The Truth About Poop Scented Candles: Are They Safe, Worth Buying?

The Origins of Poop Scented Candles

Candles designed to smell like poop first hit the scene in 2016. High-end lifestyle company Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow collaborated with fragrance brand Heretic to launch a poop-scented candle cleverly named “This Smells Like My Poop”. It was originally an April Fool's Day prank that went viral. The $75 candle sold out in minutes despite its gag-gift nature.

The buzz around the poop candle inspired other brands to get creative with scents. Soon there were fart-scented candles and other crude aromas being marketed as novelties. But a few brands like Poopourri and Voodoo Queen Candles have made poop-scented candles their specialty.

The Poop Candle Controversy

Not everyone finds poop-scented products humorous or appealing. The candles sparked debate about whether creating scents that are unpleasant in real life is in poor taste. Critics argued the odor is unappealing and an assault on the senses.

Supporters of the candles say they're light-hearted and bring humor into the home. The scent is not designed to fill a room, but rather provide an occasional whiff to get a laugh. Fans of poop candles also point out that unpleasant scents like farts and body odors have inspired best-selling novelty items for decades.

Are Poop Candles Safe to Burn?

The novelty of poop-scented candles raises safety concerns. Fragrances, even pleasant ones, can contain chemicals that are hazardous when burned. Studies have found scented candles release compounds like acetone, benzene, lead, and toluene into the air.

So how do poop candle makers replicate such a foul odor safely? Many use a synthetic scent formula containing non-toxic ingredients. But some may use malodorants - chemicals known for their noxious smell. Malodorants include compounds like butyric acid, valeric acid, putrescine, and cadaverine in small doses.

While malodorants are not acutely hazardous at low concentrations, there is limited research on their long-term safety. Certain acidic malodorants can be irritating when inhaled. Those with sinus conditions or respiratory issues should be especially cautious around poop candles.

Tips for Safer Use of Poop Candles

If you want to buy a poop candle, here are some tips for minimizing risks:

• Check labels and research the brand's commitment to non-toxic ingredients
• Avoid buying poop candles on sites like eBay where ingredients may be undisclosed
• Only burn the candle occasionally for brief periods
• Keep poop candles in a separate room from where you spend most of your time
• Never leave a burning poop candle unattended
• Make sure the room is well-ventilated when in use
• Stop using immediately if you experience any headaches, nausea, or breathing irritation

It's also wise to be wary of excessive or prolonged inhalation. The novelty effect tends to wear off quickly for most people.

Do Poop Candles Provide Aromatherapy Benefits?

While foul odors seem counterintuitive for relaxation and wellness, the makers of poop candles claim they offer unique aromatherapy benefits. Some cite the stress-relieving effects of laughter. Taking humor too seriously can increase anxiety and tension. Others argue poop scents provide a sense of rebellious freedom.

However, science does not back claims that poop candle smells provide medically-proven therapeutic effects. In fact, rotten or poop smells are universally regarded as unpleasant and off-putting for humans. Our brains are hardwired to reject those scents to avoid health hazards.

Some mental health professionals argue that deliberately inhaling aversive odors from poop candles can exacerbate anxiety disorders. The foul smell triggers the fight-or-flight response and elevates stress hormones like cortisol.

That said, the novelty of encountering poop scents in unexpected settings like home décor may elicit laughter for some. But the health impacts of frequently smelling unpleasant odors are unlikely to be positive.

The Psychological Impact of Disgusting Scents

Why are scents like poop and fart smells universally repulsive? Scientists explain it as an evolutionary response.

In prehistoric times, rotten stenches signified possible disease transmission or contamination that threatened human health and safety. So our brains evolved to quickly reject those odors and motivate us to avoid the source.

Being exposed to disgusting scents can activate the body's sympathetic nervous system. We recoil instinctively from the smell within milliseconds. These involuntary responses aim to protect us from harm.

But when there is no real health threat like a poop candle, overriding natural aversion to malodors can cause anxiety and confusion. Some experts argue taking pleasure in non-toxic poop scents is a harmless taboo breaker. Others contend it may impact mental health by dulling innate disgust responses.

Do Poop Candles Successfully Replicate the Scent?

For poop candles to be effective as a prank or novelty item, they need to realistically capture the aroma of human waste. But replicating that foul odor with artificial fragrance isn't straightforward.

