Why CLP Compliance Matters In Scented Products: Candle Wax Melts
So, you've stumbled across my little corner of the internet, and I'm thrilled to have you! I love sharing all things wax melt-related, but let's be honest, sometimes the technical jargon can be a bit of a headache.
(Pun intended).
One question I get asked a lot is, "What the heck is a CLP?" And fair enough, it sounds like CPL nope not cats protection league.
But trust me, it's actually pretty important, especially if you're prone to the occasional sniffle or headache when using scented products.
Sarah's Wax Melt Dilemma
Sarah was new to the world of wax melts, a long-time candle lover venturing into new territory of wax melts. One evening, after picking up some cheap wax melts from a car boot sale, she settled in for a relaxing night with her friend Emily, a bottle of wine, and a much-needed catch-up.
But as the evening wore on, a pounding headache set in.
Sarah: "Ugh, my head is killing me!"
Emily: "Is it that new wax melt you bought from the car boot?"
Sarah: "I think so. This headache feels like a tiny drummer is having a rave in my skull."
Emily: "Sounds like you need a lesson in CLP."
Sarah: "CLP? What's that? Cats Protection League?"
Emily: "Not quite. It stands for Classification, Labelling, and Packaging. Basically, it's a label that tells you what's really in your wax melts. Think of it like a nutritional label for your nose."
Sarah: "Wait, so it tells you if there's anything dodgy in there?"
Emily: "Exactly! It lists any ingredients that could cause allergies, headaches, or other reactions."
Sarah: "Why didn't anyone tell me about this before?"
Emily: "Well, most people don't know about it. But trust me, once you start checking for CLP labels, you'll be fine and you'll know which melts to avoid."
Emily: "Go grab your wax melt. On the packaging, you should have a sticker with a list of chemical ingredients listed and the maker's details."
Sarah's CLP RealiSation
Sarah had a look and all she found was a warning sticker.
Emily: "You should throw the wax melts in the bin. The seller is non-compliant and could have used anything, which could be harmful."
Sarah: "I can't believe I've wasted my money on shoddy melts! What if I got poisoned breathing it in?"
Emily: "That's why in future look for CLP labels."
Sarah: "What do they look like?"
Emily: "Here, let me show you a maker that IS compliant. I buy from her all the time, and the scents are MEGA STRONG and last flipping ages. She's aware of the legals – Daya's Essence. I'll show you what a CLP label looks like, she’s got blogs too. Daya's is all about transparency and safety, that's how I know what a CLP is. I thought you would have known with using candles. You need to try her scents – they are so good!"
Feeling a renewed sense of knowledge
Sarah's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect! What's their website? I'm off to look now!" To quality wax melts and headache-free evenings!"
What is CLP?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling, and Packaging. Sounds like a snooze-fest, right? But trust me, it's the key to avoiding those surprises lurking in your wax melts.
Think of it like a nutritional label for your nose. It tells you exactly what's in that innocent-looking wax, including any sneaky ingredients that could trigger headaches, allergies, or other unwanted reactions. No more guessing games or sniffing blindly – CLP gives you the facts, plain and simple.
You might be thinking, "I've never had a reaction to a wax melt before, so I'm good, right?" Well, not necessarily. Just like that dodgy prawn at the buffet, you never know when a certain ingredient might trigger a reaction, even if you've never had one before.
Fragrance or essential oils inside that wax melt contain a blend of natural extracts and synthetic aroma chemical compounds, which are needed to crafted the fragrance smell.
While most people enjoy these scents without any issues, some folks can be sensitive to certain fragrance components.
| Common Fragrance Sensitivities | Description |
|---|---|
| Citral | Often used to create those zesty citrus scents. |
| Limonene | Another common ingredient in citrus fragrances. |
| Linalool | Frequently found in floral scents. |
| Geraniol | Used in rose and citrus fragrances. |
| Eugenol | Responsible for the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove. |
Safety Measures at Daya's Essence
At Dayas Essence, your safety and enjoyment is my top priority. I carefully select high-quality fragrance oils and strive to use the least possible sensitisers. While some scents may contain a small number of these potential triggers, it's often necessary to create the desired aroma. Remember, every fragrance oil is unique. It's all about finding what works for your nose! You'll find this is common practice with other reputable brands as well.
