Switch to Non Toxic Candles for Cleaner Living
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We love candles for their ambiance and soothing aromas. But you will want to make the switch to non toxic candles after reading this article.
Many candles available today come with unseen dangers and toxic ingredients that can compromise your health and the environment. From paraffin wax to synthetic fragrances, toxic candles release harmful chemicals into the air—chemicals we unknowingly inhale.
In this post, we’ll dive into the potential risks of popular candle ingredients, reveal safest choice of wax, and explain how to choose the best non-toxic candles for your home.
Table of Contents
Health Risks of Paraffin and Soy Wax
I know what you are thinking…”so what, I don’t burn candles everyday”. I thought the same thing, but according to one study, by the National Institute of Health , exposure to scented candles for more than 60 min showed higher occurrence of headache, sneezing and wheezing.
Therefore, whether you burn candles once a month or everyday, you should consider the damage these chemicals can do to your respiratory system if you are someone with compromised health, a chronic illness, or just want to live a cleaner lifestyle.
I used to love scented candles, but since learning about the harmful chemicals emitted by them and how most brands use toxic wax and other ingredients, I have decided to switch to Non Toxic Candles as part of my cleaner living practice. I am choosing to take steps to avoid as many toxins as possible and to monitor what I am exposed to.
Adopting non toxic candles and other products is living a cleaner life. Since there are so many things I cannot control in this world, one thing I can do is choose to not voluntarily be exposed to chemicals. I can choose non toxic candles, which are more sustainable, to “Live Well, Naturally”.
What’s wrong with Paraffin Wax?
You aren’t going to believe me when I say I used to eat paraffin wax. Yes, that’s right, my mother had a recipe that called for dipping homemade chocolates into melted paraffin to create a shiny coating. I can’t even think about the amount of those delicious treats I ate as a child without feeling sick now. I don’t blame my mother, many recipes of her day included ingredients that are now considered unhealthy, like paraffin wax!
Paraffin wax is more commonly used in making candles. It’s cheap to produce and holds fragrance well, but it’s derived from petroleum—a byproduct of the oil industry.
When burned, paraffin candles release harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde into the air. So paraffin is NOT a non toxic candle wax. Here is another study by the National Institute of Health on the unknown risks of scented candles. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been linked to various health issues, including:
- Respiratory problems: Breathing in soot and VOCs from paraffin candles can aggravate asthma and cause coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
- Cancer risk: Benzene and toluene are both known carcinogens. Prolonged exposure, especially in poorly ventilated areas, can increase cancer risk.
- Headaches and dizziness: Inhaling chemicals from paraffin candles can lead to immediate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
- Have you ever noticed how candle smoke and its’ fragrance make you feel? I have. I will get a scratchy throat and sometimes feel nauseous. Despite the dangers mentioned above and how we feel when breathing them in, paraffin wax candles remain widely available, largely because they’re inexpensive and popular. However, their potential health risks and how they make you feel should make you think twice before lighting them. Keep reading for the best non toxic candles.
Is Soy Wax Non Toxic? Watch Out for Greenwashing
Soy candles are often marketed as a “natural” alternative to paraffin, but that’s not necessarily true.
While it may seem safe because soy is a plant, it still undergoes significant processing and may contain pesticides or be genetically modified. Worse yet, some candles labeled as “soy” are actually blended with paraffin, defeating the purpose of choosing a natural product.
Some soy candles are non toxic candles, if they are using 100% soy wax, unaltered.
This phenomenon is known as greenwashing—when companies promote a product as eco-friendly while hiding its harmful components. So, while soy candles might seem like a better option, it’s essential to choose ones made with 100% natural, non-GMO soy wax and no paraffin blend.
The Best Non Toxic Candles
If you want the healthiest candle option, turn to ones made with beeswax or coconut wax. These are truly natural alternatives that don’t require the same level of processing or chemical additives. When choosing a candle, try these beeswax or coconut wax options, which are much safer for your health and the environment than paraffin or poorly made soy candles.
Beeswax candles are more expensive than paraffin or soy, but that is because they are handmade from natural, organic wax. And, the wax takes time for bees to produce.
BEESWAX:
A beautiful candle wax is made from natural Beeswax.
- Naturally purifies the air by emitting negative ions, which attract and neutralize positively charged pollutants like dust and mold.
- Beeswax candles also burn longer with a burn time 2X longer than soy candles.
- Beeswax candles do not produce black soot because they burn cleaner without additives or chemicals.
- Beeswax is a sustainable choice because it is a renewable resource.
- Beeswax actually comes from the waxy honeycomb in the beehives. That’s why it has a lovely honey scent! Here is a favorite I always have on hand: Handmade Pure Beeswax Rolled Candles
COCONUT WAX:
Another great ingredient for Non Toxic Candles is Coconut Wax
- Made from the oil of coconuts, cold pressed
- This sustainable wax burns cleanly and evenly without releasing harmful chemicals.
- It’s an excellent choice for those who want a non toxic candles that are eco-friendly that holds scent well.
- Try this beautiful coconut wax candle, Hemlock Park Crackling Wood Wick Candle with essential oils.
Handmade Pure Beeswax Rolled Candles
Buy Now →And if you are looking for the perfect non toxic candles, as a statement piece or gift, then try one of these Natural Beeswax Beehive Candle with Cotton Wick. This is my favorite candle to give as a gift because of its unique shape and style.
