A Guide to Non-Toxic Candles

Burning candles is an effortless way to shift the mood and awaken the senses through sight and scent. They are the perfect add-on to your self-care routine. Although they might help you stick to your rituals, the truth is that despite their warm glow, pleasant scent and feel-good vibes, most scented candles are an unhealthy source of indoor air pollution.

Many conventional candles contain toxins. Their waxes are known carcinogens, some of which can even be found in diesel fumes. Their wicks can contain heavy metals like lead, and their artificial scents and dyes are known allergens and respiratory irritants.

Paraffin wax, the type that most candles on the market are made from, is a petroleum byproduct that creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned. Both of those are known carcinogens. I’m not sating your candles are giving you cancer but rather that they re a source of indoor air pollution.

Fortunately, there are some healthier alternatives to petroleum-based candles. Candles made from 100% soy, beeswax or coconut wax that has cotton or wood wicks, and uses essentials oil fragrances are fantastic options.

NATURAL CANDLES = BETTER AIR QUALITY

WAX & WICK

Our candles are made from 100% organic soy wax which burns cleaner than any other wax type. Each candle is hand poured in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. We use 100% cotton wicks and high quality, phthalate free fragrance oils to ensure that our candles burn clean and produce toxin free scents.

SOY WAX

Soy candles are made from soybeans, a natural, renewable source grown in many regions by local farmers. A candle made from soy wax burns cleaner than many other types of waxes They are non-toxic, so they won't release toxins into the air as they burn. They typically last longer than a candle made of paraffin wax of the same size. The reason behind the longevity of soy candles is the slower burning time and cooler burning temperature of the soybean-based wax. Because they burn more slowly, the scent is gradually released; thus there won't be an immediate wave of strong scent. This creates a more pleasant atmosphere for most as the scent won’t be overpowering. Soy wax is also biodegradable, making it an investment that benefits the environment. Using candles made from soy supports local agriculture and farmers, allowing them to make money and grow their operations. While you may pay more for a soy candle initially, the longer-lasting burn means you won't have to buy new candles as often.

BEESWAX

Candles made of beeswax are also a great option. Beeswax helps to purify the air by emitting negative ions, which bind to positive ions, reducing indoor air pollution. Beeswax also burns clean and purifies the air at the same time! Negative ions also relieve stress, boost energy and alertness levels, reduce the amount of dust mites and dander in the air, and they may help protect against airborne germs by attaching to positively charged ions that are holding other contaminants airborne.

COCONUT WAX

Candles made of coconut wax are pretty new to the candle industry but is also a great option. Coconut was is made from cold-pressed organic coconut meat, the same way Coconut Oil is extracted. It then goes through a hydrogenation process, where coconut oil is transformed into a creamy white coloured candle wax. It’s non toxic and burns cleaner than other types of candle wax. Coconut wax emits zero soot particles and does not blacken walls nor add toxic carcinogens into the air. In addition, it burns slower and longer.

So, the next time you go shopping for candles make sure to read your labels to ensure you are purchasing a candle that is non-toxic and healthy and is made from any of the above wax types.