The complexity of poop smells depends on a person's diet and health. But common dominant odor notes include:

• Sulfurous, rotten eggs
• Sharp, ammonia-like
• Earthy, muddy dampness
• Sweet, sickly synthetic odor

Candle makers try to mimic this odor profile using various synthetic fragrance combinations. Some of the more realistic poop candles layer sweet floral notes with musky, stale scents to create an unappealing hybrid aroma.

However, poop candles tend to have lower fragrance concentrations than pleasant scented candles. Too high a concentration of malodorants would be overpowering and unbearable. The poop scent is usually noticeable but not all-consuming.

Without the actual stench of human waste, most poop candles capture the idea of the smell, rather than the authentic odor experience. But for prank gifts and fun, they come close enough for the gag.

Individual Perception of Poop Scents

Everyone has a unique sensitivity to scents based on factors like:

• Genes - Scent receptors vary
• Hormones - Smell changes across menstrual cycles
• Medications - Some drugs impact scent perception
• Age - Smell sensitivity declines with age
• Life experience - Desensitization to certain odors can occur

So while poop candles aim to universally smell unpleasant, individual experiences of the scent may range from mildly earthy to gag-inducing. The makers of poop candles walk a tricky line creating formulas pungent enough to gross out yet not overpower.

Poop Candle Scents & Brands

Here is an overview of the most popular poop candle brands and their unique scent formulas:

Goop's "This Smells Like My Poop"

Goop's viral prank poop candle put foul-scented candles on the map. It has fragrance notes of patchouli, citrus, pine, and geranium for a realistic take.

Poopourri's "Pile of Poop"

This bestselling poop candle uses a synthetic blend of sweat, foul flatulence, and fecal odors for comedic effect.

Voodoo Queen's "Oh My Buddha"

This handcrafted soy candle features earthy, musky scents layered with hints of sweet vanilla.

Joyobjects' "Poopoo Platter Candle"

With a strong concentration of synthetic malodorants, this candle aims to accurately capture the essence of stinky poop.

Mermade Magickal Arts' "Poop Emoji"

A blend of bitter dark patchouli and herbaceous cedar makes this poop candle less abrasive with a focus on earthy tones.

While diarrhea and flatulence-scented novelty candles also exist, poop seems the most popular gross scent for home décor.

Who Buys Poop Candles?

You may be wondering - who actually buys poop-scented candles? Based on customer demographics, poop candle fans tend to be:

• Young adults and teenagers - Poop humor resonates with this age group
• Gag gift shoppers - Poop candles are a prank or white elephant gift
• Candle collectors – Novelty scents appeal to some candle lovers
• Oddball aroma fans – Eccentric fragrance junkies enjoy all scents

Poop candles tend to be purchased as a silly gift or on impulse. The initial shock value makes them a fun talking piece. But few buyers end up incorporating poop scents into their regular home fragrance routine.

How Much Do Poop Candles Cost?

Poop candle prices typically range from $10 to $75. Higher-end brands like Goop charge a premium while budget brands offer discounted poop smells.

In most cases, you're paying more for the novelty factor than quality ingredients. But pricing varies widely based on size, packaging, branding and other factors.

Pros and Cons of Poop Candles

Here is a quick rundown of the main advantages and drawbacks of poop scented candles:

Potential Benefits

• Provide a prank or gag gift
• Add humor and novelty to home décor
• Fun party or get-together conversation piece
• Break up sensory monotony with an unusual scent

Drawbacks

• Scents can be overpowering and nauseating
• Foul odor is unpleasant to many people
• Risk of synthetic chemicals being inhaled
• Malodorants may exacerbate headaches and breathing issues

The negatives tend to outweigh any advantages for most people. But poop candle fans argue the pros make them worthwhile provided they are used moderately.

Are Poop Candles Right for You?

At the end of the day, whether a poop scented candle has a place in your home comes down to personal taste. Consider the following factors when deciding if a poop candle is a good choice:

• Your sense of humor and boundaries
• How sensitive you are to scents
• If you enjoy novelty décor items
• Who will encounter the candle at home
• Whether you have respiratory conditions

Poop candles can make thoughtful gag gifts for the right recipients. But think twice before buying one for yourself or a more conservative friend. And take precautions if choosing to burn a poop candle in your own home.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, poop candles occupy a weird home décor niche. But their unique scents can undoubtedly incite reactions when used prudently. If the idea of basking in the aromatic essence of poop makes you giggle, these oddball candles could be right for you!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.