Ben Carter
Candles are widely loved for their ability to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. However, not all candles are created equal, and many commercially available candles contain toxic ingredients that can harm your health and the environment. To ensure you're making safe choices, it's important to understand how to identify toxic candles. Toxic candles often contain harmful ingredients such as paraffin wax, artificial fragrances, and lead wicks. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, releases toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. Artificial fragrances can include toxins like phthalates, which can cause endocrine and reproductive issues. To avoid these dangers, look for candles made with natural ingredients such as beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax, and opt for 100% cotton or wood wicks. Additionally, choose companies that disclose all ingredients and seek third-party certifications like MADE SAFE®.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax colour | Check the colour of the wax |
| Scent | If the candle has an extremely strong scent, it likely contains artificial and potentially toxic fragrance chemicals |
| Ingredients | Opt for candles scented with 100% pure essential oils. Avoid candles with undisclosed ingredients and generic terms like "fragrance" or "parfum" |
| Wicks | Avoid candles with metal-core wicks, which often contain lead or other heavy metals. Opt for 100% cotton or wood wicks |
| Wax type | Avoid paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, coal, or oil shale that releases toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene. Vegetable-based waxes, such as soy, coconut, and beeswax, are safer alternatives |
| Third-party certification | Look for candles with third-party certification, such as MADE SAFE®, to ensure they are free from behavioural toxins, carcinogens, VOCs, and other harmful substances |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid paraffin wax and gel candles, which are petroleum byproducts
- Beeswax candles are a natural, non-toxic alternative
- Soy candles are also non-toxic, but may produce more soot
- Candles with extremely strong scents likely contain artificial fragrances
- Opt for 100% cotton or wood wicks to avoid lead exposure
Avoid paraffin wax and gel candles, which are petroleum byproducts
Paraffin wax is a commonly used ingredient in candles. It is derived as a byproduct of petroleum, coal, or oil shale and releases toxic chemicals like soot, benzene, and toluene into the air when burned. These chemicals are known carcinogens and can cause respiratory issues and indoor air pollution, posing a health risk to those nearby, especially children and pets.
Gel candles are also made from petroleum byproducts and should be avoided for the same reasons as paraffin wax candles.
To identify if a candle contains paraffin wax, look out for labels that say “blend” without specifying what has been blended, or lack information about the type of wax used. If a candle is unlabelled, it is likely made from paraffin wax.
When shopping for candles, opt for those made from natural ingredients such as beeswax, soy, vegetable, or coconut wax, which are safer and greener alternatives. Beeswax, for example, is a completely natural byproduct of honeybees and is often preferred for wellness purposes.
Additionally, look for candles scented with 100% pure essential oils and avoid those with ambiguous claims or greenwashing attempts. Companies that use natural fragrances should disclose all ingredients, and you can always request a Safety Data Sheet for more detailed information on the chemicals used and potential hazards.
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Beeswax candles are a natural, non-toxic alternative
Beeswax candles are also a sustainable and health-conscious option. They burn cleanly, last longer, and deliver a chemical-free experience, making them perfect for creating a healthier home environment. Beeswax candles are also natural air purifiers, as they emit negative ions that bind with particles in the air, causing them to drop to the ground. This makes them ideal for people who are sensitive to scents and for improving indoor air quality.
The natural honey scent of beeswax candles is subtle and pleasing, and they often smell great even without added fragrances. Some beeswax candles are also scented with essential oils, which are safer than artificial fragrances. When choosing beeswax candles, look for those that are 100% pure beeswax and those made by companies that are transparent about their ingredients and provide certification from trusted third parties.
In addition to beeswax candles, there are other non-toxic alternatives available, such as vegetable-based waxes like soy, coconut, and vegetable wax. These candles are becoming more common and are labelled as such, making it easier for consumers to find greener options. However, it is important to note that even these candles can contain paraffin, so it is important to ask the company for confirmation. Ultimately, the key to finding non-toxic candles is to look for transparency in ingredients and certification from trusted sources.
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Soy candles are also non-toxic, but may produce more soot
Soy candles are often marketed as a non-toxic alternative to paraffin wax candles. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, coal, or oil shale refining and releases harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and soot when burned. These chemicals are known carcinogens and can cause respiratory issues and indoor air pollution.
