Toxins: What’s Really in Your Essential Oil Products.

When people see a CLP label, their first instinct can be a little… cautious. Words like Linalool or Limonene sound like something cooked up in a lab—but here’s the truth: they’re naturally occurring compounds found in the essential oils we use every day.

At The Cosy Bird, we believe in full transparency and education. So let’s break it down—what are these "toxins," why do they appear on CLP labels, and should we really be worried?

What Are CLP Labels?

CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. It’s a legal requirement for any product that contains certain substances which, in high enough quantities, could cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other issues. Even when these substances are derived from natural essential oils, they must be clearly labelled.

Think of it like an ingredients list on food—just because a label says “contains nuts” doesn’t mean the food is bad. It’s just about giving people with sensitivities the right information.

Why Do Natural Oils Trigger These Labels?

Essential oils are made up of dozens (sometimes hundreds) of individual chemical components. These are the natural building blocks of scent, and while they’re beautifully complex, some of them can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. That doesn’t make them synthetic or harmful—it just means they need to be respected, especially in products like candles that diffuse scent into the air.

Let’s talk about a few of the most commonly mentioned components on CLP labels and where they come from:

1. Linalool

  • Found in: Lavender, Bergamot, Ho Wood, Coriander, Neroli, Rosewood

  • Why it’s labelled: Linalool can cause allergic reactions in a small number of people, especially when oxidised (exposed to air over time).

  • The truth: It’s a naturally occurring terpene alcohol responsible for the fresh, floral notes in many oils. It’s even found in some fruits and spices.

2. Limonene

  • Found in: Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime

  • Why it’s labelled: Can be a skin irritant in high concentrations and may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

  • The truth: This citrusy compound is completely natural—it gives oranges their zing and is even used in natural cleaning products.

3. Geraniol

  • Found in: Rose, Geranium, Palmarosa, Citronella, Lemon Balm

  • Why it’s labelled: Like the others, it may trigger allergic responses in a small number of people.

  • The truth: Geraniol is a key part of floral and fruity scents and has even been studied for its antioxidant properties.

4. Citral

  • Found in: Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Tea Tree

  • Why it’s labelled: Another potential allergen, though again, only in sensitive individuals.

  • The truth: Citral gives that punchy lemon aroma we all love—and in small amounts, it’s perfectly safe.

5. Eugenol

  • Found in: Clove, Cinnamon Leaf, Bay, Basil

  • Why it’s labelled: Can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes in concentrated form.

  • The truth: Eugenol is a spicy, warm note used widely in perfumery and natural medicine (hello, clove oil for toothaches!).

6. Farnesol

  • Found in: Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Jasmine

  • Why it’s labelled: Another potential allergen for a very small subset of people.

  • The truth: It adds depth and richness to floral scents and is used in natural perfumery for its fixative qualities.

Nature Isn’t Always Harmless—But It Is Honest

Yes, essential oils contain chemical compounds. Everything in nature does—even a fresh orange or a rose in your garden. The key difference is that we use 100% pure essential oils with no synthetic enhancements, and we follow all safety regulations to ensure every Cosy Bird product you use is beautiful, balanced, and safe for your home.

Our CLP labels are there to inform, not alarm. They're part of our commitment to doing things the right way—with care, clarity, and cosiness.

So the next time you see “Linalool” or “Limonene” on one of our labels, take a deep breath (of beautiful, natural scent) and rest easy. It’s all part of the magic of nature—just clearly, responsibly labelled.

 

Any questions? Our inbox is ALWAYS open 

hello.thecosybird@gmail.com