
Harry Slatkin is an American businessman and philanthropist who founded Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company, in 1992. The company has since expanded its portfolio of home fragrance brands, which include HomeWorx, ScentWorx, Aroma Home, Dwell212, and Club92. While Slatkin & Co. candles are known for their luxurious fragrances and are used by celebrities, there have been concerns about the use of paraffin, a petroleum derivative that may release toxins into the air. However, Slatkin has likely considered these concerns, as he is dedicated to providing quality products at affordable prices while catering to various customer demographics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Type | Food-grade paraffin |
| Wick | Lead-free |
| Price | $3 to $8 |
| Scents | Jasmine, vanilla |
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What You'll Learn
- Harry Slatkin's HomeWorx candles are made of paraffin wax
- Paraffin candles emit toxins and unhealthy substances into the air
- Soy wax, coconut, or beeswax candles are healthier alternatives
- Harry Slatkin candles are affordable and cater to mass-market shoppers
- The brand has celebrity endorsements, including Oprah Winfrey and Elton John

Harry Slatkin's HomeWorx candles are made of paraffin wax
Harry Slatkin is an American businessman, philanthropist, and the founder of Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company he established with his wife, Laura, in 1992. Slatkin has been credited with founding the home fragrance category and has created home fragrance collections for over 100 brands, including Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Christian Dior. He has also crafted candles for celebrities such as Martha Stewart, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, and Princess Diana.
In 2017, Slatkin relaunched his business as a separate entity, introducing the HomeWorx brand. HomeWorx by Slatkin + Co. offers luxurious home fragrances, including candles, diffusers, and personal care items.
The use of paraffin wax in candles has sparked some concerns among consumers. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, leading to worries about the potential emission of unhealthy substances into the air when burned. However, it's important to note that the National Candle Association has conducted extensive tests and studies, concluding that food-grade paraffin candles do not release dangerous chemicals. The level of petroleum in food-grade paraffin is extremely low, and the wax is considered safe for use in candles.
While some prefer soy wax, coconut wax, or beeswax candles as potentially healthier alternatives, especially around children, Harry Slatkin's choice of food-grade paraffin wax for his HomeWorx candles aligns with industry standards. The wax is recognised as safe and of suitable quality for candle production, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the enchanting aromas of HomeWorx candles without compromising their safety.
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Paraffin candles emit toxins and unhealthy substances into the air
Harry Slatkin's HomeWorx candles are made from food-grade paraffin wax. While Slatkin and Co. claim that their candles are safe, some people have expressed concerns about the potential release of toxins and unhealthy substances into the air.
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a by-product of gasoline production. Burning paraffin wax can release potentially harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, benzene derivatives, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, such as headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, vertigo, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, and chest tightness. Prolonged exposure to particulate matter, a mixture of small liquid droplets and particles, may also lead to heart and lung problems.
However, it is important to note that the amount of petroleum in food-grade paraffin wax is minimal. The National Candle Association has conducted numerous tests and studies proving that food-grade paraffin candles do not emit dangerous chemicals into the air. Additionally, the small amount of hydrocarbons released by burning candles, such as toluene and benzene, are not a significant cause for concern unless exposed to in large quantities or without proper ventilation.
While there is a lack of definitive research, some experts suggest avoiding paraffin wax due to its potential to generate greater emissions than other waxes. Beeswax, soy wax, or plant-based waxes are recommended as safer alternatives. Natural candles are also said to release the least dangerous chemicals, and it is advised to choose candles manufactured from natural materials and scented with essential oils to reduce exposure to pollutants.
In conclusion, while Harry Slatkin's HomeWorx candles are made from food-grade paraffin wax, which has been deemed safe by the National Candle Association, some people may still have concerns about the potential release of toxins and unhealthy substances. To minimize any potential risks, it is recommended to burn candles in well-ventilated spaces and opt for natural, plant-based alternatives when possible.
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Soy wax, coconut, or beeswax candles are healthier alternatives
Harry Slatkin's HomeWorx candles are made of food-grade paraffin wax. While paraffin candles are inexpensive and hold fragrance and colour well, they are derived from the oil industry and can emit unhealthy substances into the air.
Soy wax, coconut wax, or beeswax candles are healthier alternatives. They are natural, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from soybeans, making it a good vegan option. Coconut wax is also vegan, as it is derived from pressing the oil out of coconut meat. Beeswax, on the other hand, is made by bees and is therefore not vegan, though it is still eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-carcinogenic.
