Are Wax Melts Bad for You?

Wax melts are a popular way to fragrance a home without a wick, but it's sensible to ask whether wax melts are bad for you, or whether wax warmers are bad for you, before you use them. This guide gives you a balanced, factual answer. We explain what's in our wax melts, what the warnings on the label mean, and the simple habits that help you use them sensibly at home.

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts are pieces of scented wax that you warm in a wax melt burner. As the wax turns liquid, it releases fragrance into the room. There's no wick, so the wax itself isn't lit. You can use them in an electric wax melt burner, which warms the wax with a bulb, or a tealight wax burner, which uses a small tealight flame underneath the dish.

What's in Our Wax Melts?

We like to be clear about exactly what goes into our wax melts. They're hand-poured in Hampshire and made from:

• Soy wax
• Fragrance oil

Some of our melts also contain dye for colour and/or biodegradable glitter. Every product carries CLP safety information, which lists any fragrance ingredients you need to know about and the precautions to take.

What Is a CLP Label?

CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. It's the system used in Great Britain to label products that contain substances which could cause harm if they're misused, such as some of the ingredients found in fragrance oils. Fragrance products like wax melts, candles and reed diffusers carry CLP information so you can see what's in the scent and how to use it properly.

Why do fragrance products carry warnings?

Many fragrances, including ones made from plant extracts such as citrus, lavender or rose, contain allergens and sensitisers. These are substances that can cause a skin or allergic reaction in some people. The label names them so anyone who knows they react to a particular ingredient can avoid it. A warning on the label is a legal requirement for the ingredients in that fragrance. It isn't a sign that the product is faulty.

How to read a CLP label

Our CLP safety information can include some or all of the following:

• A signal word. "Warning" appears when the fragrance blend needs it. Not every scent has one.
• Hazard statements. For example, "May cause an allergic skin reaction" or "Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects".
• "Contains" followed by named ingredients, sometimes with "May produce an allergic reaction". This tells you which allergens are in that scent.
• Precautions. For example, "Read label before use", "Avoid release into the environment" and how to dispose of the product.
• "Not for consumption. Keep out of the reach of children & pets."
• Our name and contact details, so you can get in touch with any questions.

You'll find the CLP safety information on the packaging of every wax melt, and in our product descriptions, so you can check a scent before you buy.

Are Wax Melts Toxic or Poisonous?

Our wax melts carry CLP safety information because some fragrance ingredients are classified as allergens or sensitisers, and some are classified as harmful to aquatic life, which is why the label asks you to avoid releasing them into the environment. The label tells you exactly what applies to each scent, so use wax melts as directed, read the label, follow its precautions and never eat or swallow them. The same applies to soy wax melts. Asking "are soy wax melts bad for you?" comes down to the fragrance in them and how you use them, so check the CLP label whatever the wax.

Are Wax Melts Safe to Breathe? Ventilation Matters

When wax melts, it releases fragrance into the air you breathe. If you're asking whether wax melts are safe to breathe, the label is your guide: it names any fragrance ingredients that some people react to. Any home fragrance is more pleasant in a room with some fresh air. Melt your wax in a well-ventilated room, and open a window or door from time to time, especially in a small room or if you're melting for a while. If the scent ever feels too strong, switch the burner off, let fresh air in and use a smaller piece next time.

How Long Should You Melt Wax Melts For?

We recommend melting your wax for around four hours at a time, then switching the burner off and letting the wax cool and set. Each piece of our wax melts gives up to 10 hours of fragrance in total, so you can re-melt it over several sessions. For more on this, read our guide on how long wax melts last.

• Never leave a lit tealight unattended. Blow it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Switch electric burners off when you go out or go to bed.
• Don't add water to a burner dish, and don't move a burner while the wax is liquid.

