Your Guide to Non-Toxic Clean Burning Candles
key points
- Paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance candles cause headaches and poor air quality
- Many candle materials can be harmful to the body and environment
- Beeswax is a renewable and sustainable resource that gives off a sweet smell of honey
There’s no shortage of candle options on the market, but when it comes to choosing a non-toxic clean-burning candle that will elevate your home, the options are few and far between. Many candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances – a recipe for headaches, toxins, and poor air quality. If you’re on a journey to reduce toxins in your home, lessen your environmental footprint, and lead a healthier lifestyle – then it’s time to take a closer look at the candles you are burning this fall.
This is why we created our beeswax candle – which is free of synthetic fragrances, 100% non-toxic, and clean-burning. Every component of our clean, non-toxic, luxurious beeswax candle is chosen very carefully to ensure social and environmental responsibility. Safe for you and your family, our candles are designed to elevate any room, boost your mood, and relax your senses.
Here are 5 things to take into account before purchasing your next candle:
1. Wax
Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum. When burned, paraffin wax emits highly toxic chemicals including benzene (a known carcinogen), toluene, and alkenes. These chemicals are also respiratory irritants, and can potentially exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies. Paraffin wax burns fast, creating smoke and soot that is hard to clean. Paraffin candles have been reported to irritate the eyes (causing itching, tearing and soreness).
Soy wax
Soy wax is a step up from paraffin, but requires industrial hydrogenation and chemical processing in order to create candle wax. In addition, soy is commonly a GMO crop that is grown using chemical pesticides. Global soy production has caused widespread deforestation and displacement of small family farms.
Beeswax
Beeswax burns clean, without emitting smoke or soot and is made naturally by bees! Beeswax is slow burning (meaning your candle will last longer) and has a beautiful natural honey aroma. Best of all, beeswax is a renewable and sustainable resource.
Unlike other candles that pollute the air in your home, beeswax candles can actually help to purify the air. Though more research is needed, burning beeswax has been said to produce negative ions, which attract positively charged pollutants such as dust and dander.
Out of all the candle wax options, beeswax is the best choice for the environment since it is 100% renewable and sustainable. Beeswax can be used in it's raw state – no bleaching or hydrogenation required. Beeswax is also hypo-allergenic – making it a great choice for those with seasonal and environmental allergies, asthma, and fragrance sensitivities.
Possibly our favourite quality of all is the beautiful golden light that our beeswax candles give off. Due to the high melting point of beeswax, it actually burns stronger and brighter than any paraffin wax candle – you may not be able to take your eyes off the gorgeous, flickering flame!
2. Wick Options
The wick functions to draw liquified wax up into the flame to burn. Many cotton candle wicks contain a metal core (made of either zinc or tin, lead was banned in 2003). Aside from this, candle wicks can also be treated with chemicals to help increase their rigidity.
The best options include 100% untreated cotton core wicks – or 100% natural fibre wicks (such as wood). Our beeswax candles feature natural rounded wood wicks that are ethically sourced from Sappy Fruiti tree wood from FSC Certified Mills. They are non-toxic and result in a uniquely shaped flame that crackles softly as it burns – almost like a mini campfire!
3. Artificial Fragrances vs Natural Scent
Of course, many candles contain synthetic scents that are released into the air while the candle burns.
Artificial fragrances
Artificial fragrances contain phthalates – a hazardous group of chemicals that can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system. When burned, synthetic fragrances release volatile organic compounds including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. VOCs have many negative health effects such as respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and more.
Natural beeswax
Beeswax produces a warm and cozy honey aroma that is subtle and sweet. Beeswax candles are hypoallergenic, making them a great option for anyone who is sensitive to artificial fragrances.
Though our beeswax candles have no added fragrances, they are excellent for reducing odours – perfect to light in the kitchen after cooking!
To add aromatherapy, you can also place a couple drops of essential oils such as lavender or cedarwood into the warm wax around the flame. This is a great way to diffuse a natural scent into your home – no artificial fragrances necessary!
4. Candle Jars
To elevate our beeswax candle further, we chose to have it in a white frosted jar with a wooden lid. Most beeswax candles do not come in a jar or vessel, making them prone to messy wax drips. As the candle burns down into the jar, the white frosted glass is beautifully illuminated by the flame – throwing a soft warm glow throughout your room.
Best of all, you can upcycle your empty beeswax candle vessel!
Our frosted white candle jars make an adorable mini plant pot, jar for pens and pencils, or storage pot for change. To easily remove any remaining beeswax:
1. Fill the vessel with boiling water
2. Let sit until the wax floats to the top
3. Remove beeswax, and place in your compost
4. Add your plant of choice, water, and enjoy!
See how we repurposed our empty candle vessels into mini plant pots in this video!
5. Candle Size
It’s a good idea to take into account your candle: room ratio! A larger candle will be needed to throw scent into larger areas such as a living room or large bedroom. Our beeswax candle is large enough to fill your living room with a gentle honey aroma and has a burn time of 48 hours.
Shop 100% Beeswax Candle
How to Properly Burn A Beeswax Candle
For optimal candle care (and to make your candle last longer) we recommend following these simple steps:
1. On first burn, keep wick untrimmed and let candle burn to the edges to avoid tunnelling. Always burn candle within sight, away from things that could catch fire.
2. On subsequent burns, remember to trim the rounded wooden wick before each use. This will prevent smoke, and keep the candle flame smaller to prevent flickering.
3. To extinguish your candle, use a candle snuffer or place the wood lid overtop of the vessel. This will prevent smoke (which is created if you blow out the candle).
Supporting Beekeepers and Pollinators
Purchasing ethically sourced beeswax helps to support beekeepers and healthy bee populations. Bees are a vital part of our environment and food supply, playing an essential role in plant reproduction. Successful pollination is needed for most plants to produce seeds or fruit! Read more about bees and why choosing organic matters here.
