Lotion Candles Safely Alert

The National Candle Association is urging candle manufacturers, distributors and retailers to be alert to the unique safety precautions, ingredient restrictions, and labeling requirements associated with “lotion” candles.

These products are cosmetic lotions manufactured in the form of candles. They are made from waxes having a much lower melting point than the waxes typically used for traditional candles.

Lotion candles are designed to be burned until a sizeable wax pool forms, and then blown out. Consumers can then dip their fingers in the melted wax and apply it to the skin as a warm lotion.

Please be aware that lotion candles are cosmetics, and thus are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They must conform to FDA ingredient restrictions, and be labeled in accordance with FDA regulations.

All colorants used in lotion candles must meet FDA approval, and fragrances should meet IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines for cosmetics applied to the skin.

Because lotion candles also meet the definition of a candle, they should be labeled with the candle fire-safety warnings of the ASTM F2058 standard as well. However, the size and label placement of the ASTM candle fire-safety warnings will be dictated by the FDA’s labeling regulations, not the ASTM specifications.

If your company manufactures, purchases or distributes lotion candles, we urge you to obtain and follow the FDA’s Cosmetic Labeling Manual and the federal regulations concerning cosmetic ingredients and labeling (21 CFR parts 701 and 740).

If you are unfamiliar with FDA cosmetics regulations, we recommend you contact the Personal Care Products Council for guidance (formerly the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association in Washington, DC).

The National Candle Association (NCA) is extremely concerned that consumers may not understand the difference between these unique “lotion” candles and traditional candles, and may attempt to place their fingers in the hotter wax pool of a typical candle, thereby subjecting themselves to possibly severe skin burns. The NCA is also very concerned that consumers may attempt to place their fingers in the wax pool while the flame is still lit.

For more information please visit the National Candle Association website.