What’s In Your Candle?
We keep it simple: 100% natural soy wax, a wooden wick, and fragrance oils that are clean and safe. No phthalates. No CMRs. No Prop 65 ingredients. Just clean, nature-inspired scent for your home.
Typical Store-Bought Paraffin Candle
About paraffin emissions
Multiple studies note VOCs and fine particles from burning paraffin candles; ventilation reduces exposure. Individual results vary by wick, dye, fragrance load, and burn practices.
This illustrative label reflects common mass-market formulas and published indoor-air findings; specific products vary.
Red River Gorge Candle
All claims based on verified third-party safety documentation.
Who decides what is safe?
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) is an independent, non-profit scientific research institute that conducts and publishes safety assessments of all ingredients used for their aroma-producing properties. RIFM’s work is evaluated by a panel of international experts in toxicology, dermatology, pathology, environmental, reproduction, and respiratory science with no ties to the fragrance industry.
Why ingredients matter
Ingredients determine what goes into the jar—and what may end up in your air. Our Safe Scent Standard sets a higher bar by removing categories of chemicals associated with significant hazards (CMRs), as well as organ and acute toxins, phthalates, and Prop 65-listed materials.
Note: “Clean” doesn’t mean “unscented.” All fragranced candles should be burned according to best practices (trimmed wick, 2–3 hour sessions, ventilation).
What we never use
- Paraffin wax
- Phthalates in fragrance oils (e.g., DBP, DEHP, DEP)
- Any fragrance oil that fails the criteria (no CMRs, organ toxins, acute toxins, Prop 65 ingredients)
- Artificial dyes in our standard line
FAQs
Are essential oils safer than candle fragrance?
No—some essential oils naturally contain constituents outside the standards being held for our fragrances.
Are your candles vegan and cruelty-free?
Absolutely. Our soy wax and fragrance oils are free from animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals.
Where are your candles made?
We’re not a company buying cheap products online and reselling them. Every candle we make is hand-poured in small batches right here in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, inspired by the natural beauty of the Red River Gorge. We’re Kentucky Proud and Appalachian Proud.
Our Promise (At a Glance)
Safe Scents only
Soy wax + wood wick
No dyes (standard line)
Small-batch, Kentucky made