Frequently Asked Questions

CANDLE QUESTIONS:

What ingredients are in your Candles?
All Amber & Oak candles and wax melts are made with 100% all-natural U.S. grown soy wax and are free from additives, paraffin and dyes. I strive to source the cleanest fragrance oils with the highest quality. All of the oils used are free from phthalates and other hazardous chemicals commonly found in fragrance oils. All ingredients in Amber & Oak candles are eco friendly, vegan and cruelty free. The wicks are always lead-free and made of natural cotton for a non toxic candle burning experience.

What is a phthalate?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics to make them more durable, but phthalates can also be found in pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, building materials, and other household products including fragrance oils. Certain types of phthalates were used in the fragrance industry as solvents or to increase the hot throw (scent of candle while burning) of fragrances in soy wax. Phthalates are actualy very effective at these jobs while also remaining widely available and inexpensive. Over the last decade, there has been more research conducted on the effects of phthalates on human health. Not only do phthalates function as endocrine disruptors, but they also have associations with heightened susceptibility to breast cancer, fertility complications, and various other health concerns. When fragrances containing phthalates are managed with care in well-ventilated areas, burned under optimal conditions, and disposed of correctly, the associated risks are minimal. While ongoing research continues to investigate the health hazards posed by phthalate exposure, it is evident that eliminating any potential risks should be my priority.

What is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a vegetable wax variety derived from soybean oil. After the soybeans are harvested, they undergo a process that includes cleaning, cracking, de-hulling, and rolling them into flakes. These flakes are then used to extract the oil, which subsequently undergoes hydrogenation. A significant portion of the world's soybean production occurs in the United States, with Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana being the primary cultivation areas. The best benefit of soy is that it's renewable. In addition, a high-quality soy candle burns cleaner and slower, compared to other waxes on the market such as Paraffin Wax. Paraffin wax is derived from crude oil, which is petroleum-based, rendering it unsustainable. The extraction of crude oil can have detrimental environmental impacts, leading to water and air pollution. Additionally, there are contentions about paraffin wax releasing potentially toxic chemicals into the air when it's burned. Although the levels may be so minimal that they don't present a health risk, I decided to avoid any potential inclusion of toxic substances in my products just in case.

How long do Amber & Oak candles last?
With proper care our 7oz candles will last approximately 40 hours and our larger candles can burn anywhere from 50-60 hours. Be sure to read the Candle Care page to get the most out of your candle.

When should I discard my candle?
When there's approximately 1/2" of wax remaining in the jar, it's time to consider it your final burn. As the flame gets closer to the bottom of the jar, it becomes more enclosed, potentially causing the glass to overheat. Extinguishing your candle when the wax level is still safe not only helps prevent glass breakage but also safeguards against the melting of the adhesive beneath the wick's base, which could otherwise cause the wick to float around freely in the jar. Keep it safe, discard or recycle your jar at the proper time.

What is tunneling and how do I avoid it?
Candle tunneling occurs when only a small ring of wax melts around the wick during the burning process, rather than the wax melting evenly across the entire candle's surface. This not only results in some wax being wasted but also, as the tunnel deepens over time, it can become challenging to light the wick.

To avoid tunneling, try not to blow your candle out until it reaches full melt pool, which means the melted wax reaches the sides of the jar. If you blow it out before the liquified wax reaches far enough, it may effect the rest of your burn. This is called “wax memory”. It happens because previously melted wax is softer and takes less heat to re-melt again compared to wax that hasn't been melted yet, so when you re-light your candle, the wax melts at different rates which results in a tunneling effect.

Tunneling can also happen if you cut your wicks too short, as they will become buried by the wax as they burn lower into the jar.

Can I fix a candle that has tunneled?
To remedy a tunneled candle, try this tick. Wrap a strip of aluminum foil around the candle's edges, ensuring that it extends over the built-up wax areas. Leave an opening in the center to allow the wick to burn properly. After burning for a while, the heat should cause the wax to melt and level out the surface, helping to restore your candle to an even burn.

GENERAL FAQS:

What is your return policy?
Currently, I do not accept returns or exchanges but if you have an issue, please feel free to reach out so I can make it right.
Email: contact.amberandoak@gmail.com

It's important to keep in mind that scents can be highly subjective, and I truly appreciate you taking a chance on my fragrances without having the opportunity to smell them beforehand. Some Amber & Oak candles are designed as novelty items, featuring non-traditional scents. These scents reflect my personal creative interpretation of the stories behind the candles, and it's entirely possible that your perception of the scent may differ. If you have any doubts about a particular scent or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out for clarification before making a purchase. Your satisfaction is important to me!

My favorite candle is out of stock!
Here at Amber & Oak, we tend to swap out some of our collections seasonally. Being a small, solo woman-owned business means it is not always possible to keep large amounts of oils for every fragrance blend in stock all year round, as I need to focus on the next holiday/season. However, if I do have leftover oils in stock I would be happy to pour you the out-of-stock scent that you've been missing! Please send me an email or Instagram DM to see if it is available.

How long will it take for my order to arrive?
If your candle is in stock and ready to ship, the processing time is typically 1-7 business days. Custom orders, pre-orders and busier times of the year can increase this time. Your order is top priority so please know it is being packaged with lots of care as quickly as possible.

Depending on the distance and shipping method, once orders are processed they can take 1-8 days to arrive at your location, usually on the quicker end of this spectrum as long as there are no carrier transit or inclement weather delays.

Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about shipping delays once the package leaves my studio. Your order will come with a tracking number which can be presented to the carrier if there are any delays or delivery issues. If you need help with a claim, please send me an email - I would be happy to assist you in the process.

Can I send a candle as a gift?
Absolutely! Amber & Oak candles make fantastic gifts. If you'd like to include a personalized note with your order, simply leave a message during the checkout process. Our candles are carefully packaged, with wax seals and brown kraft paper wrapping. In case you're ordering multiple candles and want to easily identify each one, please leave a note at checkout. I will make sure to include a note in the order or provide removable stickers to differentiate each candle. This way, you won't need to tear open the packaging to distinguish them and can gift them with the wax seals intact!

Do you ship internationally?
For international order inquiries, please contact me at contact.amberandoak@gmail.com or send a DM on instagram.