Why Candle Ingredients Matter

Candles are often treated as harmless home accents, but what they’re made of and how they burn can affect the air you breathe more than most people realize.

Many conventional candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When burned, paraffin can release soot and trace compounds that some people find irritating, especially those who are sensitive to strong scents or prone to headaches. Synthetic fragrance oils, dyes, and metal-core wicks can add to that irritation, even though they’re rarely disclosed in detail.

At Gloria’s Pottery Barn, we take a different approach, guided by simplicity, transparency, and care.

Wax Choices That Respect Your Space

Gloria’s Pottery Barn uses only soy wax or beeswax when making candles. Both are natural waxes with a long history of use and a reputation for cleaner burning.

Soy wax is plant-based, renewable, and burns at a lower temperature, producing less soot and a softer fragrance throw. Beeswax is naturally aromatic and burns cleanly, often appreciated by those who prefer little to no added scent. Together, these waxes offer options that are gentle on indoor air and consistent in performance.

Thoughtful Scenting With Certified Essential Oils

Scent is where many candles create problems. Synthetic fragrance blends can contain dozens of undisclosed ingredients, and some people experience headaches, sinus irritation, or nausea when exposed to them.

Gloria’s Pottery Barn candles are scented only with doTERRA certified essential oils. No synthetic fragrance blends. No fillers. No mystery ingredients. Using a single, high-quality essential oil allows the aroma to remain natural, balanced, and easier to tolerate for those with sensitivities.

The goal isn’t overpowering fragrance. It’s a clean, familiar scent that enhances a space rather than competing with it.

Clean-Burning Wick Choices

Every candle from Gloria’s Pottery Barn is made with either a cotton wick or a wood wick. Cotton wicks provide a steady, predictable flame without added metals or chemical treatments. Wood wicks offer a similarly clean burn, along with a soft crackling sound many people find calming.

Both wick options support a cleaner burn and help reduce excess smoke and soot.

Natural Accents From Our Home to Yours

Some Gloria’s Pottery Barn candles include natural botanical accents sourced directly from plants grown at our own home. These may include lavender, pine needles, orange rind, or lemon rind. Each element is added with care, not only for its beauty but for its connection to the natural source itself.

These accents are never artificial. They are simple, recognizable materials that reflect our belief that candles should feel grounded, intentional, and real.

The Bigger Picture

A candle made from soy or beeswax, scented only with certified essential oils, finished with a cotton or wood wick, and accented with real botanicals is more than a decorative item. It’s a mindful choice.

At Gloria’s Pottery Barn, every candle is created with fewer ingredients, clear sourcing, and respect for the people who will breathe in its aroma. For those who value wellness, transparency, or simply a calmer home environment, that intention makes all the difference.