Why they’re in your candles and fragrances, and whether they’re worth stressing over.
In the world of wellness and clean living, fragrance often lands on the “free-from” and “no-no” lists. You’ve probably seen TikToks telling you to ditch “toxins,” steer clear of ingredients you can’t pronounce, and anything with “chemicals,” especially fragrance. But what makes fragrance seemingly “toxic?” Phthalates.
The internet is overflowing with conflicting advice, fear-based marketing, and half-truths disguised as science. It’s a lot and it’s confusing. So, we wrote this blog to give you a clear, science-based view of what phthalates are, why they’re used in scented products (like candles), and what it all means for you, so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Phthalates?
They may sound scary, but here’s what they actually are.
Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a large group of chemical compounds that serve different purposes depending on their structure. Some are used as plasticizers to make plastics soft and flexible (like rubber duckies), while others are used as solvents to help mix or carry other substances, like in personal care products and fragrances.
What’s important to know: phthalates aren’t a single ingredient. They’re a broad category of compounds. And, just like not all mushrooms are poisonous, not all phthalates are bad for your health. Some have been flagged for potential health risks, while others have been studied extensively and found to be safe at the levels used in consumer products.
Why are Phthalates Used in Fragrances and Candles?
Spoiler: They help your candles smell better, longer.
In fragrance, the phthalate used is Diethyl Phthalate (DEP). DEP helps scent last longer and remain stable across temperature shifts. That’s especially helpful in candles, where high heat could otherwise degrade or distort the fragrance.
In candle-making specifically, DEP helps improve cold and hot throw (how strong a candle smells unlit vs. burning) and prevents fragrance crystals from forming in the wax. This supports the consistency and balance in fragrance blends.
Phthalates are also a common culprit for people who can be sensitive/ get headaches from heavily fragranced products. So while DEP isn't inherently dangerous, some people can be more sensitive to it.
Not all phthalates are the same, and not all are used in fragrance.
The Phthalates People Warn You About (and the Ones You Don’t Need to Stress Over)
Most of the fear around phthalates comes from two specific compounds: DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) and DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate). These have been linked to hormonal disruption and reproductive toxicity(1), particularly with long-term, high-level exposure. As a result, they’ve been restricted or banned in certain applications.
But DEP, the phthalate sometimes used in fragrance, has been thoroughly reviewed and found safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products by:
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The U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) (2)
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European Commission’s Scientific Committee (3)
Worth noting: clean-movement advocates often cite European standards as the “gold standard,” and even those regulations agree DEP is safe.
On top of that, the FDA has stated it has no evidence that DEP, as currently used, poses a safety risk(4). Both U.S. and EU regulators continue to monitor and test ingredients like these regularly.
Bottom line: Lumping all phthalates together is like saying all bacteria are bad. It’s just not that simple.
Where CarteHaus Stands
We take a cautious, thoughtful approach to ingredient selection and formulation. Even though DEP (Diethyl Phthalate) is considered safe by multiple regulatory bodies, we’ve chosen to use phthalate-free fragrance oils.
Why? Because while the science says DEP is safe, the sentiment around phthalates can make people uneasy, and your candle ritual should be about unwinding, not overthinking what’s in your wax.
We also prioritize safety in other ways, like choosing heat-resistant vessels to ensure a safe burn.
Hear it from our founder:
“Since there’s so much debate around phthalates, I’ve chosen to avoid them from day one, not to appear ‘cleaner’ or to jump on a trend, but to give our customers peace of mind. You should be able to enjoy your candle guilt-free.”
So, Should You Be Scared of Phthalates in Candles?
TL;DR: No, but stay informed.
The phthalates sometimes used in candles, specifically DEP in fragrance oils, are not the ones linked to hormone disruption. Most of the concern stems from DBP and DEHP, which are restricted or banned in certain uses due to potential health effects in high exposures, not from DEP used in fragrance at low levels.
Fear-mongering around “toxins” and “chemicals” oversimplifies chemistry. Everything is a chemical, and toxicity is all about dose and exposure. Candles, by comparison, are a very minor source of potential phthalate exposure, especially compared to pollution, food packaging, and other everyday items.
Feel good about what you use.
Lighting a candle shouldn’t come with a side of stress. Whether or not phthalates are harmful at the levels found in candles, you deserve to know what’s in your home products.
At CarteHaus, we’re committed to creating beautiful scent experiences that add personality and presence to your space. We’ve opted out of phthalates not because we had to, but because you matter.
To light up your space with scent without the worry: SHOP CARTEHAUS.
Sources:
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Hlisníková, H., Petrovičová, I., Kolena, B., Šidlovská, M., & Sirotkin, A. (2020). Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates’ Action on Reproductive Processes and Reproductive Health: A Literature Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6811. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186811
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review, D. (2003). Annual Review of Cosmetic Integrity Safety Assessments. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810590918625
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The Scientific Commitee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers. (2003). Opinion Concerning Diethyl Phthalate. https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/documents/out246_en.pdf
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Food and Drug Administration (2022, May 19). Phthalates in Cosmetics. FDA.Gov. Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates-cosmetics
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(2001, March 19). Toxicological profile of diethyl phthalate: A vehicle for fragrance and cosmetic ingredients. Science Direct. Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691500001241?via%3Dihub