Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere and fill your home with beautiful fragrances. However, traditional candles, especially those made from paraffin wax, can release harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system and cause health issues like headaches and allergies. To avoid these issues, many people are turning to non-toxic candles made from natural materials like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than artificial fragrances. Some popular non-toxic candle brands include Fontana Candle Co., Terralite, Peacesake, Bee Lucia, and Slow North. These brands offer clean-burning, eco-friendly, and healthy alternatives to traditional candles, with natural fragrances and sustainable materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brands | Fontana Candle Co., Terralite, Peacesake, Bee Lucia Wellness Candle, Slow North, Siblings, LePruner, Antique Candke Co., Henry Rose, Heretic, By Rosie Jane, Skylar, The Nue Co. |
| Ingredients | Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Essential Oils, Soy Wax, Cotton Wick, Natural Crystals |
| Free from | Paraffin, Lead, Chemical Fragrance, Artificial Dyes, Synthetic Fragrances, Herbicides, Pesticides, Genetically Modified Material |
| Certifications | MADE SAFE, USDA Certified BioBased |
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What You'll Learn
Non-toxic candle ingredients
When paraffin wax is burned, it can release harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are potentially carcinogenic and can irritate the respiratory system. Therefore, it is best to opt for candles made with 100% natural waxes like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax.
Beeswax candles are a great option for those seeking non-toxic alternatives. Beeswax candles are known for their clean-burning properties and natural glow. They are also long-lasting, making them a good choice for those seeking a longer-burning non-toxic candle. However, it is worth noting that beeswax candles may have a less intense scent throw compared to other options, so if you are looking for a strong fragrance, you might want to consider other options.
Soy wax is another popular choice for non-toxic candles. Soy wax is derived from soybeans and is often marketed as a more sustainable alternative to paraffin wax. However, it is important to note that soy wax is not necessarily organic, as it undergoes a chemical process to become wax. Nonetheless, soy wax candles are still a good option for those seeking a non-toxic candle with a lower melting point and faster burn time.
Coconut wax is also an excellent choice for non-toxic candles. Coconut wax is known for its clean-burning properties and ability to hold fragrance well. Like beeswax, coconut wax is also considered food-grade, making it a safe option for use in the home.
In addition to the type of wax, it is also important to consider the wick and fragrance sources. For the wick, opt for 100% cotton or hemp that is unbleached, or wood that is untreated or soaked in a natural substance. For fragrance, choose candles that use essential oils or natural fragrance oils instead of synthetic fragrances, which may contain harmful chemicals. Look for candles that are certified non-toxic or free of known toxic ingredients. Transparency is key, so prioritize candle makers that are willing to disclose their ingredients in full.
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Paraffin wax vs beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax
Paraffin wax is the most common type of candle wax and is often the least expensive. It is derived from the oil industry, which makes it less eco-friendly than other types of wax. When burned, paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are potentially carcinogenic and can irritate the respiratory system.
Beeswax is a natural product made by bees during the honey-making process. It is secreted from their abdomens and used to create honeycomb. Beeswax has a high melting point, which means it takes longer to melt than other types of wax, and it solidifies very quickly once removed from the heat source. It is also harder than other types of wax, making it ideal for crafting freestanding pillar candles. However, beeswax is not vegan and is not considered environmentally friendly by many.
Coconut wax is a newer option for candles, harvested from coconuts, a high-yield, sustainable crop. It burns cleanly with barely any soot and is excellent at holding both fragrance and colour.
Soy wax is derived from soybeans, which are a natural, renewable, and eco-friendly resource. It is a relatively new addition to the candle-making world, having emerged in the early 1990s. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, making it less likely to burn too hot and result in an unpleasant scent or blackening of the jar. It also produces little to no soot, resulting in a cleaner-burning candle. However, soy wax does not hold fragrance as well as some other types of wax and can be more difficult to work with.
There are several non-toxic candle brands available, including Fontana Candle Co., which uses a blend of beeswax and coconut oil with a wooden wick. Other options include Terralite, which has a strong scent throw, and Peacesake, which offers the best value for money in the natural candle market, with 14 oz candles that are handmade with 100% soy wax.
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Natural fragrances and essential oils
When we burn candles, we may unknowingly inhale hundreds of different chemicals. These substances are often unregulated, and manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients used. The most common type of candle wax, paraffin wax, releases harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene when burned. Additives like fragrance and dyes combined with paraffin wax can make their effects even worse.
The best non-toxic candles will be free of paraffin, lead, chemical fragrances, and artificial dyes. Look for candles made with 100% natural wax like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax, lead-free wicks, and natural fragrances like essential oils. Some top brands may even have certifications like Made Safe Certified or USDA Certified BioBased to prove they're not greenwashing.
