There are many benefits of using natural candles. Not only do they smell great and create a warm, inviting atmosphere, but they also have numerous health benefits.
Benefits of Using Natural Candles
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Unlike traditional candles that are predominantly made with paraffin wax, natural candles are made with beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax. This makes them nontoxic and much healthier for you and your family. Air pollution levels in the house will be lower with natural versions of your candles.
In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of using natural candles and why you should make the switch today!
Plant-Based Candles for a Sustainable Future
As more and more people become aware of the harmful effects of traditional paraffin wax-based candles, they are making the switch to natural, plant-based candles.
This is not only good for your health, but it is also good for the environment.
Plant-based candles are made with sustainable materials that will not harm the planet.
Natural candles also burn cleaner and longer than traditional candles. This means that you will save money in the long run by using natural candles.
How to Read the Candle Smallprint
Let’s be real here, the labels on candles contain some of the smallest writing on anything I’ve ever seen.
However, you should take the time to read everything on them if you want to ensure that your candle is natural and contains no harmful ingredients. When it comes to non-toxic candles, product details are everything.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for:
- Look for the word “paraffin.” If you see this, put the candle back on the shelf because paraffin candles are made from petroleum and release harmful toxins into the air.
- The word “soy” or “vegetable wax” is good! This means that the candle is made from renewable resources and will burn cleaner than a paraffin candle.
- If you see ” beeswax,” that’s even better! Beeswax candles are natural, non-toxic, and burn with little to no soot.
As you can see, it’s not difficult to find natural candles that don’t contain any harmful ingredients.
The next time you’re out shopping for candles, take the time to read the labels and make sure you’re getting a natural candle that will be good for your health!
Natural Candle Fragrance/Scent
In addition to being made from natural materials, natural candles also contain natural fragrances or essential oils.
This is important because the scent of a candle can have a significant effect on your mood and wellbeing.
The fragrances in natural candles are derived from plants and flowers, so they can actually have therapeutic benefits!
Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, can be made from petroleum products and may be harmful to your health.
However, many synthetic fragrances are based on their plant counterparts. These fragrances are just as safe as naturally derived fragrances. In fact, many synthetic molecules are chemically identical to their natural versions.
Make sure that the non-toxic phrase is on the label for the fragrance used.
As seen above labels can be tricky, but as long as you know what to look for, it’s not difficult to find natural candles that smell amazing and are good for your health!
Are Natural Fragrances Always Better
When you burn a natural candle, you’ll notice that the scent is not as strong as a synthetic fragrance.
This is because natural fragrances are not concentrated in the same way that synthetic fragrances are.
However, natural candles will still fill your home with a pleasant scent that can boost your mood and make your space feel more inviting!
Burning natural candles is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy without having to use harsh chemicals.
Fragrance source
The reality is that many of the chemicals used to create fragrances today are synthetic petrochemicals derived from crude oil that carry carcinogens and have reproductive toxicity warnings.
But before we shoot down all artificial fragrances, let’s remember that in fact, some of the most dangerous chemicals are found naturally in plants.
For example, linalool, a common fragrance ingredient, is found in over 200 plant species, including lavender, basil, and coriander. It’s also used as an insecticide. Studies on linalool have shown that it can cause skin irritation, increase the risk of cancer, and disrupt hormones.
To go entirely chemical-free go for a really high-quality essential oil. These can range from lavender, and lemongrass, to Rose and Eucalyptus.
Lead-Free Wick Legislation
In 2014, the U.S. Congress passed a law that requires all candles sold in the United States to have lead-free wicks.
This is great news for candle lovers because it means that all candles on the market are now safe to burn!
However, this law only applies to candles sold in the United States, so if you’re buying candles from another country, be sure to check the labels to make sure they are lead-free.
Terms like “Natural Cotton Wick”
or “100% Lead-Free” on the label indicates that a candle is compliant with the new law.
When you burn a natural candle, you can rest assured knowing that it is safe for your health and will not release any harmful toxins into the air! At least not from the wick!
