Scented candles have become part of our daily lives. They add warmth, ambiance, and a beautiful scent to our spaces. They’re also a fundamental form of self-care. But, have you ever considered what’s actually in the candle you're burning? The ingredients used to create a scented candle can have a significant impact on both your health and the environment. So let’s talk about that and explore why clean ingredients in scented candles are important and how to identify them!
“Clean Ingredients”: a Definition
First, let's define what the term “clean ingredients” means. Clean ingredients are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic substances that do not emit harmful chemicals or fumes when burned. Used for their intended purpose (in candles), they’re safe for human health, and they don’t harm the environment. Clean ingredients in scented candles include soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, phthalate- and mutagen-free fragrance oils, and metal-free cotton or wooden wicks.
Paraffin Wax - Friend or Frenemy?
Now, let's look at why clean ingredients are important in scented candles. Many traditional candles are made with 100% paraffin wax, which is a petroleum-based byproduct. You’d be surprised to see how many luxury candles - and we’re talking HIGH END NAME BRANDS- are made with wax that is predominately paraffin-based. That’s because paraffin holds scent and dyes well and … it’s cheap!
Sounds good, right? Well hang on an sec. When burned, paraffin wax emits chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are toxic and can be harmful to your health above certain levels. There is some dispute as to whether the paraffin wax used in candles actually emits dangerous levels of these chemicals (more than levels you encounter in your daily life). If you want to reduce the chances of exposing yourself and your family to these chemicals, avoid candles that are made with 100% paraffin wax or wax blends that are made predominantly with paraffin. If you’d like to read more about the possible dangers of paraffin wax, check out these links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24318837
What About Paraffin Alternatives?
Even if you’re Team Paraffin (or don’t put much stock in the paraffin = poison argument), there are good reasons to consider buying scented candles made of paraffin alternatives.
First, paraffin wax alternatives like soy, coconut, and beeswax are far more environmentally friendly. Because these waxes are renewable and biodegradable- which paraffin is not - candles made with these waxes harmonize perfectly with lifestyles that prioritize the use of green products.
Second, candles made with these alternative waxes emit less soot than paraffin based candles.
Third, paraffin based waxes burn FAST. So, when it comes to bang for your buck, paraffin wax alternatives are the way to go. Comparing the burn time of a candle made of paraffin wax with a candle of the same size made of coconut or beeswax, for example, you’ll enjoy your non-paraffin candle for much longer than you would a paraffin candle.
So there you go (cue “the more you know” jingle)!
What’s a “Clean” Fragrance?
Turning to the scents in scented candles, it’s really important to understand that not all fragrance oils are created equal. Many scented candles use fragrance oils that contain phthalates, a group of chemicals that have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. Some oils also contain carcinogens and chemicals like formaldehyde.
Typically, these are cheaper oils that some candlemakers use to lower their production costs. That’s understandable (because business is business), but there are no laws in the US that require candle makers to disclose the existence of these chemicals in their candles to you as the consumer in a way that would allow you to make informed decisions. And so they don’t.
Even fragrance oils that are technically “phthalate free” can contain mutagens, carcinogens, and/or endocrine disruptors. However, again, there are no requirements that this information be disclosed to the customer. That makes it important to demand transparency from the companies with whom you choose to do business.
While it’s true that no one candle will contain enough of these chemicals to cause any of these scary side effects, if you’re someone who regularly burns candles, it’s something to consider over time. Burning candles made with these lower grade fragrance oils in enclosed spaces can exacerbate respiratory problems and allergies.
Aglynt’s Standards
Aglynt only uses perfume-grade fragrances (and waxes) that are entirely free of these chemical groups. When we select our fragrances, we require that they’re manufactured without any carcinogenic chemicals, endocrine disruptors, phthalates, mutagens, and reproductive inhibitors. This is critical for us as we have families, pets, elderly family members, and people in our lives who are undergoing care for health issues. Does that make our ingredients more expensive? Yes, most definitely. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.
Candles, like ours, made with clean ingredients such as soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, phthalate free oils, and cotton or wood wicks do not emit harmful chemicals or irritants when burned. Soy, coconut, and beeswax are renewable resources and biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly choice. Cotton and wood wicks are free from lead and other harmful metals that can release toxins into the air. That’s why these are the only ingredients we’d even consider using.
How Can I Tell if a Candle is “Clean”?
Identifying candles with clean ingredients can be a challenge since there are no strict regulations on what can be labeled as "natural" or "organic." Look for candle companies that list their ingredients on the label or on the company's website. Be sure to note whether they certify that their candles are simply “phthalate-free” or if they go further in explaining that all of their ingredients are eco-friendly and free of the ingredients we looked at above. If you’d like to check out our ingredient list, click here: https://aglynt.com/pages/about
Wrapping It All Up
Choosing a scented candle made with clean ingredients is not only better for you but also for the environment. Better-for-you ingredients like soy and coconut wax, beeswax, non-toxic fragrance oils, and cotton or wood wicks can provide the same ambiance and scent performance as traditional candles without emitting harmful chemicals. When shopping for candles, be sure to read the labels and look for certifications that ensure the use of clean ingredients. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the companies that make the candles you buy! By making conscious choices, we can create a safer and healthier environment for ourselves and our planet.