Making a scented candle involves more than just melting wax and adding a scent. It's a precision job that requires knowledge of fragrance composition, how it behaves when heated, and its impact on health. At Maison Kaori , every choice we make—from fragrance to wax—is guided by a commitment to quality, safety, and respect for the environment.
Essential oils: natural, but not always suitable for combustion
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of aromatic plants, obtained by distillation or cold expression. They are precious and powerful – but unstable at high temperatures .
When heated in a flame, some of their molecules can oxidize and release substances that are potentially irritating or toxic to the respiratory tract , or even sensitizing depending on the concentration.
In the laboratory, several studies have shown that certain essential oils release volatile aldehydes , semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or even fine particles when burned.
In other words: natural does not always mean harmless , especially in a heated product like a candle.
Grasse perfumes: a mastered art for hot diffusion
Conversely, the perfumes we use come from Grasse , the historic capital of French perfumery.
These are complex assemblies , designed specifically for use in thermal diffusion (dry heat like that of a flame, or gentle heat like that of a perfume burner).
These compositions are developed by professional noses who master the interaction between raw materials and diffusion media, such as wax.
Each fragrance is:
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tested in combustion (hot throw & cold throw)
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formulated without CMR
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phthalate-free
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compliant with IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards
This way, we obtain rich, nuanced, long-lasting fragrances that are perfectly compatible with combustion in our vegetable waxes.
A question of safety, but also of efficiency
One of the pitfalls of using essential oils in a candle also lies in their low odor power when heated . Unlike diffusion by nebulization or misting, the flame significantly alters the olfactory integrity of essential oils.
Result : a barely perceptible, unbalanced, or even unpleasant scent.
Conversely, Grasse perfumes retain their structure even when heated, providing a faithful sensory experience , from the first ignition to the last centimeter of wax.
KAORI HOUSE
Transparency, requirement and responsibility
We have chosen to use safe, traceable fragrances designed for combustion , because we believe that a beautiful fragrance should never compromise health .
It is with this logic that we have built all our formulations:
✅ 100% vegetable wax (no paraffin or animal wax)
✅ Fragrances laboratory tested for combustion
✅ Lead-free wicks , made of cotton or certified wood
✅ Handcrafted , in small series, in Belgium
Discover our collection of artisanal scented candles, handmade in Belgium
Conclusion: reconciling olfactory refinement and ecological awareness
At Maison Kaori , we consider each candle as a sensory work in its own right, but also as a commitment : that of respecting your health, your home and our planet.
Essential oils remain valuable in other uses – cold diffusion, body care, aromatherapy – but to perfume your home sustainably and healthily, our choice is clear : quality perfumes, created by artisan perfumers, in complete transparency.
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