Home › Pets

By Olivia Parker•Last Updated April 21, 2025

Bath & Body Works Candles: Safety Concerns for Pet Owners

Are bath & body works candles toxic for pets?

Many pet owners enjoy the warm glow and invite scents of bath & body works candles throughout their homes. Nonetheless, concerns about pet safety have raised important questions about whether these popular candles could pose health risks to our furry companions. This comprehensive guide examines the potential toxicity of bath & body works candles for pets and provide practical advice for pet owners who want to enjoy scented products safely.

Understanding bath & body works candle composition

Bath & body works candles, like nigh scented candles on the market, contain several components that warrant examination when consider pet safety:

Wax base

Most bath & body works candles use a blend of paraffin and soy waxes. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct that release various compounds when burned. While the company has move toward incorporate more soy wax in their formulations, many of theicandles’es distillery contain paraffin components.

Fragrance oils

The signature scents in these candles come from proprietary fragrance oil blends. These can contain dozens or yet hundreds of different chemical compounds, both natural and synthetic. The exact formulations are typically considered trade secrets, make it difficult to identify all ingredients.

Essential oils

Some bath & body works candles incorporate essential oils as part of their fragrance profile. While natural, certain essential oils can be toxic to pets, specially cats, whose livers can not efficaciously metabolize many of these compounds.

Wicks and other components

The candle wicks are typically cotton and lead free, which is a positive safety feature. Nonetheless, when burned, all components of the candle interact and release various compounds into the air.

Potential risks to pets

When consider whether bath & body works candles are toxic to pets, several factors come into play:

Respiratory concerns

Pets, especially birds and small mammals, have sensitive respiratory systems. The particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (vvows)release when burn candles can irritate their airways. Pets with prpre-existingespiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis face yet greater risks.

Signs of respiratory distress in pets may include:

Cough or wheeze
Labored breathing
Nasal discharge
Lethargy
Decreased appetite

Toxic essential oils

Certain essential oils unremarkably use in scented products are known to be toxic to pets, specially cats. These include:

Tea tree oil
Cinnamon oil
Citrus oils (lemon, orange, etc. )
Pine oils
Peppermint oil
Eucalyptus oil
Wintergreen oil

Cats lack an enzyme call glucuronyl transferase, which helps break down certain compounds in these oils. This makes them specially vulnerable to essential oil toxicity.

Paraffin wax concerns

When burned, paraffin wax can releasmethyl benzenene and benzene, which anownow carcinogens. While limited exposure may not cause immediate harm, long term or concentrated exposure in unwell ventilate spaces could potentially contribute to health issues in both pets and humans.

Physical hazards

Beyond chemical concerns, light candles pose burn risks and fire hazards, specially with curious pets who might knock them over. Additionally, pets might be attracted to the scented wax and attempt to ingest it, which could cause gastrointestinal blockages or irritation.

Species specific considerations

Different pets have varied levels of sensitivity to candle components:

Birds

Birds have passing sensitive respiratory systems and are specially vulnerable to airborne toxins. Their unique respiratory anatomy, which include air sacs in addition to lungs, make them susceptible to harm from flush low levels of airborne contaminants. For bird owners, extreme caution should be exercise with any scented products, include bath & body works candles.

Cats

As mentioned, cats lack certain liver enzymes need to metabolize many compounds find in essential oils and fragrances. This metabolic differencmakeske them more susceptible to toxicity from these ingredients. Additionally, cats groom themselves often, potentially ingest particles that settle on their fur.

Dogs

While mostly less sensitive than cats and birds, dogs can unruffled experience respiratory irritation from scented candles. Smaller breeds and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at higher risk. Dogs with brachiocephalic( vapid faced) features, such as bulldogs, pugs, and bBostonterriers, are especially vulnerable due to their already compromise airways.

Small mammals

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small pets have delicate respiratory systems similar to birds. Their small body size mean they can be affected by lower concentrations of airborne compounds.

What bath & body works say

Bath & body works does not specifically market their candles as pet safe or pet dangerous. Like most candle manufacturers, they recommend standard safety precautions such as keep candles outside from flammable objects, not leave them unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

The company has make efforts to improve product safety over the years, include use lead free wicks and incorporate more soy wax into their formulations. Nonetheless, they do not typically provide detailed information about the potential effects of their fragrance compounds on pets.