Soy candles, on the other hand, are made from soy wax, which is a vegetable-based wax derived from soybeans. Soy wax is a natural and renewable resource that is biodegradable and non-toxic. It burns cleaner than paraffin wax and produces less soot and harmful chemicals. However, it is important to note that soy candles may still produce some soot, especially if they are not properly wicked or are overscented.
One of the main concerns with candles is the type of fragrance used. Many candles use synthetic fragrances, which can contain hidden toxins like phthalates. These chemicals are often used to make scents last longer but can disrupt hormones and cause health issues such as endocrine problems and reproductive harm. Soy candles may also contain synthetic fragrances, especially if they are highly scented. Therefore, it is important to look for soy candles that use natural fragrances, such as essential oils, or are labelled as phthalate-free or synthetic fragrance-free.
To minimize the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals, it is recommended to choose soy candles from brands that disclose all of their ingredients, including the fragrance components. Look for labels such as 100% soy wax or pure soy wax to ensure the candle is truly non-toxic. Additionally, opt for soy candles with cotton or wood wicks, as these burn cleaner and reduce the risk of lead exposure, which is a concern with metal-core wicks found in some cheaper candles.
While soy candles are generally considered a safer alternative to paraffin wax candles, it is important to remember that any candle that is burned can release some level of soot and other pollutants. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautions such as ventilating the room with a fan or open window and avoiding burning candles for extended periods, especially in unventilated spaces.
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Candles with extremely strong scents likely contain artificial fragrances
These artificial fragrances can contain hidden toxins like phthalates, which are also found in a lot of plastics. Phthalates are linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. In addition, many synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities.
To avoid candles with artificial fragrances, look for candles scented with 100% pure essential oils or "essential oils only". Companies that use natural fragrances should disclose all ingredients and be transparent about their extraction processes and regions of origin. If a company is using pure and natural ingredients, they should be happy to make this clear to their customers.
Beeswax candles are also a good option, as they are completely natural and often smell great even without added scents.
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Opt for 100% cotton or wood wicks to avoid lead exposure
Candles are a great way to create a soothing atmosphere and add warmth and fragrance to any room. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of popular candles and how to make informed choices for a healthier, safer environment.
One of the hidden dangers of candles is the presence of lead in the wicks, especially in cheaper candles. When burned, these metals are released into the air and pose a serious health risk, particularly for children and pets. Lead exposure has been linked to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and behavioural problems.
To avoid lead exposure from candle wicks, opt for 100% cotton or wood wicks, which are safer alternatives. These natural fibres burn cleaner and do not emit harmful metals into the air. Cotton and wood wicks are also less likely to produce a large amount of soot, which can be another concern with paraffin wax candles or those containing synthetic fragrances. Soot can be inhaled and can leave behind harmful particles that settle in your home, affecting indoor air quality.
In addition to opting for natural fibre wicks, it is also important to consider the type of wax and fragrance used in candles. Many commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax releases toxic chemicals when burned, including benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. These chemicals can cause respiratory issues and contribute to indoor air pollution. Therefore, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural waxes such as beeswax, soy, or coconut, which are safer and greener options.
When it comes to fragrances, many candles use synthetic fragrances that can contain hidden toxins like phthalates. These chemicals are used to make scents last longer but can disrupt hormones and cause health issues such as endocrine problems and reproductive harm. Look for candles scented with 100% pure essential oils or natural fragrances. Companies that use natural fragrances should disclose all ingredients and provide detailed information about the essential oils used, including the extraction process and region of origin.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, coal, or oil shale, are labelled as a potential health risk due to the release of toxic chemicals like soot, benzene, and toluene into the air. To avoid toxic candles, opt for candles made from beeswax, soy, or coconut wax, as these are natural and renewable.
If a candle is extremely cheap, it likely contains paraffin wax, as this is inexpensive and easy to mass produce. If the label says "blend" without noting what it has been blended with, or does not specify the type of wax, it is likely paraffin.
Metal-core wicks, often found in cheaper candles, can contain lead or other heavy metals. When burned, these metals are released into the air and pose a serious health risk, especially for children and pets. Exposure to lead, for example, is linked to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and behavioural problems.
Many candles use synthetic fragrances, which can contain hidden toxins like phthalates. These chemicals are often used to help scents last longer but can cause endocrine problems and reproductive harm. To avoid exposure, opt for candles scented with 100% pure essential oils or "essential oils only".
