Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but some candles may be doing more harm than good. Traditional candles are often made with paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, and can contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that are potentially harmful to health. Inhalation of paraffin candle fumes is not recommended, as they emit black soot and toxic fumes, similar to diesel exhaust. Fortunately, there are now many non-toxic alternatives available, such as candles made from soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, or palm wax. These candles are crafted with natural ingredients like pure essential oils and feature wicks made from natural fibres like cotton or wood. While paraffin candles have been the more affordable option, some companies are now offering discounts on non-toxic candles to promote a healthier and more sustainable choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, palm wax |
| Wick | Cotton, paper, wood, hemp |
| Scent | Essential oils, phthalate-free perfume oils |
| Burn time | Longer burn time for beeswax candles |
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What You'll Learn
Soy wax candles
Soy wax is a popular choice for candles as it is a natural ingredient that is free from potentially harmful additives and synthetic fragrances. It is also a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable option compared to paraffin, which is a byproduct of petroleum refining.
In addition to Yankee Candle, there are other brands that offer soy wax candles, such as Happy Wax and Calyan Wax Co. Happy Wax's candles are handcrafted and infused with essential oils, ensuring a clean burn without any toxic compounds. Calyan Wax Co., on the other hand, is known for its strong yet non-overpowering scents, such as their popular Watermelon + Prickly Pear candle.
Overall, soy wax candles are a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin candles. They offer a natural, clean-burning experience without compromising on fragrance and style. With the growing awareness of the health and environmental impacts of paraffin candles, many consumers are making the switch to soy wax candles, contributing to a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle.
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Coconut wax candles
Several companies offer coconut wax candles, including Hemlock Park, Stone Candles, and DW Home Candles. Hemlock Park's collection features natural coconut wax candles with wood wicks in various scents, such as bergamot cedar, blood orange sage, lavender, and frankincense. Stone Candles' COCO collection includes 100% natural coconut wax blend candles, diffusers, room sprays, and travel tins. Their products have modern and fresh takes on candles with clean-burning wicks and unique scents. DW Home Candles offers a signature coconut wax blend in jar candles, wooden wick candles, and ceramic/specialty candles.
The price of coconut wax candles varies depending on the brand and the size of the candle. Hemlock Park's natural coconut wax candles start at $14, while Stone Candles' COCO collection prices are not readily available on their website. It is important to note that paraffin candles have historically been cheaper than non-toxic alternatives, but the price difference is becoming negligible. For example, GoodLight offers discounts to restaurants and churches to encourage the switch to clean-burning candles, resulting in only a slight increase in cost.
When choosing coconut wax candles, it is essential to consider the ingredients and the type of wick used. Non-toxic candles are made from natural ingredients like coconut wax, soy wax, or beeswax and scented with pure essential oils. They use wicks made from natural fibers like cotton or wood, ensuring a safe and clean burn. Slow North, for example, uses only soy wax and essential oils in their candles and discloses all ingredients so customers can make informed choices.
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Beeswax candles
The soft, warm amber light of beeswax candles mimics natural sunlight more closely than other types of candles, creating a calming and cozy ambiance. They have a subtle, natural honey aroma, thanks to the pollen and nectar that the bees collect, which is never overwhelming. Beeswax candles are often associated with warmth, purity, and light, and have been used in spiritual and religious ceremonies for centuries.
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Palm wax candles
Candles made from palm wax are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum refining, a non-renewable resource, and the fumes emitted when burning paraffin candles are toxic and harmful to health. Palm wax candles, on the other hand, are eco-friendly and derived from sustainable sources. They are made from palm oil sourced from suppliers that are part of the RSPO (Round Table of Sustainable Palm Oil) initiative, which ensures minimal environmental impact and does not harm rainforests or orangutan ecosystems.
Palm wax is a hard, granulated wax that is ideal for freestanding candle moulds like pillars, votives, and tarts. It releases cleanly and holds its shape, making it perfect for detailed moulds and textured finishes. When poured at the right temperature of around 200°F and cooled slowly, palm wax naturally forms unique and striking crystalline or feathered patterns across the surface, giving each candle a one-of-a-kind artisan look.
Palm wax is also a great choice for scented candles as it holds a high amount of fragrance per pound and blends well with liquid candle dye, resulting in a rich colour and strong scent throw. To make your own scented palm wax candles, simply melt the wax to 210 degrees, add liquid candle dye, and blend in up to 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax.
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Health benefits of non-paraffin candles
Candles have been a source of light and comfort for centuries, but not all candles are created equal when it comes to their potential impact on our health. Traditional candles, including those made with paraffin wax, have come under scrutiny for their possible health risks. Here are some reasons why opting for non-paraffin candles may be a healthier choice:
Cleaner Burning and Improved Air Quality
Non-paraffin candles, often made from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, burn cleaner. They are free from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct that releases toxic fumes when burned. These fumes can include black soot and poisonous chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and naphthalene, which are similar in composition to diesel exhaust. By choosing non-paraffin candles, you reduce the emission of these harmful pollutants, contributing to improved indoor air quality and a healthier breathing environment.
Natural Fragrances and Reduced Headaches
Non-paraffin candles scented with pure essential oils or natural fragrances offer a healthier alternative to synthetic perfumes and chemical additives. Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or headaches in some individuals. Essential oils provide delightful, authentic aromas without the risk of these adverse reactions, ensuring a pleasant and safe aromatic experience.
Safe and Natural Wicks
Non-paraffin candles often feature wicks made from natural fibers like cotton, wood, or paper. These wicks are free from metal cores, which can release harmful compounds when burned. Metal-cored wicks have been associated with dangerous emissions and even lead poisoning. By opting for natural wicks, you minimize the risk of inhaling these harmful compounds, ensuring a safer burning experience.
Environmental Benefits
Non-paraffin candles made from natural waxes, such as soy, are often derived from renewable sources. This promotes sustainability and reduces the environmental impact associated with non-renewable resources like petroleum. Additionally, natural waxes are biodegradable, further reducing their ecological footprint.
Making the switch to non-paraffin candles is a simple yet impactful step towards creating a healthier and more mindful living space. While further research may be needed to fully understand the extent of candle emissions' effects on health, opting for natural, non-toxic alternatives ensures a safer and more environmentally friendly choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles made from natural ingredients like soy, coconut, or beeswax are paraffin-free.
Paraffin-free candles are non-toxic and clean-burning, meaning they don't emit toxic fumes or black soot when burned. They are also more natural and sustainable than traditional candles.
Yes, inhaling the fumes from paraffin candles may be harmful to your health. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining and can contain toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which have been linked to cancer-causing compounds.
You can find paraffin-free candles at specialty stores like GoodLight Candles and Slow North, or online at websites like Brooklyn Candle Studio and The Healthy Maven. Some companies that sell paraffin-free candles include LAFCO and Mithras.
