Maddie James
Candles are a popular choice for creating a cosy atmosphere and infusing living spaces with pleasant aromas. However, they can also release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, such as phthalates, heavy metals, and petroleum. Soy candles have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to paraffin candles, as they burn cleaner and produce less soot and airborne toxic chemicals. Lush candles are made from premium soy wax and natural wax bases, and are palm, GM, and soy-free. However, some customers have complained about the lack of scent in Lush candles, while others have found the scent to be too strong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent | Some users report a strong scent, while others report a weak scent. |
| Toxicity | Lush candles are made from natural wax and are palm, GM, and soy-free. They are also 100% vegan. However, candles in general can release VOCs and other chemicals into the air, which can be harmful. |
| Price | Some users report that Lush candles are expensive for their size and packaging. |
| Safety | Lush candles have been known to explode or catch fire. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Lush candle reviews
Lush's scented candles are made from natural wax and are palm, GM and soy-free, as well as being 100% vegan. The company claims that their candles are made from high-quality, ethically-sourced essential oils. However, reviews of Lush candles have been mixed.
Some customers have complained that the candles have very little scent, even when burning, and that they are overpriced for their size. One customer compared the price of a Lush candle to that of a Yankee candle, which they claim has a much stronger scent and is cheaper. Another customer stated that they were disappointed with the lack of throw and how fast the candle burned. They also mentioned that they did not believe that Lush was using the right fragrance oils, wicks, or waxes for their candles.
Other customers have had better experiences with Lush candles. One customer praised the "Sleepy" candle, stating that even without being lit, it had a strong lavender scent. Another customer described the candles as "sophisticated, elegant, and luxurious," and highlighted the variety of colours and fragrances available.
It is worth noting that some customers have reported that the candles may vary between batches, with some batches having stronger scents than others. Overall, while some customers have had positive experiences with Lush candles, the majority of reviews mention the lack of scent and the high price for the size.
Do Pheromone Candles Actually Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Health risks of candles
While candles are a popular choice for creating a cosy atmosphere and eliminating unwanted odours, they may pose certain health risks. Even unscented candles can increase air pollution in your home. From the wax they're made of to the scents that fill the air, many candles contain harmful chemicals.
Firstly, let's talk about wicks. Traditionally, wicks were made with a metal core, often containing lead and zinc. While the use of lead in wicks has decreased significantly, some candles, especially older ones or those not complying with safety standards, may still contain these toxic metals. When lit, these metals can release harmful chemicals into the air, increasing the risk of respiratory issues and other long-term health problems. To reduce this risk, opt for candles with wicks made from pure cotton or wood.
Another concern is the presence of chemical dyes and fragrances in candles. When burned, these candles release microscopic particles and chemical gases, degrading indoor air quality. These emissions can include pollutants such as phthalates, heavy metals, and petroleum. Phthalates, commonly added to fragrances, are plasticizers that prolong the scent's life but can be harmful to human health. To avoid this, choose candles with natural dyes derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables, such as beetroot, spirulina, turmeric, or annatto seeds.
The type of wax used in candles can also impact their toxicity. Soy wax has gained popularity due to its clean burn and reduced soot and airborne toxic chemical emissions compared to paraffin wax. However, it's important to remember that even soy wax candles release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) into the air, which can adversely affect your health, even in small doses. Beeswax candles are often considered a safer alternative in terms of human toxicity.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that while Lush candles are made with ethically sourced essential oils and a natural wax base that is palm, GM, and soy-free, some customers have expressed concerns about their scent throw. Some reviews mention a strong scent, while others claim the candles have little to no fragrance. Therefore, it's advisable to research and read reviews before purchasing any scented candle to ensure it meets your expectations and doesn't contain potentially harmful ingredients.
White Barn Candles: Quality Scented Experience?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toxic chemicals in candles
While candles are a great way to fill your home with fragrance and create a cosy atmosphere, some candles may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
One of the most common toxic chemicals found in candles is paraffin wax, which is derived from crude oil. The process of extracting paraffin wax is energy-intensive and bad for the environment, and the crude oil itself is toxic, leading to countless environmental disasters. Paraffin wax candles produce soot, which contains large amounts of microparticles that can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Some doctors have compared an hour in a room with a scented paraffin candle to smoking a cigarette. Additionally, paraffin wax candles emit benzene and toluene, which are associated with breathing problems and lung cancer.
