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Picture this: a lovely evening at home, soft music playing, and the flicker of candles casting a warm glow, you are relaxing. For many of us, candles are an essential part of our daily rituals, adding comfort and ambiance to our surroundings.
However, what if we told you that the candles you love could potentially pose a threat to your well-being? In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of choosing non-toxic candle options, explore which types of candles are safe for daily use, discover readily available options on Amazon, and even learn how to craft your non-toxic candles at home.
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Are Candles Toxic?
A lot of candles we can buy in fancy self-care shops with this awesome fragrance that makes you wanna drop it into your cart immediately are in fact, dangerous. We need to pay special attention to the label when buying a new candle. The majority of candles these days are made with paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.
When paraffin wax candles are burned, they emit harmful substances like carcinogenic benzene and toluene into the air. These chemicals have been associated with lung diseases such as cancer and asthma, posing risks to our respiratory health with each breath we take.
The synthetic scents that are used in making candle scents usually contain phthalates. Those microscopic particles are easily absorbed by our skin. Phthalates can cause different unpleasant conditions like allergic symptoms and asthma and even disrupt our hormones.
Several studies have revealed that various scented products, including scented candles, cleaning supplies, deodorants, laundry scents, and air fresheners, are linked to various health effects. These effects may include headaches, coughing, difficulty breathing, migraines, asthma attacks, skin irritation, or allergic reactions like rhinitis.
So, to still get the most enjoyment out of self-care rituals, we will not cut all the candles altogether. Instead, we will explore which candles are safe to use and what to look for when shopping for your next candle.
What Candles are Non-Toxic?
1. Non-Toxic Candle Wax
The most important aspect of a great non-toxic candle is the material that it is made from. Those are safe and natural alternatives to cheap and dangerous paraffin wax:
- Soy wax
- Beeswax
- Coconut wax
2. Candle Wick
While buying a candle, try to understand what a candle wich made of. The safest and easiest to-spot option is taking a candle with a wooden wick. Another alternative is a cotton wick.
3. Candle Fragrances
Make sure that the candle you are about to buy only contains pure essential oils.
Make sure you don’t have an individual reaction to any of the essential oils listed on the package as it can cause skin irritation and other not pleasant symptoms.
If you just see “fragrance” in the list of ingredients, chances are there are a lot of things inside you don’t want to inhale.
The Best Non-Toxic Candles to Shop on Amazon
It may be difficult to find non-toxic candles nearby for you, but the easiest way to find the safest candles is surely order them from Amazon or another online destination. Here are some of the great options to grab:
Calyan Wax Scented Candle
Material: Soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, metal-free double wick
Burn time: 48 hours
Weight: 8.8 Oz.
Price: $30
Apothecary Amber Jar Scented Candles
Material: Coconut wax blend with real steam distilled and cold pressed essential oils, organic cotton wicks
Burn time: 40 hours
Weight: 8 Oz.
Price: $20
Pacific Jade Hand Poured 100% Natural Soy Candle
Material: Coconut wax, cotton wick
Burn time: 50 hours
Weight: 11 Oz.
Price: $20
Pacific Jade Hand Poured 100% Natural Soy Candle
Material: Coconut wax, cotton wick
Burn time: 50 hours
Weight: 11 Oz.
Price: $20
Hidden Label Large Scented Candle
Material: Natural soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks
Burn time: 65 hours
Weight: 30 Oz.
Price: $33
LA JOLIE MUSE Scented Candles
Material: Natural soy wax, wood wick
Burn time: 90 hours
Weight: 19 Oz.
Price: $36
Calyan Wax Soy Wax Candle
Material: Natural soy wax, wood wick
Burn time: 50 hours
Weight: 10.2 Oz.
Price: $28.49
How to Make Non-Toxic Candles at Home?
Making candles may seem like a very long and difficult process and it is not entirely true. It can actually turn into a relaxation technique pretty fast. Also, you will have full control over what materials and substances you use, so this is probably the only 100% way to be sure that your candles are safe for everyone in your home, including pets and kids.
What Will You Need to Make Candles at Home?
These are wax types that you will need to make a non-toxic candle. You will need to only choose one type of wax.
Coconut Wax
Beeswax
Soy Wax
Wooden Wick
Cotton Wick
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Thermometer
Stirring utensil
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Candles at Home :
1. Prepare Your Workspace: Set up a clean, well-ventilated area for candle making. Protect surfaces with newspaper or wax paper to prevent spills.
2. Prepare Containers and Wicks: Place wicks in containers and secure them in place using wick stickers or a dab of melted wax. Ensure wicks are centered and straight.
3. Melt the Wax: Using a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the wax gently until it reaches the desired temperature according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and prevent overheating.
4. Add Fragrance and Natural Decor: Once the wax is melted, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in pure essential oils to achieve the desired fragrance strength, typically around 5-10% of the total wax weight. Be careful not to add too much oil, as it can affect the candle’s burn quality. If you have dried petals or plants, you can ad it into the mixture to make some stunning candles in the end! Here, you can be creative!
5. Pour Wax into Containers: Carefully pour the scented wax into prepared containers, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Ensure wicks remain centered as you pour.
6. Cool and Set: Allow candles to cool and set completely, typically for several hours or overnight. Trim wicks to around 1/4 inch before lighting.
By following these steps, you can create your own non-toxic candles at home, tailored to your preferences and free from harmful chemicals. Enjoy the process and the delightful ambiance of your homemade candles!
Embracing Cozy and Non-Toxic Home
While candles enhance our environment, many traditional options pose health risks due to toxic ingredients. However, opting for non-toxic alternatives made from natural waxes and pure essential oils can create a safer atmosphere. Whether purchased or made at home, these candles offer both tranquility and peace of mind. Let’s illuminate our spaces with the warmth of non-toxic candles, prioritizing health and sustainability for ourselves and our planet. If you would like to check more on non-toxic home, check out our non-toxic kitchen and non-toxic bathroom guides.
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