Many of us try our best to be informed about the ingredients in the foods we eat and the chemicals in products we bring into our house, but have you ever considered what your candles are made of?
You might select your candles based on how they smell, look, or maybe even what price point they come at — all valid markers for choosing this home decor staple. However, if clean living is important to you, there’s more you should be paying attention to.
If you get headaches after lighting a candle or are simply trying to make healthier choices, here’s what you should know before purchasing your next candle. This will have you adding “clean burning ingredients” to your candle criteria, stat.
1. WaxThe cleanest waxes are soy, beeswax, and coconut. Don’t be fooled by some brands as they like to mix these with paraffin wax. Make sure your candles are made with 100% of a clean wax listed above —our candles are made with natural soy wax.
2. Wick
Look for candles with wicks made from 100% cotton, hemp, or wood for the cleanest possible burn. All Hotel Lobby Candles are made with a braided cotton wick.
3. Fragrance
Clean burning candles almost exclusively use essential oil and fragrance oil bases — this means they’re free from paraffin, UV inhibitors, and phthalates. All Hotel Lobby Candle fragrances are phthalate-free and adhere to RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards for safety and purity.
Bonus: Most clean burning candle scents are stronger than others. This is because soy wax has a stronger throw, meaning the scent can fill a larger room with more potency.
Clean burning candles are a better option for anyone who is exposed to them. Whether you’re sensitive to fragrance, have pets, or are worried about potential hormone disruptors, non-toxic candles will be a smarter choice for your home.
Always check ingredient labels to look for soy, beeswax, or coconut candles. When you use candles made with those wax options, it won’t release harmful and unwanted chemicals into your living space. Alternatives, like paraffin wax, can release toxins as a byproduct of petroleum oil.
You may have already tossed the packaging or removed that unwanted sticker from other candles that are in your home, so how can you tell if they’re burning clean? The best way to identify a clean burning candle is by taking note of any excess smoke the candle gives off.
A good test is to burn your candle near a wall and see if dark soot marks are left behind. If it does produce excess soot, it's likely not a clean burning candle, and it might be bringing more toxins into your space.
Additionally, if your inexpensive candle that smells of fresh pine orvanilla gives you a headache after burning for a short period of time, it’s likely that the base is not crafted with an essential or natural oil. Many candle scents can be enticing, but if you're sensitive to the fragrance, the wax might be made from paraffin rather than a clean burning option.
Keep the criteria mentioned above in mind when picking out candles for your home. If you solely buy Hotel Lobby Candles then you're in luck — they're all clean burning.
I'm a passionate advocate for clean and sustainable living, particularly when it comes to the products we use in our homes. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of various consumer goods, I've honed my expertise in assessing the quality and safety of everyday items, including candles. My commitment to promoting clean living is not just theoretical; it's a practical application of knowledge garnered through extensive research and hands-on experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about candles and their ingredients:
1. Wax:
The article emphasizes the importance of choosing clean waxes for candles. Clean options include soy, beeswax, and coconut wax. These are preferable over paraffin wax, which may release harmful toxins. It's crucial to ensure that candles are made with 100% of the chosen clean wax and not mixed with paraffin.
2. Wick:
The type of wick used in candles can impact the burn. The article recommends looking for candles with wicks made from 100% cotton, hemp, or wood for a cleaner burn. A braided cotton wick is highlighted as a choice for clean burning in the mentioned Hotel Lobby Candles.
3. Fragrance:
Clean burning candles predominantly use essential oil and fragrance oil bases, avoiding paraffin, UV inhibitors, and phthalates. The article assures that the Hotel Lobby Candle fragrances are phthalate-free and adhere to safety and purity standards set by RIFM and IFRA. Additionally, it notes that clean burning candle scents are often stronger due to the use of soy wax.
Bonus:
The article provides additional reasons to choose clean burning candles, such as their suitability for individuals sensitive to fragrance, pet owners, or those concerned about potential hormone disruptors. Clean burning candles, made from soy, beeswax, or coconut, are recommended for a healthier home environment.
Identifying Clean Burning Candles:
To identify clean burning candles, the article suggests checking for excess smoke and dark soot marks when burning near a wall. Excess soot production is an indication that the candle might not be clean burning. The fragrance is also a clue; if a candle with an enticing scent gives you a headache, it may be crafted with paraffin wax rather than a cleaner option.
In conclusion, the article encourages consumers to be mindful of the ingredients in their candles and recommends Hotel Lobby Candles as a clean burning option meeting the specified criteria. This information empowers individuals to make informed choices for a healthier and cleaner living space.
