Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere and transform your home environment. However, conventional candles can be harmful to your health and the environment. Fortunately, there are many candles made with natural ingredients that are eco-friendly and healthier alternatives. These candles are made from natural materials like soy, beeswax, coconut wax, and essential oils, providing a cleaner burn and fewer harmful byproducts. Natural candles are also non-toxic and utilise natural waxes, which have a lower environmental impact. They are also customisable, with layered scents and natural add-ins like dried herbs or flowers. You can even make your own natural candles at home!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax |
| Wick | Sustainably sourced wood, 100% cotton |
| Fragrance | Natural fragrance, pure essential oils |
| Packaging | Repurposed and recyclable |
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$12.99 $14.99
What You'll Learn
Natural candle ingredients
Natural candles are made from ingredients that are sourced from nature and do not contain any artificial or chemical additives. These candles are a healthier alternative to traditional candles, as they do not release harmful pollutants into the air. When looking for a natural candle, it is important to carefully read the list of ingredients.
There are a variety of natural waxes that can be used in candle-making, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Here are some of the most common natural candle waxes:
- Soy wax: Soy wax is a plant-based wax derived from soybeans. It is a natural, sustainable, and biodegradable alternative to paraffin wax. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax, producing less soot and resulting in cleaner walls and healthier lungs. It is also more eco-friendly, as soy is easy to regrow. However, there are some concerns about the soybean industry's impact on deforestation and the use of pesticides and fertilisers. Additionally, soy wax may not hold fragrances as well as other waxes, and it can be more difficult to work with.
- Beeswax: Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax, made by bees during the honey-making process. It has a subtly sweet natural scent and a harder, more solid nature, making it ideal for crafting freestanding pillar candles. Beeswax is naturally derived and may even help clean the air as it burns. However, it is important to note that while beeswax is natural, it is not vegan-friendly.
- Coconut wax: Coconut wax is a newer option that is becoming increasingly popular. It is harvested from coconuts, which are high-yield and sustainable. Coconut wax burns cleanly with minimal soot and is excellent at holding both fragrance and colour.
- Rapeseed wax: Rapeseed wax is another natural alternative to paraffin wax. It burns cleanly and is a more eco-friendly option.
In addition to natural waxes, natural candles can also be infused with essential oils to create soothing fragrances. These essential oils are derived from plants, flowers, fruits, or trees, and provide a natural aroma without the use of chemical fragrances. Natural candles may also use sustainably sourced wood or 100% cotton wicks to avoid the release of heavy metal particles into the air.
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Paraffin wax vs natural wax
Natural candles are made from only natural ingredients and do not release harmful pollutants into your home. Natural waxes such as soy, rapeseed, coconut, and beeswax all burn cleanly.
Paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum or crude oil refining, is widely distributed and affordable. It is also non-toxic, non-reactive, an excellent water barrier, and clean-burning. However, it has gained a bad reputation due to the release of "soot" into the air, which may be harmful to your health. Paraffin candles can also produce strong fragrances and are therefore a top ingredient choice for functional scented candles.
Soy wax is a natural, renewable resource that is environmentally friendly and provides a cleaner and longer burn than paraffin wax. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable. However, over 90% of soybean crops in the United States are genetically modified and grown using pesticides. Soy wax also has a slower burn rate, which may be undesirable for some consumers.
Beeswax is another natural alternative to paraffin wax. It is naturally derived and may help clean the air as it burns. However, there are concerns over the vegan-friendliness of beeswax, as well as the potential impact of beekeeping on deforestation and pesticide use.
Coconut wax is also a natural and eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax.
Ultimately, the choice between paraffin wax and natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax depends on individual preferences and priorities regarding cost, burn time, fragrance, and environmental impact.
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Eco-friendly candles
Candles can be a great way to create a soothing atmosphere and transform your home environment. However, conventional candles can be harmful to your health and the environment. Paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum, is used in many scented candles and releases air pollutants known as toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These may be harmful to our health, releasing cancer-causing chemicals and affecting people with respiratory conditions.