To avoid the dangers of paraffin wax, look for candles made from natural, sustainable materials like beeswax and soy wax. These candles burn cleanly and do not emit toxic chemicals. For example, Lush claims to use a natural wax base for their scented candles, which is palm, GM, and soy-free, as well as 100% vegan. However, it is important to read labels carefully, as some candles may be labelled as "natural" while still containing paraffin wax.
Another toxic chemical to avoid in candles is lead, which was once commonly used in candle wicks. Lead-core wicks release hazardous levels of lead into the air, exceeding pollution standards. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioural problems, and learning disabilities. Thankfully, lead wicks have been banned by regulatory bodies, but it is still important to be cautious when purchasing candles.
Fragrance chemicals in scented candles can also be a cause for concern. These chemicals are often used in high concentrations, and their specific recipes are sometimes kept secret, making it difficult to know exactly what you are inhaling. Some scented candles have been found to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) before and after being lit, which can cause headaches, irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat, nausea, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Therefore, it is advisable to choose scented candles that use sustainable essential oils, rather than chemically made scents.
The Warm Glow of Candles: Why We Love Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural alternatives to candles
While candles are a great way to create a warm and inviting ambiance, there are concerns about indoor air pollution and health risks associated with certain types of candles. If you're looking for natural alternatives to candles, here are some options to consider:
Sustainable and Renewable Wax Candles
Instead of traditional paraffin wax candles, opt for those made from renewable and sustainable waxes such as soy, coconut, or beeswax. These natural waxes are healthier, emit fewer smoke particles, and can even purify the air while providing subtle and calming fragrances.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oils offer numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and sinus clearance. Using essential oil diffusers allows you to create custom fragrance blends and swap scents based on your preferences and moods. Diffusers use jet nozzles to create a steam of pressurized air, making it easy to release tiny particles of essential oils into the air as mist.
Electric Wax Warmers and Wax Melts
Electric wax warmers and wax melts are an excellent alternative to scented candles without the pollution caused by burning wicks. Wax melts made from renewable waxes and natural fragrances slowly melt, releasing their scent into your space. They are also more affordable than candles and can be used with essential oils for customized scents.
Incense
Incense is another great option for creating a pleasant aroma without producing toxic chemicals. However, it's important to choose high-quality incense made from natural ingredients to ensure it is eco-friendly. Frankincense and lavender incense offer subtle and calming fragrances.
Natural Elements and Potpourri
Bringing natural elements into your home is a simple and effective way to create a light and refreshing scent. Decorate your space with fragrant dried spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, or dried fruits like lime, orange, and lemon. You can also use pine branches or flowers to create a natural, fresh scent. Alternatively, create your own potpourri blends with dried oranges and spices, peppermint leaves and cinnamon sticks, and place them in decorative jars or bowls throughout your home.
Ear Candling: Effective Water Removal Method?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lush candle ingredients
Lush scented candles are made with natural wax bases, including rapeseed, coconut, castor, and soy wax. They are free from palm, GM, and soy, and are 100% vegan. The candles are made with ethically-sourced essential oils, which are also used in their other products.
The Twilight candle, for example, contains lavender and tonka essential oils, as well as coumarin, eucalyptol, geranyl acetate, isoeugenol, linalool, and linalyl acetate. These ingredients may produce an allergic reaction. The candle has four wicks and a burn time of 35 to 40 hours.
Some customers have reported that Lush candles have little to no scent, while others have found the scent to be too strong. There are also reports of the candles being expensive for their size and having poor performance.
Lush has replaced glass containers with recyclable tins to reduce packaging costs and provide more candle wax for customers.
Candle Holders: Necessary or Just for Show?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Lush candles are made from premium soy wax and are palm, GM, and soy-free. They are also 100% vegan and use ethically-sourced essential oils. Therefore, Lush candles are likely less toxic than paraffin candles. However, like any candle, they will release VOCs into the air, which can be harmful even in small doses.
Candles can be toxic due to the wicks, dyes, and fragrances used. Historically, wicks were made with a metal core of lead and zinc, which are toxic. While the use of lead has been significantly reduced, some candles may still contain toxic metals in their wicks. Candles can also contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, heavy metals, and petroleum.
If a Lush candle has a strong scent that lingers even when it is not lit, this could be a sign that it contains high levels of fragrance chemicals, which may be toxic.
