At Orinoco, what goes into our products is just as important as how they appear, smell, or feel. When something touches your skin, lingers in your space, or helps you unwind after a long day, it shouldn’t come with compromises. This is our ingredient promise: thoughtfully sourced, skin-safe, and sensorially beautiful. Here's what that really means—and why it matters.
Your Skin Knows the Difference
Massage candles differ from regular candles. They are specifically designed to melt into a balm that can be directly applied to the skin, necessitating that every ingredient is skin-friendly, gentle, and nourishing. That is why we centre our formula around plant-based oils that your skin can easily recognise and absorb.
We utilise jojoba oil, which closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it suitable for all skin types. Sweet almond oil provides vitamins A and E, renowned for their smoothing and softening properties. Avocado oil is abundant in fatty acids that aid in skin repair, while macadamia oil offers lightweight moisture that will not block pores.
We also incorporate kokum butter—less greasy than shea or cocoa, yet deeply restorative. It is high in stearic acid and aids in improving skin elasticity over time. Vitamin E completes the blend by contributing antioxidant protection, enhancing skin resilience and healing.
We do not use mineral oils, petroleum by-products, synthetic emollients, or texturizers. No skin should be treated as if it is disposable. You deserve better.
Scent with Intention
Scent affects more than just your mood—it has a measurable impact on your nervous system. Essential oils, when used properly, can support rest, energy, clarity, or emotional grounding.
But not all “fragrance” is created equal. At Orinoco, we blend natural essential oils with premium fragrance oils that are rigorously tested and free from known irritants such as phthalates, parabens, or synthetic musk. This balance allows us to craft complex, long-lasting scents that remain safe and wearable. Each blend is created with purpose: Lavender, chamomile, and frankincense promote calm and sleep; grapefruit and peppermint stimulate focus and alleviate fatigue; ylang ylang and sweet orange cultivate comfort and a sense of ease.
We formulate with aromatherapy in mind—scents that do something, not just smell like something. Moreover, we are careful with strength. Many mainstream candles overdo it, saturating the air with overpowering fragrance that can irritate sensitive users or linger too long. Our scents are layered, gentle, and balanced, allowing you to truly enjoy them.
Why We Use Soy Wax
Not all waxes are created equal. Paraffin, the most common commercial candle wax, is derived from petroleum and can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. These include toluene and benzene—substances you certainly don’t want in your home, especially if you’re burning candles on a regular basis.
We utilise soy wax because it’s a cleaner, safer alternative. It’s plant-based, biodegradable, and renewable. It burns more slowly and at a lower temperature, making it ideal for both massage and wax melt applications. Additionally, it holds scent beautifully without the need for chemical stabilisers.
Soy also produces less soot, which reduces the risk of indoor air pollution and residue on walls or furniture. While no wax is completely emission-free, soy is among the best choices for clean home fragrance.
When we utilise soy, we know precisely where it’s sourced from—and what it’s composed of.
No to the Usual Suspects
Every product we make is:
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Vegan and cruelty-free
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Phthalate-free
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Paraben-free
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Free from synthetic dyes
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Made without petroleum derivatives
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Hand-poured in small batches for precision and quality
We also choose ingredients based on performance, not marketing buzz. That means sourcing essential oils and fragrance oils from reputable UK suppliers who provide allergen breakdowns and safety documentation. It means batch testing for stability and burn quality. And it means keeping our ingredient lists simple, readable, and transparent.
If it doesn’t improve your experience—or your well-being—we don’t include it.
Real Ingredients. Real Benefits.
We don’t believe in fear-based marketing. “Natural” isn’t a scare word—it’s a standard. Natural, to us, means using ingredients that support your skin, suit your space, and add something meaningful to your day.
It signifies fewer chemicals in your home. Less irritation for your skin. Scents that evoke feelings, without overwhelming your senses. That’s the Orinoco Ingredient Promise. Nothing included without purpose. Nothing made merely to cut corners. Just clean, thoughtful products you’ll want to use time and again.