Are Wax Warmers Safe? Where to Put Your Burner

Like any product that uses heat or a flame, a wax warmer needs to be used sensibly. Follow the burner's instructions and these placement tips:

• On a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface
• Out of reach of children and pets, where it can't be knocked over
• Away from curtains, shelves above, paper and anything that can catch fire
• Away from draughts that could make a tealight flame flicker
• Somewhere you can easily keep an eye on it

Keep the burner dish clean between scents so old wax doesn't build up. Our step-by-step guide to cleaning a wax melt burner shows you how.

Children, Dogs and Cats

Keep wax melts, burners and tealights out of the reach of children and pets at all times, as stated on every CLP label. Melted wax is hot, and wax melts can look like sweets or treats to little ones and animals.

Pets can be more sensitive to smells than we are, so give them a way to leave the room, keep the room ventilated and watch for any signs that they're bothered by the scent. If you have pets, read our guide wax melts, dogs and cats, and ask your vet if you have any concerns.

Asthma, Allergies and Sensitivities

If you have asthma, allergies, sensitive skin or another respiratory condition, check the "Contains" list on the CLP label before choosing a scent, and avoid any ingredient you know you react to. Start with a small piece in a well-ventilated room. If you're unsure whether wax melts are suitable for you, or anyone in your home, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Stop using a scent if it doesn't agree with you.

If melted wax or fragrance gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If you have a reaction, follow the advice on the label and get medical advice.

Wax Melts Are Not Food

Some of our wax melts smell like cakes, sweets and fruit, but they are not for consumption. Never eat or taste a wax melt, and store them where children and pets can't reach them. If a wax melt is swallowed, get medical advice and have the product label to hand. If a pet eats one, contact your vet.

Are Wax Melts Bad for You? FAQs

Are wax melts safe?

Used as directed, wax melts are a popular everyday home fragrance. Read the CLP safety information, use them in a ventilated room, melt for around four hours at a time, never leave a lit tealight unattended and keep them away from children and pets.

What are your wax melts made of?

Soy wax and fragrance oil. Some also contain dye and/or biodegradable glitter. Every product carries CLP safety information.

Why does the label say "May cause an allergic skin reaction"?

Because the fragrance contains an ingredient classed as a skin sensitiser. That's a legal labelling requirement, so people who know they react to that ingredient can avoid it. Avoid contact with your skin, and wash off any melted wax with soap and water.

Can wax melts cause headaches?

Some people find strong fragrances bring on a headache. If that happens, switch the burner off, let fresh air in, try a smaller piece or a lighter scent, and speak to your GP if it keeps happening.

Can I use wax melts if I have asthma?

Check the CLP label for anything you know you react to, use a small piece in a well-ventilated room, and ask your GP or asthma nurse if you're unsure.

Are wax melts safe for dogs?

We can't make a blanket promise for every dog. Keep wax melts and burners out of their reach, ventilate the room and make sure your dog can leave if the scent bothers them. Read our guide on wax melts, dogs and cats, and ask your vet if you're worried.

Are wax melts safe for cats?

Cats can be sensitive to strong smells, so ventilate the room, keep burners well out of reach and give your cat a way to leave the room. If you have any concerns, speak to your vet before using wax melts.

Are wax warmers bad for you?

A wax warmer simply heats the wax to release its fragrance, so what matters is the scent you use and how you use it. Follow the CLP label, ventilate the room, melt for around four hours at a time and never leave a lit tealight unattended.

Are candle melts bad for you?

"Candle melts" is just another name for wax melts. The same guidance applies: read the label, ventilate the room and follow the precautions.

How long can I leave a wax melt on?

We recommend around four hours at a time. Switch off when you leave the room or go to bed, and never leave a lit tealight unattended.

Why can't I smell my wax melt any more?

The fragrance may have run out, or you may simply have got used to it. See our guide on why you can't smell your wax melts.

The Final Word

For most people, wax melts can be enjoyed at home when they're used as directed. Read the CLP label, ventilate the room, melt for around four hours at a time, keep burners away from children and pets, and never eat a wax melt. If you have asthma, allergies or sensitivities, check the ingredients and speak to your GP if you're unsure.

Browse our soy wax melts, with CLP safety information on the packaging of every product. We offer free UK delivery on orders over £45.

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