Laurence shares our no-no list
I've been wanting to talk to you for a while about a subject that's very close to my heart, and I don't know where to start because I've got so much to say! That's why I've decided to write this blog post. So let's start at the beginning... Recently, an ad caught my eye. It was from an insurance company, praising the coziness of candlelight but also pointing out how this product can represent potential health risks.
This ad struck a chord with me, as it made sweeping generalizations, suggesting that candles are not safe products to use, whereas at SOJA&CO. our fundamental commitment is to offer you products that are both healthy for you and our beautiful planet (more on our initiatives here).
You know, it's often said, "if the shoe fits, wear it," but in this case, even though "the shoe didn't fit me," I realized that you, our customers, might feel addressed by such statements. Therefore, even though I'm not a chemistry expert, it seemed important to me to explain the impact of the various ingredients, often found in candle fragrances on the market, on our health and environment. I hope to inform you today, even if just a little, so that you can be mindful of the products you purchase and ensure they don't contain these harmful substances.
For me, it's essential to offer products as healthy as possible, across all categories (candles, bubble baths, hand soaps, reed diffusers, cleaning products, etc.), and at SOJA&CO., we've pledged to exclude several harmful ingredients from our formulas, from the very beginning. Here are a few ingredients we've banned:
Phthalates
chemical used to soften plastic and as a fixative in fragrances, linked to hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children.
Formaldehyde
preservative commonly used in many products, including perfumes, classified as a carcinogen and can cause respiratory, eye, and skin irritations.
Acetaldehyde
chemical compound used as a preservative and as a fragrance component, also found in cigarette smoke and car emissions. Classified as a carcinogen, it can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
Benzene
toxic chemical found in the air and used in various industries, classified as a carcinogen and can cause damage to blood cells, liver, and kidneys.
Xylene
solvent used in many products, including perfumes, can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritations.
Acrolein
toxic gas produced during the combustion of organic matter, irritating to eyes, nose, throat, and can cause lung damage.
Toluene
solvent used in many paints, glues, and nail polishes, can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and damage to the central nervous system.
GMOs
genetically modified organisms, often associated with concerns about human health and the environment due to their potential impact on biodiversity and food security.
Respiratory sensitizers (H334)
chemical substances that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in sensitive individuals.
Even though our 'no-no list' is much longer, I’m sharing this information with you in the hope that you feel encouraged to be more conscious of the products you purchase, and to prioritize quality and safety above all else. Our goal is simple: to offer you not only products that smell good but also an experience that leaves you with a sense of comfort and satisfaction, knowing that you've made the best choice for yourself and our planet.
Thank you for accompanying us on this beautiful journey towards a safer and healthier lifestyle. We are grateful for your continuous support, and we look forward to sharing even more about our journey with you in the future!
- Laurence
