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Christmas trees and decorations may be going up, but we still can’t get enough of the cozy fall vibes around here. I’ve had all three of the Anthro candle dupe diffuser blends pumping non-stop since the Texas temperatures dropped below ninety and don’t plan on stopping until after Thanksgiving.

Why we no longer burn candles…

In 2015, Andrew Sledd, a pediatrician with a specialty in Environmental Toxicology, reported that one hour of scented candle burning can be the equivalent of smoking a single cigarette. Of course there are many factors to consider when evaluating this statement, but here’s what we do know —

Many candles on the market are made of paraffin, a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air including acetone, benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks and skin problems. To make matters worse, studies have shown that one hour of burning a paraffin candle has the equivalent effects on the body as smoking a cigarette.

Fragrance is a term used by the cosmetic and beauty industry to ‘protect proprietary recipes’ by encompassing a list of over 3,000 materials that are reported as being used in fragrance compounds. When you see fragrance as an ingredient, you have no idea which of these compounds is actually in the product that you are using. Good for them, bad for the consumer.

Many synthetic chemicals found in fragrances are derived from those same petroleum-based chemicals, and can be harmful to human health. Chemicals found in man-made fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and toluene, which are known carcinogens.

Due to the lack of transparency with this ingredient, I say why risk it and do my best to avoid it altogether.

And why we aren’t missing out on seasonal scents…

The easiest switch for candles in my home was the introduction of essential oils. With hundreds of quality essential oils available, I found it easier than ever to recreate my favorite seasonal scents while also discovering new blends of my own.

Not only have essential oils replaced my favorite candles, but they’ve also replaced plugins and air fresheners so that we’re no longer breathing in synthetic fragrances. I drop them in my favorite diffuser for filling an entire room, mix them with water and vodka in a spray bottle for a portable refresh spray, and even add them to my favorite plant based cleaning products.

I definitely had my favorite candles back in the day, but love the satisfaction of getting a blend just right to recreate past favorites. These Anthro candle dupes are always at the top of my daily favorites — they may be fall focused, but we diffuse them year round for their warm and inviting scents.

Don’t have one of the oils listed? That’s okay! Simple swaps include Cinnamon Bark for Cassia, Tangerine for Orange, and Northern Lights Black Spruce for Blue Spruce. Have fun and get creative!

Diffuser blends inspired by Anthropologie candles…

Anthro Pumpkin Clove — 4 Clove + 4 Cassia + 2 Stress Away + 2 Nutmeg

Anthro Volcano — 4 Grapefruit + 4 Orange + 3 Lime + 2 Geranium + 2 Blue Spruce

Anthro Autumn — 4 Christmas Spirit + 4 Bergamot + 3 Grapefruit + 2 Clove

If you’re looking to purchase the best essential oils on the planet — start here — I’ve got you!

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