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The Hidden Risks in Trendy Candles — What You Need to Know

by Michelle Czarka on Sep 19, 2025

The Hidden Risks in Trendy Candles — What You Need to Know

What’s Going on with Trendy Candles

Recently, the Target Marshmallow Suede Jar Candle (20-oz Threshold) has been trending. It looks cozy, smells inviting, and comes in a stylish jar. But looking closer at its details raises some red flags. These things many shoppers overlook:

  • It uses blended wax (including palm wax) rather than a clean ingredient like 100% soy or coconut wax. Target

  • The fragrance is likely made from synthetic fragrance oil rather than pure essential oils or phthalate-free blends. Synthetic fragrances can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned.

  • Larger container, single wick, flashy packaging - all good on design, but these often mean cost saved on wax quality or additives.

Some reviews have already noted issues, including a dull scent throw (“barely any flame”, “doesn’t smell much”), which could indicate a low fragrance load or harsh scent molecules that fail to perform effectively. Target


Why These Issues Matter

  • Toxicity when burning: Improper wax (with additives or synthetic fragrance) can release harmful particles or soot. That matters especially if you or household members have allergies, asthma, or sensitive respiratory systems.

  • Scent strength vs. safety trade-off: A strong scent doesn’t always mean high quality — some synthetics are cheap, overpowering, or irritating.

  • Environmental impact: Palm wax has sustainability concerns; synthetic fragrance oils often come with non-renewable, non-biodegradable elements.


Pantry Products’ Clean Candle Standards

Here’s how Pantry candles avoid those risks and deliver safer, better enjoyment:

  • 100% soy wax — clean, renewable, burns cleaner.

  • Phthalate-free, non-toxic fragrance oils or essential oil blends.

  • Wood wicks or cotton wicks that are clean burning. No hidden metals or chemicals.

  • Small batch, hand-poured so each batch is watched, quality controlled.


What to Look for When Buying Candles

Feature What to Check Why It’s Important
Wax type Soy / coconut / beeswax (if vegan-friendly) Cleaner burn, fewer toxins
Wick material Wood / organic cotton Less soot, safer flame
Fragrance source Natural oils / phthalate-free synthetic / essential oils Less irritation / fewer VOCs
Label transparency PH, ingredient list, burn time Helps you compare real value
Certifications Non-toxic, cruelty-free, eco labels Shows accountability

Why Buy Pantry’s Fall Candles

  • Our candles are 100% soy, phthalate-free, non-toxic fragrance oils

  • Each 16-oz comes with a crackling wood wick for cozy ambiance

  • Our fall scents (Autumn Harvest, Ginger + Saffron, Fall Fling, etc.) are designed to deliver strong, clean scent throw without irritation - Shop here now!

  • Made in small batches, so we ensure each candle meets our safety and quality standards


Bottom Line

The trend of marshmallow suede scents might look pretty, but often the cost is hidden in the ingredients and health risks. If you love that cozy candle vibe, you can still have style and safety. Pantry Products gives you both — clean, natural, and crafted to lift your space without compromising your wellbeing.

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