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In this article, I explore the world of non-toxic candles and highlight the importance of choosing eco-friendly options. I provide a list of nontoxic candle brands that prioritize quality and sustainability, including MADE by DWC, 1502 Candle Co., P. F. Candle Co., Bijou, Slow North, United By Blue, Made By Yoke, Candlessentials, DANI Naturals, and Vellabox. I also offer tips on how to spot a non-toxic candle and discuss the potential dangers of toxic candles for pets. Additionally, I mention a few affordable options and provide recommendations for non-toxic candles available on Amazon. So, next time you’re looking to set a cozy atmosphere, make sure to prioritize non-toxic candles for a healthier and more sustainable choice.
What should I look for in a non-toxic candle?
When looking for a non-toxic candle, prioritize candles made with natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax. Ensure the wick is made from unbleached cotton, wood, or hemp. Choose candles scented with pure essential oils over synthetic fragrances. Check for third-party certifications like MADE SAFE or USDA Biobased.
There’s something about the soft glow of a candle that transforms a room into a serene sanctuary. But beyond this visual beauty and calming ambiance, it’s important to note that not all candles are created equal. In fact, many candles out there are not as benign as they appear.
The Little-Known Truth about Paraffin Wax
In plenty of homes, including mine, you will find beautifully scented candles. However, many of these contain paraffin wax, a hydrocarbon mixture that’s not so friendly to the environment. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is commonly used because it’s cheap and readily available. But when ignited, it releases toxins into the atmosphere contributing to environmental pollution.
The Eco-Friendly Shift
The good news is that the fragrance industry has begun transitioning to more eco-conscious alternatives like soy wax and other nontoxic candle blends. These natural candles are a breath of fresh air: cleaner, longer-burning, and safer for both your home and the environment.
I’ve done some digging and handpicked a few nontoxic candle brands that prioritize quality and sustainability. These brands are leading the way with their rich aromatic scents, eco-friendly containers, and ethical production practices. Now, we can stay cozy throughout the seasons knowing our candles are not hurting Mother Earth.
Redefining Cozy Nights In
What’s more, these eco-friendly options aren’t just about being better for the environment; they also create a more unique and personal experience for the user. They can be paired with organic sheets and bedding for the ultimate cozy night in!
The Best Non-toxic Candles I’ve Found
MADE by DWC: More Than Just a Candle
MADE by DWC is more than just a brand; it’s a social enterprise by the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles. DWC provides employment and skill-development opportunities to women transitioning out of homelessness. The women hand-pour these soy wax candles, each named after a Golden State landmark. My favorite is the Half Moon Bae, named after the Californian coastal city, Half Moon Bay. It has a delicious mix of cardamom, clove, and vanilla – a perfect blend of salty, spicy, and sweet.
1502 Candle Co.: Hand-Poured Boutique Candles
Fragrance enthusiasts need not look further than 1502 Candle Co. for hand-poured boutique candles and nature-inspired fragrances. Founded in Ocean Beach, California, this local candle company prioritizes recycled, locally-grown, and biodegradable supplies. Their best-selling fragrance, Salt Water & Agave, is a complex and intoxicating scent that features ocean mist, agave flower, and tonka bean.
P. F. Candle Co.: The Divinity in Blend
Los Angeles-based P. F. Candle Co. presents divine blends poured into apothecary-inspired amber jars. This once one-woman shop is now a thriving business with over 90 employees. A major hit, Teakwood & Tobacco, is the brand’s original scent. A mixture of leather, teak, and orange, this natural blend will set the ambiance for a cozy evening.
Bijou: Affordable Luxury
Bijou is the brainchild of NYC couple Alaina and Jocelyn who sought to make luxury candles affordable. Each candle is named after a pop culture icon and lasts up to an impressive 140 hours.
Slow North: Nature’s Homage
If plant-based and sustainable candles are more your speed, Slow North has you covered. They develop soy wax candles with 100% essential oil fragrances. Their Forest Bathing candle is a homage to nature itself. It’s a sensory journey that transports you to the wilderness with just a light of a match.