- Fontana Candle Co: This brand uses a blend of beeswax and coconut oil with a wooden wick. Their candles are MADE SAFE certified, meaning they are free of any toxic ingredients. While many of their candles are lightly scented, they do offer options marked as strongly scented.
- Peacesake Candles: These candles are handmade with 100% soy wax that is free of herbicides, pesticides, and genetically modified materials. Their cotton wicks are also free of lead cores. They offer a dozen or so scents created using essential oils and fragrance oils.
- Slow North: All Slow North candles are made with pure essential oils and U.S.-grown soy wax. They come in minimalist designs, with cotton and paper wicks and cork lids.
- Grow Fragrance: This company offers 100% plant-based home fragrances using toxin-free, naturally sourced ingredients. Their candles are made with American-grown soy wax, coconut wax, and plant extracts, and are free of heavy metals, toxins, phthalates, parabens, petroleum, and synthetic petrochemicals.
- Bee Lucia Wellness Candle: This brand uses a blend of pure food-grade beeswax, organic coconut oil, and essential oils to create healthy, non-toxic candles.
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Eco-friendly and recyclable candles
When shopping for eco-friendly and recyclable candles, it's important to look for candles made with natural, non-toxic ingredients and sustainable materials. Conventional candles are often made with paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system and potentially cause long-term health issues.
To avoid these issues, opt for candles made with 100% natural waxes like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax. Beeswax candles are an excellent choice as they burn cleaner, purify the air, and have longer burn times compared to other natural waxes. Soy wax, despite being promoted as a green alternative, may not be as sustainable as claimed due to the lengthy process of turning soybeans into wax. Coconut wax is another natural alternative, although it may be blended with other waxes to create a balance of hardness and melting point.
In addition to the type of wax, consider the wicks and fragrances used. Look for lead-free wicks made from natural materials like cotton or wood. For fragrances, choose candles scented with essential oils rather than artificial fragrances, as these are less likely to contain harmful chemicals. Some brands to consider include Fontana Candle Co., Bee Lucia, Slow North, and Siblings. These brands offer candles made with natural ingredients, sustainable materials, and non-toxic fragrances.
When in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to the brand directly to inquire about their ingredients and manufacturing processes. Many brands are transparent about their practices and will be able to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. By choosing eco-friendly and recyclable candles, you can create a cozy and ambient space while also caring for your health and the environment.
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Long-lasting non-toxic candles
When shopping for long-lasting non-toxic candles, it is important to understand the different types of candle waxes and their potential effects on your health and the environment.
Traditional candles, especially those made from paraffin wax, can release harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. These chemicals are potentially carcinogenic and can irritate the respiratory system, similar to breathing in car exhaust. Additives like fragrance and dyes combined with paraffin wax can further increase the release of these unhealthy fumes and chemical fragrances, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and lead to health issues such as headaches, nasal congestion, and allergies.
To avoid these issues, look for candles made with natural and organic waxes such as beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax. Beeswax candles are an excellent choice as they burn cleaner, have a longer burn time compared to other natural waxes, and can even purify the air. Coconut wax and soy wax are also good alternatives, offering a natural and eco-friendly option.
When choosing a non-toxic candle, ensure that it is free from paraffin, lead, chemical fragrances, and artificial dyes. Opt for candles made with 100% natural wax and lead-free wicks made of materials such as cotton, hemp, or untreated wood. Natural fragrances derived from essential oils are also a healthier choice, providing a beneficial experience, especially for those interested in aromatherapy.
- Fontana Candle Co.: Certified to the highest level with a MADE SAFE certification, ensuring it is free of any toxic ingredients. Their candles are made with a blend of beeswax and coconut oil, with a wooden wick.
- Peacesake Candles: These candles offer the best value for money in the natural candle market. They are handmade with 100% soy wax, free of herbicides, pesticides, and genetically modified materials. Their cotton wicks are also free of lead cores.
- Bee Lucia: Their Wellness Candle is crafted with pure beeswax, organic coconut oil, therapeutic-grade essential oils, and natural crystals. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and has air-purifying effects.
- Terralite: Founded by Jessica Waters, this brand offers candles with strong scent throws and uses 100% natural essential oils.
- Slow North: Their candles, such as the "Eucalyptus + Lavender" candle, are made with a blend of coconut wax and beeswax, and scented with 100% essential oils.
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Frequently asked questions
Some non-toxic candle brands include Fontana Candle Co, Bee Lucia, Slow North, Siblings, Peacesake, Terralite, and LePruner.
Traditional candles, especially those made from paraffin wax, can release harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and toluene. Additives like fragrance and dyes can make their effects even worse.
Non-toxic candles are typically made from natural materials like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax. They are free from paraffin, lead, chemical fragrances, and artificial dyes. Look for candles with certifications like Made Safe Certified or USDA Certified BioBased.
