What it Means to be Non-Toxic

What it Means to be Non-Toxic

What it means to be non-toxic

 There are LOTS of scented products out on the market and no shortage of opinions on what is healthy, safe, toxic, scary etc. From perfume, to candles, to hand soap, you always need to be conscious of what is scenting these products and it can be completely overwhelming – we get it. 

The fragrance industry has done a poor job of educating the consumer about what is safe, which has opened the door for a lot of “greenwashing” to happen because consumers just don’t know any better. There are many resources online saying fragrance is “toxic” but no one takes the time to explain the why. So, here we are. 

Many people get overwhelmed with all of the negativity (and honestly products that claim they are non-toxic, but aren’t!) that they give up fragrance all together. I am here to tell you, that you can enjoy fragrance while also being mindful of what is safe!

How we define non- toxic:

Here at SSJ, we are focused on creating safe & non-toxic products. This means we never use harmful ingredients, so you feel comfortable using our products for yourself, loved ones, around pets, you name it. Here are the items that we NEVER have in our products to deem them as “safe”

  • No phthalates-
    • What are they? Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals used in personal care products to enhance fragrance and absorption.
    • Where are they found? They are most commonly found in perfumes, candles, lotions and household cleaners, and yes, those big box store candles have them. We’ve done the research.
    • Common Names for Phthalates: DEP,DBP,DMP,DEHP. Always look for products that say “phthalate free”
    • Health Risks:Concerns have arisen over their potential health effects, particularly regarding endocrine disruption and reproductive health. These are bad, stay away from them.
  • No parabens-
    • What are they? Parabens are a group of synthetic compounds commonly used as preservatives
    • Where are they found? Cosmetics, personal care products, and hair care products.
    • Common Names for Parabens: MP, PP, BP, Benzoic Acid, Hydroxybenzoic Acid. Look for labels that say “Paraben Free.”
    • Health Risks: If you are diagnosed with cancer, one of the first things they tell you is to cut out any products with parabens. While parabens help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, we would never use them in our products as they have the potential to disrupt hormone function, as they can mimic estrogen in the body.

 

  • No Carcinogens-
    • What are they? Carcinogens are substances or agents that can cause cancer in living tissue. Exposure to carcinogens can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
    • Where are they found? Well known carcinogens include tobacco smoke, asbestos, and benzene (found in MANY mainstream candles made with paraffin wax.) However, carcinogens can be found in daily fragrance products at certain levels. This is an interesting one, because believe it or not, there are natural essential oils that can show up on this list due to their toxicity. Just a reminder, natural doesn’t always mean safe. There are many synthetic fragrances that are completely safe and contain 0 carcinogens.
    • Common names for Carcinogens: Phthalates, VOC, PAHs, Benzene, Formaldehyde, BHA, BHT, dyes (such as Red #3)
    • Health Risks: Cause cancer in living tissue

 

  • No Mutagens-
    • What are they? Mutagens are a preservative that can cause changes (mutations) in the DNA of organisms.
    • Where are they found? In many cosmetics, cleaners, and dyes etc..
    • Common names for Mutagens: Benzene, nitrates, PAHs
    • Health Risks: Can cause mutations and changes to ones DNA leading to genetic damage.
  • No reproductive toxins

So, What do SSJ Products have in them?

  • Candles
    • 100% Soy Wax grown in the USA
    • 100% cotton wicks that are both lead and metal free
    • A blend of 100% non-toxic fragrance and essential oils
    • Recyclable and reusable vessels (mostly made in the USA)
  • Hand Soap
    • 100% Organic, Vegan, Castille soap
  • Perfume
    • 100% Natural organic, non-GMO grape alcohol
  • Reed Diffusers
    • 100% non-toxic, and VOC compliant diffuser base

 

After countless hours of research and collaboration with other industry leaders, this is what we define as safe and non-toxic. Keep in mind, that “natural” doesn’t mean “safe.” You will often find natural products that are not safe and pose many health risks if not used in the right amounts. It is important to find brands that you can trust are truly non-toxic and don’t contain any of the items above.

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