Soy wax is slower to burn than paraffin wax and holds less fragrance, which can be preferable for those who prefer a lighter scent. It is also more difficult to work with, as it is temperamental with temperature changes and can shrink and frost. Coconut wax is a newer option that is becoming increasingly popular due to its sustainability and ability to hold fragrance and colour. Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and has a subtly sweet natural scent, making it ideal for unscented pillar candles.
While paraffin wax candles are the most common and affordable type, soy, coconut, or beeswax candles are healthier alternatives that offer various benefits in terms of sustainability, scent, and burn quality.
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Harry Slatkin candles are affordable and cater to mass-market shoppers
Harry Slatkin is an American businessman, philanthropist, and the founder of Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company. He has been credited with founding the home fragrance category and has created home fragrance collections for over 100 brands, including Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Christian Dior. Slatkin has also created candles for celebrities such as Martha Stewart, Elton John, and Oprah Winfrey.
Slatkin + Co. is a candle company that caters to mass-market shoppers who want good-smelling candles at affordable prices. The company was first founded in 1992 by Slatkin and his wife, Laura, and has since grown to include several brands and collections, such as HomeWorx, ScentWorx, Dwell212, and Club92. The latest line, Club92, is designed exclusively for Dollar General and includes scented candles, wax melts, and reed diffusers priced between $3 and $8.
To keep prices low, Slatkin makes strategic decisions about ingredients and packaging. For example, he may source the same scent from a different location at a lower cost or use a glass manufacturer that supplies cheaper jars. These cost-saving measures help Slatkin maintain quality while keeping prices under $10, making the candles accessible to a wider range of shoppers.
The company's candles are available at various retailers, including QVC, Nordstrom, Kohl's, Ulta, and CVS. By partnering with these retailers, Slatkin + Co. ensures that its affordable and fragrant candles are widely accessible to mass-market shoppers. The company understands that consumers today often buy across price points, sometimes opting for name-brand candles and other times for private-label alternatives. By offering high-quality, affordable options, Slatkin + Co. fills a void in the market and caters to a diverse range of customers.
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The brand has celebrity endorsements, including Oprah Winfrey and Elton John
Harry Slatkin is an American businessman, philanthropist, and the founder of Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company. The brand offers a range of scented candles under different collections, including HomeWorx, ScentWorx, Dwell212, Club92, and AromaHome.
Slatkin has created home fragrance collections for numerous well-known brands and individuals. The brand has celebrity endorsements, including Oprah Winfrey and Elton John, as well as Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, and the Christian Dior company.
Slatkin's candles have gained popularity, with some speculating that they are made from soy wax due to his mentions of a "proprietary blend." However, it has been discovered that HomeWorx candles are made from paraffin wax, which has sparked some concerns about the potential release of toxins into the air. Food-grade paraffin wax, on the other hand, is argued to be safe, composed of vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, synthetic resins, and other materials.
Slatkin has also been particular about the quality of his candles, ensuring lead-free wicks and other luxury features while maintaining affordable price points. He has tweaked ingredients and packaging to cater to different markets, such as with the Club92 line, which is priced under $8.
With his expertise in fragrances and business acumen, Harry Slatkin has successfully built a brand that caters to a wide range of consumers, including celebrities, and has become a well-known name in the world of home fragrances.
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Frequently asked questions
Harry Slatkin's HomeWorx candles are made of food-grade paraffin wax, composed of vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, synthetic resins, and other materials. While paraffin wax is a derivative of petroleum, the National Candle Association has conducted tests proving that food-grade paraffin candles do not emit dangerous chemicals into the air.
Food-grade paraffin wax is a type of wax that is commonly used in the candle-making industry. It is made from petroleum-based ingredients, but the amount of petroleum in food-grade paraffin is very small.
Some people may have concerns about burning paraffin wax candles due to the possibility of releasing toxins into the air. However, the National Candle Association has tested these candles and found no evidence of dangerous chemical emissions.
Yes, soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax candles are often considered safer and more natural alternatives to paraffin wax candles. These options may be preferable, especially for those with children or allergies.
Harry Slatkin, known as the "king of home fragrance", offers luxurious and affordable scented candles. His candles are lead-free and provide an unmatched fragrance experience, with a variety of collections and scents to choose from.











































