a mix of soy and rapeseed in their candles because the latter can be sourced locally, decreasing their carbon footprint as a result. Their room mists are opaque because they don't add alcohol, instead combining a floral water with essential oils. And their diffusers are made with a soy base that's kinder for us and the planet.
ELM RD's fragrances are inspired by Ángel's favourite memories, using the power of scent to take us to our favourite places. His fragrances aim to instill Happiness, Serenity, Courage and more using essential oil blends, all of which are listed on each product, whilst painting a picture of our own memories. Frankly I can't think of anything better.
A third brand I have come across that has branched out into natural candles is Sister and Co.. A favourite of mine for skincare (I love their Tandem More Than Moisturiser) and bodycare, but I have yet to try their candles. Made with coconut and rapeseed wax, they use the same scents as their bodycare products, Rosa, Holly and Myrtle, with new additions Pearl and Amber.
Since I haven't tried ELM RD or Sister and Co.'s candles, I can't comment on the strength of the scents, but they tick all the boxes I look for in clean, natural home fragrance.
When producing products with this much care and detail, every step of the business considers the environment. ELM RD focuses on using Mother Nature's materials for high-quality products, and gives back through sustainable production and delivery processes. Kuki has the same values, even implementing a scheme which encourages consumers to send back five empty jars by offering a free candle in return. And Sister and Co. sell 'naked' versions of each candle, so rather than buying a jar each time, you can refill the one you have and save money.
Kuki, ELM RD and Sister and Co.'s products are certainly not as cheap as options you might find in homeware stores or supermarkets. But considering how they are made, what they are made with, and how much safer they are for our health and home makes their prices worthwhile in my opinion.
So if you feel like treating yourself or someone else to a kind and clean candle (or room mist, or diffuser, or bath salts) then know there are brands who can provide you with exactly that.
Oh and if you're wondering, Ethyl methylphenylglycidate is an artificial fragrance and flavour that mimics strawberries.
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