To avoid these issues, you can opt for eco-friendly candles made from natural ingredients. These candles are typically crafted from natural waxes like soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, and rapeseed wax. Soy wax, for example, is a renewable and environmentally friendly resource that provides a cleaner and longer burn than paraffin wax. It is plant-based and easy to regrow, and does not release VOCs or toxins when burned. Beeswax is another natural option that may help clean the air as it burns and produces a sweet honey aroma. Coconut wax is also used in natural candles, providing a cleaner burn and fewer harmful byproducts.
When choosing an eco-friendly candle, look for those that use sustainably sourced wood or 100% cotton wicks. Avoid wicks with metal cores, as they can spread heavy metal particles in the air. Natural fragrances or essential oils are also preferable to chemical fragrances, which can induce headaches. Some candles are even infused with herbs or flowers for additional natural fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
You can also find eco-friendly candles packaged without plastic, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our seas or landfills. For an even more sustainable option, consider purchasing refillable candles or those that can be repurposed into planters after they have finished burning. Additionally, you can try making your own natural candles at home with easily sourced ingredients like soy wax, cotton wicks, essential oils, and glass jars.
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Essential oils
Natural candles are made from natural ingredients and are a healthier alternative to conventional candles. They are made from natural waxes like soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax, and essential oils. These candles are eco-friendly, have a lower environmental impact, and are a healthier choice compared to paraffin wax candles.
Paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum, is used in many scented candles. However, as paraffin candles burn, they release air pollutants known as toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These may be harmful to our health and can cause respiratory issues.
Soy wax, on the other hand, burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax. It is a renewable resource, environmentally friendly, and does not release VOCs or toxins when burned. Soy candles also have a slower burn rate, making them better value over time. Beeswax is another natural alternative that may help clean the air as it burns. It is also naturally derived and has air-purifying properties, making it a good option for people with asthma or allergies.
When choosing a natural candle, it is important to carefully read the ingredients. Look for 100% natural waxes and avoid paraffin wax, chemical fragrances, and wicks with metal cores. Opt for sustainably sourced wood or 100% cotton wicks instead.
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Non-toxic candles
The good news is that there are non-toxic candles made from natural ingredients that provide a healthier, eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles. These candles are made from natural materials like soy, beeswax, coconut wax, rapeseed, and essential oils, and provide a cleaner burn and delightful aromas without compromising your health.
Soy wax and beeswax are considered to have the best eco-credentials as they are natural, sustainable, and biodegradable. Soy is plant-based and easy to regrow, while beeswax is naturally derived and may help clean the air as it burns. Soy wax is also vegan-friendly and burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax, meaning there will be less soot in your home.
Beeswax candles are also a great choice for non-toxic options. They burn cleaner, have a longer burn time, and purify the air. If beeswax isn't available, opt for candles made from natural waxes like soy or coconut, which still burn cleaner and produce fewer harmful byproducts than traditional paraffin candles.
When choosing a non-toxic candle, it's important to consider both the wick material and the fragrance source. Look for candles with wicks made from sustainably sourced wood or 100% cotton, and fragrances derived from 100% essential oils. Certified organic candles go even further, ensuring that no harmful chemicals or synthetic processes are involved in their production.
Some popular brands that offer non-toxic candles include Happy Organics, Slow North, Neom Organics, and Fontana Candle Co. These brands are committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and using natural ingredients to create a cleaner, healthier candle experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural candles are made from natural waxes like soy wax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax, and beeswax, which are eco-friendly, healthier choices compared to paraffin wax.
Natural candles provide a cleaner burn and fewer harmful byproducts. They have a lower environmental impact, making them an ideal choice for sustainable candles. Soy candles, for example, are plant-based, easy to regrow, and renewable.
Natural candles are non-toxic and do not release VOCs or toxins when burned. They are healthier and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional candles.
There are many brands that sell natural candles, including Aire Candle Co., Fontana Candle Co., Happy Organics, Neom Organics, and Slow North. You can also make your own natural candles at home with ingredients that are easy to source.