Natural Beeswax Beehive Candle with Cotton Wick
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Hemlock Park Crackling Wood Wick Candle
Buy Now →The Importance of the Wick and Soot Production
Wicks may seem like a minor detail, but they play a crucial role in determining whether your candle is toxic or safe. Many traditional candles use lead-core wicks, which release lead particles into the air as they burn.
Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children, as it can cause developmental issues, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
Some wicks are even coated with paraffin, another toxic ingredient.
Another aspect to consider is soot. When candles burn, they produce soot, which can accumulate in the home and on surfaces, including the lungs.
Soot from paraffin candles is especially harmful, as it carries the same toxic chemicals mentioned earlier.
Choose Natural Wicks
Check out these links to the safest wick materials: organic hemp, cotton or wood, all of which burn cleanly and don’t release harmful metals. Cotton wicks are soft and pliable, while wood wicks create a lovely crackling sound, enhancing the ambiance of your space.
Avoid burning candles in drafty areas, as this can cause uneven burning and increase soot production. This is my favorite wood-wicked Beeswax Wax Candle in Glass Container to give as a gift. It is scentless. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting.
If you enjoy making your own candles, try these smokeless wooden candle wicks the next time you make a batch. They are a safer alternative to wax coated cotton wicks and make a lovely crackling sound when burning.
They come with the wick holder so it stands on the bottom of your glass container. They are 5 inches long for taller jars, and you get 100 pieces. Wooden wicks are so lovely to me. They feel like a mini fireplace. See below for buying them.
Beeswax Wax Candle in Glass Container
Buy Now →Other Considerations with Non Toxic Candles
Plastic containers and Fragrances are also carrying invisible toxins into the air.
The Hidden Dangers of Fragrances
Many people buy candles for their soothing scents, but these fragrances can be a major source of indoor air pollution.
Most candles use synthetic fragrances, which are made from petroleum byproducts and can emit harmful VOCs. These fragrances often contain phthalates, chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system, affect reproductive health, and lead to allergies or asthma.
Read more about these harmful chemicals in my post on “Dangers in Fragrances: Toxic Secrets lurking in you Favorite products”
If you love scented candles, look for those made with natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Essential oils are derived from plants and offer a healthier alternative, as they don’t contain harmful chemicals or artificial additives.
Plus, they can provide therapeutic benefits like calming the mind, boosting mood, or improving focus. Below are some of my favorite candles with essential oils.
TRY This is a beautiful candle using lemon grass essential oil and hand poured beeswax. It’s a perfect candle for bathrooms due to it’s fresh, natural scent.
Plastic or Glass Containers?
The material that holds your candle can also impact your health and the environment.
Plastic candle holders can release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat, including BPA, which is linked to hormonal disruptions and other health concerns. Plastic is also non-biodegradable, contributing to landfill waste and environmental pollution.
Glass containers are not only safer but also more sustainable. Glass doesn’t release harmful chemicals when heated and can be reused or recycled. Additionally, glass provides better heat resistance, preventing cracks or breaks that can occur with other materials. When choosing a non toxic candle, try this recycled one from Eco Candle Co., Bourbon Vanilla.
Eco Candle Co. Bourbon Vanilla
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Lemongrass Hand-Poured Beeswax Candle
Buy Now →Why Isn’t Everyone using Non Toxic Candles?
You may wonder why candles containing harmful ingredients like paraffin, synthetic fragrances, or lead-core wicks are still sold in stores. Unfortunately, there is little regulation in the candle industry when it comes to consumer safety.
Many toxic substances, such as phthalates and formaldehyde, are not strictly regulated in candles despite their known health risks. As long as a product passes basic safety standards, manufacturers can sell candles that release harmful pollutants. Read more about harmful hidden fragrances in this article.
Part of the problem is a lack of consumer awareness. Many people don’t realize that burning certain candles can be harmful, and marketing efforts often downplay or obscure the risks. The practice of greenwashing only makes things worse, as it misleads consumers into thinking they’re making healthy choices when they’re not.
That’s why it’s important to be informed and choose non toxic candles made from natural ingredients, with no synthetic fragrances or toxic wicks. By opting for beeswax or coconut wax candles with cotton or wood wicks, you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and enjoy a clean, healthy home environment.
Another likely reason more people aren’t switching to non toxic candles is that products with natural ingredients tend to be more expensive. Often that cost is passed to the consumer. That’s when you can use the holiday season or a birthday to introduce safer, healthier choices to a loved one. Gifting cleaner products means you care about your loved ones Living Well, Naturally.
TRY This Blue Corn Botanica Beeswax Candle with 3 wicks, pure beeswax and organic spruce essential oil. It’s a perfect candle for the Holidays, and for a gift.
Bluecorn Botanica Beeswax Candle
Buy Now →In Conclusion
Candles are a simple pleasure in life, but their impact on your health shouldn’t be overlooked. Paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and toxic wicks can all release harmful chemicals that affect the respiratory system, contribute to indoor air pollution, and increase the risk of serious health issues. While soy candles are often seen as a natural alternative, they’re not always what they seem due to greenwashing.
Choose beeswax or coconut wax candles with hemp, wood, or cotton wicks. And, make sure to buy glass containers over plastic candles holders. By choosing wisely, you can still enjoy the warmth and light of a candle without compromising your health—or the planet.