DIY: Make Your Own All-Natural Candles
Of course, you could always choose the go-it-alone route and consider making the candles on your kitchen countertop.
Homemade Scents for Candles
If you decide to make natural candles at home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, when it comes to fragrance, to go completely natural, you’ll need to use essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and benefits of the plant they were derived from.
You can find essential oils at most health food stores, or you can order them online.
Just be sure to do your research to make sure you’re getting quality oils from a reputable source!
100% Pure Beeswax Candles
When it comes to the wax, you have a few different options. The most popular choices are soy wax and beeswax.
Beeswax candles are made from, you guessed it, beeswax. This natural wax is produced by bees as they build their honeycombs.
Soy wax is a good option because it’s natural, renewable, and easy to find. However, soy wax does have a few downsides. For example, it’s not as long-lasting as beeswax and it doesn’t hold fragrance as well.
Beeswax is an excellent choice for natural candles because it burns clean, holds fragrance well, and is non-toxic.
In addition, they emit negative ions when burned, which can help to purify the air and improve your respiratory health.
The only downside to beeswax is that it’s a bit more expensive than soy wax. But trust me, the quality is worth the price!
If you’re looking for a natural candle option that is both beautiful and fragrant, consider making your own beeswax candles!
Coconut Oil Wax for Candles
Coconut oil is another natural wax option that you may not have considered.
Like soy wax, coconut oil is renewable and easy to find. In addition, it’s less expensive than beeswax.
However, coconut oil candles do have a few downsides. For example, similar to soy wax they don’t hold fragrances as well as beeswax candles and they tend to be a bit softer.
Soy Wax
When it comes to candles, soy wax is a popular choice for a number of reasons.
For starters, a soy candle is a natural product made from soybeans, which makes it a renewable resource.
Additionally, soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleanly, making it a safer choice for both people and the environment. Perhaps most importantly, soy candles burn slower and cooler than other types of candles, providing a longer-lasting and more enjoyable experience.
In addition, it carries a scent extremely well and does not have to rely on any chemical enhancers.
Some or all of the waxes above may be blended together to get the benefits of the strengths of each wax. For example, adding beeswax to soy wax will raise the melting point of the soy wax. It will also reduce the overall cost of the candle as soy wax is considerably cheaper than beeswax.
Right now you can buy coconut soy wax candles and other coconut wax blends as well as palm wax blends.
Simple Natural Smelling Candles
Of course, you may want to forego the smell of the candle altogether and simply use it for its light.
The choice of wax will then come down to price, rate of burn, quality of light and maybe impact on the environment.
Beeswax is my top choice for its creamy texture and honey-like scent.
Soy wax is environmentally friendly and burns cleanly.
Palm wax has a high melting point, making it ideal for use in Pillar candles.
Finally, coconut wax is an increasingly popular choice for its eco-friendly credentials and creamy texture.
Himalayan Salt in Candle Wax
Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that is mined in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains.
It is pink in color and has a high mineral content, which makes it ideal for use in candle wax.
When added to candle wax, Himalayan salt helps to improve the fragrance, “flavor”, and color of the candles.
It also helps to create a more even burn and prevents tunneling.
In addition, Himalayan salt helps to purify the air and to negative ions, which can provide a calming effect. As a result, including Himalayan salt in candle wax can be beneficial in many ways.
Are Natural Candles Worth the Money
There are a variety of reasons why natural candles are more expensive than traditional candles.
For one, they are made with higher quality materials.
Natural waxes, discussed above, such as beeswax and soy wax are more expensive than paraffin wax, and they require more time and effort to produce.
In addition, natural candles often contain a higher percentage of fragrance oils, which can also add to the cost.
However, many people believe that the benefits of natural candles outweigh the cost.
Natural candles burn cleaner and longer than traditional candles, and they provide a much more pleasant fragrance experience.
In addition, they support sustainable practices and help to reduce our impact on the environment. For all these reasons, we believe natural candles are well worth the investment.
To have your feet firmly planted in the environmental camp, when you’re buying your candles try to ensure that any glass jars that are used are made entirely from recycled glass.