However, remember that the CLP only lists chemicals that are considered allergens at high concentrations. The headache culprit could be a combination of chemicals, or even a compound not listed on the CLP. If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask for the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – it's like the fragrance's full biography!
Headache-Free Fragrance: Tips and Tricks
If you're prone to scent-induced headaches, don't despair! Here are some tips to help you still enjoy your wax melts:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep a Scent Diary | Note down any scents that trigger headaches so you can avoid them in the future. |
| Test New Scents Carefully | Try a small amount of new scents in a well-ventilated area before committing to a full melt. |
| Take Breaks | Don't overload your senses! Give your nose (and your head) a rest from time to time. |
| Use Less Wax | If a scent is too strong, use less wax or try melting it in a larger room. |
| Consider Other Factors | Headaches can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, or even staring at screens for too long. Be mindful of these triggers too. |
| Treat the Symptoms | If you do get a headache, treat it like any other with over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, hydration, and fresh air. |
I've also written a whole blog post dedicated to lavender allergies – you can check the blog here. It's a deep dive into the topic, and you might find it helpful!
Don't Get Caught Out: Check for CLP Before You Buy
Next time you're looking at candles or wax melts, take a moment to look for the CLP label. It's usually a small sticker with a bunch of symbols and warnings. Don't be put off by the technical jargon – it's there to help you, not scare you.
If you can't find a CLP label, don't be afraid to ask the seller.
Any reputable business should be happy to provide this information. And if they're not, well, that's a red flag!
All candles, melts, diffusers, and room sprays that contain fragrance oils or essential oils MUST have CLP, a warning sticker ISN'T a CLP. Makers have a legal duty to understand the obligations and duties under GB CLP and must show CLP at point of sale and on products.
Remember, your nose deserves the best. So don't settle for mystery ingredients and potential migraines. Choose wax melts with clear CLP labelling and enjoy a fragrant experience that's safe and enjoyable. And if you're looking for a brand that takes CLP seriously, you've come to the right place.
A Little Story About Safety
Let me share a story that highlights just how important it is to be aware of CLP and keep scented products out of reach of little ones:
It was a sunny afternoon, and a little boy named Max was happily playing in the living room. His mum had just lit a new wax melt – a delightful blend of vanilla and caramel. Max, being the inquisitive little tyke he was, wandered over to the melter, nose twitching.
Max: "Mmm, yummy!"
Mum: "No, Max!" she exclaimed, scooping him up just in time. "That's not for eating!"
But the damage was done. Max had already taken a good bite of a wax melt snap bar, thinking it was chocolate, and his face quickly contorted in confusion. It didn't taste quite as expected!
Panicked, his mum immediately checked the back of the snap bar, where the CLP label was thankfully displayed. It listed the ingredients, and thankfully, nothing jumped out as being toxic. Still, a quick call to the doctor confirmed a trip to A&E was needed, just to be on the safe side.
Clutching the wax melt snap bar with its all-important CLP label, Max's mum rushed him to the hospital. Armed with the ingredient information, the doctors were able to quickly assess the situation and determine that Max would be just fine. A few hours later, after some observation and a lot of cuddles, they were back home.
This close call was a stark reminder of the importance of keeping scented products out of reach of curious little hands, and the value of having clear, accurate information readily available in case of accidents.
Let's Dive Deeper into CLPs: What You Need to Know
You might be wondering, "What about the wax itself? Is that on the CLP label too?", Wax is considered non-hazardous, so you won't see it listed. However, the CLP is crucial for understanding the potential allergens associated with the fragrance or essential oils used in the wax melt.
Another common question I hear is about using wax melts around pets. As a general rule, as long as you melt in well-ventilated areas, it should be fine.
However, every animal (and person!) is different, and some may be more sensitive to fragrances than others. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult your veterinarian for personalised advice. Especially for smaller animals like birds or rodents, it's wise to use your wax melts in a separate, well-ventilated room.
