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Cutting Through the Candle Clutter: What “Clean” Really Means

  • Writer: Allie Kurtanic
    Allie Kurtanic
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles



You’ve seen the words everywhere. Nontoxic. Clean burning. Pure fragrance oils.

They sound comforting - but what do they actually mean?


Here’s the honest truth: in the candle world, most of those words aren’t regulated or defined by anyone. They’re catchy marketing phrases that make products sound safer than they might be.

And as a small-batch maker and mama who actually reads Safety Data Sheets over my morning coffee (not glamorous, but real 😅), I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and misleading this can be for families trying to shop clean.


So I decided to start a conversation.


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🌿 Welcome to the Buzzword Breakdown Series

Each post in this series takes one common candle buzzword and explains - in plain language - what it really means, how it’s used (and abused), and what we believe at Crunchy Mama Candles.


We’re not here to call anyone out. We’re here to educate, empower, and bring clarity back to the clean candle conversation.


Why It Matters

When you light a candle in your home, you’re not just adding scent - you’re adding something to your air.


We believe you deserve to know what’s actually in your candle, what those ingredient labels mean, and how to tell the difference between “marketing clean” and “actually clean.”

Because clean isn’t a trend. It’s a standard.


What You’ll Learn in the Series

Over the next few weeks, we’ll unpack five of the most common candle claims - and share what they really mean for your home:

  1. “Nontoxic” - What It Means, What It Doesn’t

  2. “Pure Fragrance Oils” - The Myth Explained

  3. “Essential Oils Only” - When Natural Isn’t Safer

  4. “Clean Burning” - Marketing Hype or Real Science?

  5. “Transparency” - The Heart of Our Brand


Each post breaks down the buzzword, gives you the facts, and shares how we hold Crunchy Mama Candles to a higher, truly clean standard.


Let’s Light the Way - Together

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by labels, frustrated by “greenwashing,” or just want to understand what nontoxic really means - this series is for you.


We’ll start with the term everyone throws around (but few understand):


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