United By Blue: Eco-Conscious to the Core
If you love woodsy, refreshing, and comforting scents, United by Blue’s Mountain Peak candle is a great choice. This certified B Corp emphasizes sustainable practices, including clean burns with nontoxic ingredients, ethical production, and eco-friendly materials.
Made By Yoke: Beauty in a Candle
Poured into hand-forged, brass-plated vessels, Made by Yoke’s candles are as beautiful as they are fragrant. Each offers something unique, with names like Intention, Abundance, and Ayurveda-inspired Vata.
Candlessentials: A Gift that Gives
Candlessentials’ creations are a gift that keeps on giving. Not only do the scents warmly fill your space, but each box can be planted to produce beautiful wildflowers. Plus, five percent of annual sales are donated to charity.
DANI Naturals: Clean and Long-Lasting Candles
DANI Naturals offers clean-smelling and clean-burning candles that last longer than traditional paraffin candles. They’re made with 100% soy wax and come in recyclable containers and biodegradable wrapping.
Vellabox: Subscription Box for Aromatic Ambiance
With Vellabox, your home can have an aromatic ambiance all year round. The subscription service partners with American small businesses to deliver curated scents to your doorstep.
A Guide to Finding the Safest Non-toxic Candle
It’s not always easy to find the absolute safest non-toxic candle. So, I’ve put together a few tips to guide you in your selection process.
The Downside of Toxic Candles
Unfortunately, several popular brands such as Yankee Candle and Bath and Body Works use petroleum-based paraffin wax and gel wax. These produce harmful elements like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and acetone when burned.
How to Spot a Non-toxic Candle
A non-toxic candle typically has organic or 100% natural wax without paraffin, an unbleached cotton, wooden or hemp wick, and pure essential oils for fragrance. Some candle brands even have third-party certifications like MADE SAFE Certified or USDA Biobased Certified.
What to Look for in a Non-toxic Candle
When choosing a non-toxic candle, it’s essential to look for the wax type, wick type, and fragrance type. Wax types include soy, beeswax, coconut wax, apricot wax, rapeseed wax, and vegetable wax. For wick types, cotton, wood, and paper are safe choices. And for fragrance types, consider natural (essential oils), synthetic (fragrance oils), or a mix of both.
Are Candles Safe for Pets?
While we find the fragrance of scented candles pleasant, some scents can cause mild irritation to our furry friends or even trigger an underlying condition. Certain essential oils are toxic to pets, most notably Peppermint oil, Citrus, Tea tree, Wintergreen, Pine, Ylang ylang, Cinnamon, Clove, and Eucalyptus. Paraffin wax is also harmful to pets as it releases toxins into the air, making it unsafe for our pets to breathe.
Affordable Non-Toxic Candles
If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy the benefits of non-toxic candles, there are a few affordable options such as Mrs Meyers Soy Aromatherapy Candle and Craft & Kin Soy Candles.
Non-toxic Candles on Amazon
You can also find a great selection of non-toxic candles on Amazon, including Mrs Meyers Soy Aromatherapy Candles, Fontana Candle Co Beeswax Candle, and Hemlock Park Organic Coconut Wax Candles.
So, next time you’re shopping for candles, remember to choose wisely. Your choice can impact not only your health but also the health of your loved ones and the environment.
Quick Recap
- Many candles contain paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, which releases toxins into the atmosphere when burned.
- The fragrance industry has started transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives like soy wax, creating cleaner and safer candles.
- Non-toxic candle brands that prioritize sustainability include MADE by DWC, 1502 Candle Co., P. F. Candle Co., Bijou, Slow North, United By Blue, Made By Yoke, Candlessentials, DANI Naturals, and Vellabox.
- When choosing a non-toxic candle, look for natural waxes, unbleached cotton, wood or hemp wicks, and pure essential oils for fragrance.
- Toxic candles can be harmful to pets, and certain scents and ingredients should be avoided.