What “CMR-Free” Really Means — And Why It Matters in Your Candles

When I started North + Rose, it wasn’t just about making beautiful candles. It was about creating something safer — something I could feel good about burning in my own home, around my family, and eventually share with yours. I wanted to offer an affordable luxury candle that didn’t come at the cost of your health or peace of mind.

So when I first learned about the hidden risks in many candle fragrances — even the ones labeled “non-toxic” — I knew I had to do better.

🧪 So... What Are CMRs?

CMRs are a group of chemicals classified as:

• Carcinogenic (C): linked to cancer

• Mutagenic (M): may cause genetic mutations or DNA damage

• Reprotoxic (R): can affect fertility or harm unborn children

These substances are still allowed in many fragrance oils, as long as they stay under certain limits. That means a candle can be legally sold, even if it contains small amounts of a CMR — and still be labeled as “safe” or “non-toxic.”

But “non-toxic” doesn’t always mean what you think it means. And unless a brand is going beyond regulatory minimums and reading the full ingredient disclosures, there’s a good chance they don’t even know they’re using them.

🌱 How North + Rose Is Different

At North + Rose, I’ve made a promise to go deeper.

I’ve reviewed every single Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for our fragrances. I’ve flagged anything that even hints at carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic risk. And now, I’m proud to offer candles that are:

• CMR-Free — verified to contain no known or suspected CMR ingredients, even in trace amounts

• Phthalate-Free

• Made with high-quality soy wax and cotton wicks, to keep your air and home clean

Our CMR-Free collection is about raising the standard — and giving you more transparency and choice when it comes to what you burn in your space.

💛 But What About the Candles That Aren’t Labeled CMR-Free?

Transparency means giving you the full picture — so here it is:

Some of our candles, especially in limited edition collections, contain very small amounts of fragrance ingredients that are technically safe and well within regulatory guidelines, but don’t meet the stricter “CMR-Free” standard.

These candles are still safe and are free from carcinogens and mutagens. I wouldn’t sell them if they weren’t. But you deserve to know the difference — and be empowered to choose what feels right for your home.

🕯 What You Can Do as a Customer

If you’re someone who values clean air and informed choices, here are a few questions you can ask any candle brand:

• “Do your fragrance oils contain any CMR-classified ingredients?”

• “Can I see the SDS or IFRA documentation for your scents?”

• “Do you screen for endocrine disruptors?”

Don’t be afraid to ask — you deserve answers.

🌸 The Bottom Line

This isn’t about fear. It’s about informed choices. It’s about creating a home that feels like yours safe, cozy, and full of intention.

And it’s about holding ourselves and the industry to a higher standard.

Thanks for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to keep growing it with you.

With love + light,

Lauren

Founder, North + Rose