Avoid Harmful Gases with Non-Toxic Candle Alternatives (2024)

FAQs

What are the safest non toxic candles? ›

Soy wax, coconut wax and beeswax candles are all great options. Be sure to make sure labels say the candles are 100% soy or beeswax (companies like to create blends with paraffin wax because it's cheaper) and if possible, I like to buy sustainably sourced and cruelty-free candles!

Beeswax. Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn. Beeswax candles are dripless when burned properly, and release negative ions which help clean the air in a room.

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 contrast to soy candles, beeswax candles are completely natural, pure and non-toxic, both in nature and ingredients.

Problem #1: Bath & Body Works Candles Use Paraffin Wax

Paraffin is a petroleum-based product, and when burned, it releases toxic chemicals into the air like benzene and toluene. These toxins have been linked to several health problems, including cancer, respiratory issues, and asthma.

To avoid some of the toxins found commonly in candles, make the switch to beeswax or vegetable-based wax candles. These kinds of candles are entirely non-toxic and all-natural, as long as they are 100 percent beeswax or vegetable and not a blend. You'll also want to find a candle with a cotton wick.

Bath & Body Works candles are a great example. On their website, the company states that “The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles. Although soy is an ingredient, our candles are not considered soy candles.”

Are beeswax candles toxic? ›

Beeswax candles are not toxic. In fact, they are naturally non-toxic! Beeswax is a naturally occurring substance created by bees. Pure beeswax candles are also chemical free and biodegradable.

Soy based candles (like ours) are made from soybeans, not only making them a safe and natural alternative to most conventionally-produced candles, but also renewable and biodegradable.

2) Soy wax is cleaner burning and soy candles do not emit the 'diesel-fume' toxins that paraffin candles do. Because these carcinogens are linked to health problems like asthma and even lung cancer, I would definitely choose soy wax over paraffin wax!

Soy wax candles are as safe as any other candle on the market but with the added bonus of being vegan and cruelty-free plus better for the environment.

Burn only beeswax, soy, or palm oil candles, which burn cleaner and longer than those made with paraffin wax.

Beeswax is the oldest known material used for candles, and remains one of the cleanest options. Beeswax is natural, free of toxins, and makes fall candles that provide slow burn. It's considered the cleanest burning candle wax, as it acts as a natural air purifier.

Between the two, coconut is the softer wax. This makes it easier to work with allowing for a stronger overall blend of fragrance. This softness also gives coconut wax a cleaner burn, coming from the fewer ingredients list. On the other hand, soy wax is just a little stiffer which gives it many similar properties.

Soy wax is known for being a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to common paraffin wax candles that you're likely to find on the drug store shelf. Paraffin wax is made from petroleum which isn't sustainable nor healthy when it is breathed in.

"Many people say that they get a headache when burning candles. Often they think it's the fragrance that's giving them a headache, but the main culprit comes from the petroleum soot emitted from paraffin and from the quality of the fragrance," Bresler says.

H319 Causes serious eye irritation. H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Precautionary statements P261 Avoid breathing vapor/ spray.

Are Woodwick candles toxic? ›

In addition to being environmentally friendly, these candles are also safe. They contain no paraffin, which makes them completely non-toxic. They also don't contain any lead, mercury, formaldehyde, phthalates, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These candles burn cleanly and evenly.

Soy wax burns clean, meaning does not produce soot while burning. It's also naturally derived from vegetable oil, so when you burn it, you aren't releasing harmful chemicals and toxins in your home. Paraffin wax on the other hand is a byproduct of petroleum oil, therefore it releases toxins while you burn it.

Both candles and incense contribute to indoor air quality problems. The smoke, soot and particle matter released from burning incense is said by some to rival that of cigarette smoke. If lighting incense, make sure it burns in a well ventilated area and try to purchase organic, natural incense only.

Reed Diffusers Can Last Longer

Unlike candles, reed diffusers are safe in use even when you can't monitor them, since they have no flame. Rustic Charm's reed diffusers and hand poured candles both contain fragrance oils that provide long lasting scents.

Yankee candles are made from paraffin wax, as well as essential oils for fragrance and cotton for the wicks.

The vast majority of Yankee Candles are made out of paraffin wax. This includes Housewarmer-brand jar candles, votive candles, tealights, and all of the wax tarts that are sold by Yankee Candle Company.

Which candles are better soy or paraffin? ›

Soy Wax Retains Scent Longer Than Paraffin

In most cases, the fragrance oils that produce your favorite scents will last longer in a soy wax candle than in a paraffin wax candle. Soy wax has a higher molecular density than paraffin wax.

There you have it, when comparing wax, soy wax is arguably better than beeswax due to cost, aesthetics, oil retention, vegan friendly and eco friendly properties. However on sweetness, and burn temperature, beeswax wins out. Let us know which natural wax you decide to go with when making your candle.

Beeswax is non-toxic, non carcinogenic, hypo – allergenic, naturally honey scented, burns longer than any other wax, and is virtually dripless.

Beeswax and soy candles usually burn cleaner than paraffin wax. Furthermore, beeswax candles can actually clean your air by releasing some negative ions that easily bind with toxins to help eliminate them from your indoor air. You can also use oil diffusers and essential oils instead of burning candles.

Bath & Body Works currently offers two different formulas of wax for our candles. The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles.

Soy candles are non-toxic candles since they are made from vegetable oil. This makes soy candles a healthier choice for humans, pets, and the environment.

Beeswax has the highest melting point of any wax meaning the candles burn for longer than paraffin. They are the tidier candle in that they don't release any soot and they tend to drip less. They also emit a much more ambient light, making for a cosy atmosphere.

COCONUT WAX

It's non toxic and burns cleaner than other types of candle wax. Coconut wax emits zero soot particles and does not blacken walls nor add toxic carcinogens into the air.

Just remember that Trader Joe's candles are not non-toxic, so if you're serious about your respiratory health, try shopping elsewhere for pure beeswax candles.

Meyer's candles are made with a vegetable soy wax base as well as other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. They are all vegan, cruelty-free and tested by people, not on animals.

Why you should only use soy candles? ›

Soy Wax is non-toxic and cleaner-burning being made with no toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants which means our candles are less likely to trigger allergies. As a vegetable-based wax, it does not give off any harmful byproducts or produce black soot that can stain walls and curtains like the other leading waxes.

It has a superior scent throw which means you can produce long lasting and strongly scented candles using this wax. You can also enjoy your candles longer because coconut wax burns slower than other wax and it can blend perfectly with other natural, harder waxes.

Soy wax is non-toxic, so toxins aren't released into the air as it burns and also produces less soot than paraffin candles. We also don't use lead wicks which can release poisonous chemicals into the air.

Avoid aromatherapy candles made of paraffin or gel, both petroleum byproducts. In all things, avoiding the fossil fuel industry when you can makes sense for living a green life. Just like if you don't have to drive a car to get to your destination, don't; if you don't have to burn a petroleum-based candle, don't.

2) Soy wax is cleaner burning and soy candles do not emit the 'diesel-fume' toxins that paraffin candles do. Because these carcinogens are linked to health problems like asthma and even lung cancer, I would definitely choose soy wax over paraffin wax!

A candle using soy wax is processed (like other candles) and can have additives (like other candles) to make it burn. There's no significant, scientifically backed evidence to prove that soy wax is in any way less harmful, or cleaner burning than other wax types.