It is without a doubt that nothing is more cozy than a warm cup of tea (or coffee or matcha), lighting a candle and cuddling to a movie! Not to kill the mood, but some of the candles you are lighting may actually be causing more harm to your health than you think! We’re here to share with you some key information about non-toxic candles and some of our faves!
There’s no single definition, but a nontoxic candle should be free of questionable ingredients and additives, like phthalates or lead. It can be helpful to look for candles made with 100 percent plant-based waxes, essential oil-based or certified nontoxic synthetic fragrance, and wicks made of cotton, hemp, or wood. In theory, a clean-burning candle emits no harmful chemicals when it’s burned.
3 things to consider when shopping for nontoxic candles
1- Fragrance source
To be on the safe side, look for phthalate-free candles that are derived from 100 percent essential oil. Any synthetic ingredients should be certified nontoxic. Also, transparency is key, so prioritize candlemakers that are willing to list ingredients in full.
2- Wax Type
Look for a candle that says it’s made of 100 percent natural wax so you’re not inadvertently getting a paraffin blend.
3- Wick Type
To play it safe, look for 100 percent cotton, hemp, or wood wicks.
When possible, it’s probably best to opt for candles from companies committed to transparency, quality, and sustainability. But it’s not enough just to follow your nose. Instead, check the label, scour the website, or ask a company directly to learn more about three key elements.