Veterinary perspective

Many veterinarians take a cautious approach when it comes to scented products around pets. While thereben’tt extensive research specifically on bath & body works candles and pet health, the consensus among veterinary professionals include:

Moderation is key â€“ occasional use in advantageously ventilate areas probably pose minimal risk to healthy pets
Pets with respiratory conditions should have minimal exposure to any scented products
Birds and small mammals should not be exposed to scented candles
Watch for signs of irritation or distress in pets when use scented products

If you notice any adverse reactions in your pet after use scented candles, discontinue use now and consult your veterinarian.

Safer alternatives for pet owners

If you love home fragrances but want to minimize risks to your pets, consider these alternatives:

Pet safe candle options

100 % soy or beeswax candles

these natural wax options burn cleanser than paraffin and typically release fewer harmful compounds.
Unscented candles

for the ambiance without the fragrance chemicals, unscented candles can be a good compromise.
Pet specific candles

some companies nowadays make candles specifically formulate to be safer around pets, ofttimes use limited, pet friendly ingredients.

Non candle alternatives

Electric warmers

these don’t involve an open flame, reduce fire hazards. Nonetheless, be aware that they however release fragrance compounds into the air.
Essential oil diffusers

if you choose this option, research which oils are safe for your specific pet and use them meagerly in wellspring ventilate areas.
Simmer pots

natural ingredients like citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and clove simmer in water can create pleasant scents without synthetic chemicals.
Pet safe plants

many houseplants course purify air and add subtle fragrance. Scarce be sure to choose varieties that aren’t toxic to pets.
Air purifiers

quite than add scents, consider remove odors with a high quality hHEPAair purifier.

Best practices for use candles in pet households

If you do choose to use bath & body works candles or other scented products in your home with pets, follow these guidelines to minimize risks:

Ventilation is critical

Constantly use candles in advantageously ventilate areas. Open windows when possible or run fans to circulate air. This help disperses concentrated fragrance compounds and reduce respiratory risks.

Create pet free zones

Consider designate certain rooms as spaces where you use candles, and keep pets out of these areas while candles are burn and for some time later.

Limit burning time

Rather of burn candles for hours, enjoy them for shorter periods â€“ may hap 30 60 minutes at a time. Thisreducese the concentration of compounds release into your home’s air.

Monitor your pets

Watch for any signs of discomfort or irritation in your pets when use scented products. Symptoms might include sneeze, cough, watery eyes, or behavioral changes like avoid certain rooms.

Keep candles physically secure

Place candles where pets can not access them, both for fire safety and to prevent curious animals from investigate or potentially ingest the wax.

Consider your pet’s species and health

Be specially cautious if you have birds, cats, or pets with respiratory conditions. These animals may require you to avoid scented candles exclusively.

Recognize signs of toxicity

If your pet has been exposed to candle fumes and show any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian now:

Difficulty breathe or rapid breathing
Persistent coughing or wheeze
Lethargy or weakness
Vomiting or diarrhea
Drool or paw at the mouth
Watery eyes or nose
Disorientation or staggering
Seizures (in severe cases )

Keep the candle packaging available to show your vet, as this might help them determine what compound your pet was exposed to.

The bottom line: are bath & body works candles safe for pets?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Bath & body works candles contain compounds that could potentially irritate or harm pets, specially with prolonged or concentrated exposure. The risk level varies importantly base on:

Your pet’s species and individual sensitivity
The specific candle scent and formulation
Your home’s ventilation
Duration and frequency of candle use
Your pet’s exist health conditions

For nearly healthy dogs in advantageously ventilate homes with moderate candle use, the risk is probably minimal. For cats, birds, and small mammals, the potential for adverse effects increases, and greater caution is warrant.

Make an informed decision

As a pet owner who will enjoy home fragrances, you will need to will weigh the potential risks against your desire for scented products. Consider:

Switch to pet safer alternatives, specially if you have sensitive pets
Reduce the frequency and duration of candle use
Improve ventilation when use scented products
Consult with your veterinarian about your specific pet’s sensitivities

Remember that your pet rely on you to create a safe environment. While the occasional use of bath & body works candles might not cause immediate harm to many pets, being mindful of the potential risks and take precautions can help ensure your home remain a healthy space for all its inhabitants â€“ both human and animal.

By make informed choices about the products you use in your home, you can enjoy pleasant scents while distillery prioritize your pet’s health and wellbeing.