Remember, the CLP isn't just about protecting us; it's also about safeguarding the environment. Some ingredients in wax melts can be harmful to aquatic life, so always dispose of your wax responsibly. Avoid pouring it down the drain or dumping it where it could harm the environment.
A good way to dispose of wax melts is by letting it harden in the container, popping it out then wrapping it in tissue paper or kitchen roll and putting in the bin, you can also soak up any wax with paper towels or cotton balls.
Spotting a CLP: It's Not Just a Sticker
First things first, a CLP label is not the same as a generic warning sticker.
Those cute little labels with phrases like "burn safely" or "keep away from children" might be helpful reminders, but they're not the real deal.
A CLP label is a detailed breakdown of the potential hazards and safety precautions specific to that product.
Let me show you the difference:
This is a typical safety sticker you might find on a wax melt. It's helpful, but it doesn't give you the full picture.
Now, compare that to this:
IMAGES PROVIDED BY STICKY PRINT PIXELS
This is a CLP label. Notice how it includes:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Pictograms | Visual cues, instantly telling you if there are any hazards associated with the product. |
| Signal Words | Words like "Warning" or "Danger" indicating the level of severity of the hazard. |
| Hazard Statements | These phrases describe the nature of the hazard, such as "May cause an allergic skin reaction" or "Harmful to aquatic life." |
| Precautionary Statements | These tell you how to safely handle and use the product to minimise any risks. |
| Product Identifier | This usually includes the fragrance name and any specific ingredients that triggered the need for a CLP label. |
| Supplier Information | Tells you who made the product and how to contact them if you have any questions or concerns. |
See the difference? A CLP label is like a detailed map of your wax melt, giving you all the information you need to use it safely and responsibly.
Remember, not all CLP labels will look the same.
Some may have lots of information, while others may be quite minimal. It all depends on the specific ingredients and their potential hazards. But no matter what, a fragrant product must have a CLP label, it should be clearly visible and easy to read.
A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST
Daya's Essence wax melts are FULLY compliant and legal. Safety Data sheets, IFRA documents, and CLP are available upon request, and I have the correct labelling on all my melts as well as on my website.
My process is regarding any fragrance oils that are bought. The CLP gets recalculated from the 100% safety data sheet to reflect my 30% fragrance load. I also look at the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) document to confirm the maximum safe usage level for each oil.
Why? Because I'm passionate about doing things right and prioritising safety above all else - no cutting corners.
The "chesty man" pictogram on CLP labels? That's a big no-no for me.
It signals potential respiratory problems, and I'm all about keeping those lungs happy and healthy. I steer clear of oils that could trigger toxicity when inhaled, harm reproduction, affect unborn babies, or even have the slightest link to cancer.
My customer's well-being is always at the forefront of everything I do.
CLP: Your Wax Melt FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if the product is too small for a CLP sticker? | If the product is too small for a CLP sticker, the seller should provide the information on a tag or card attached to the product. Don't hesitate to ask if you can't find it! |
| Does every wax melt need a CLP label, even if it doesn't seem to have any harmful ingredients? | Absolutely! Even if a wax melt doesn't trigger any specific allergens or hazards, it still needs a CLP label to provide you with important information like the product identifier, supplier details, and any relevant safety precautions. |
|
What does the fish symbol mean?
|
The fish symbol indicates that the product contains ingredients that could be harmful to aquatic life. This doesn't mean your fish tank is in immediate danger if you're burning a wax melt! It simply means that you should dispose of the used wax responsibly, not by pouring it down the drain & it also means to melt your wax or candles away from tanks, just like the rule of keeping products away from pets. |
| How do I safely dispose of wax melts? | Once the wax has cooled and hardened, pop it out of the container and wrap it in a paper towel or tissue. You can then dispose of it in your regular bin. For leftover liquid wax, soak it up with cotton balls or paper towels before binning it. Easy peasy! |
Remember: CLP labels are your friend!
They empower you to make informed choices about the products you use and help ensure a safe and enjoyable wax melt experience. So, don't be afraid to ask questions, read the labels, and always choose reputable brands that prioritise your safety.
