Learn About Luxury Nontoxic Candles
One of the most common items on a nontoxic wish list is a clean, nontoxic candle. Everyone loves a beautiful candle for ambiance and aroma, but finding one that is good for us and protects our health can be tricky. Many companies tout that their candles are nontoxic, but in reality, they can be just as toxic as mainstream options. So how do you know what to choose?
Together, we’ll take a look at some of the best brands out there that have the cleanest ingredients, so you can begin creating the cozy, safe, and nontoxic environment you deserve!
3 Considerations When Candle Shopping
There are no regulations imposed upon candle makers in regard to the protection of human health—when we think of candles, we often think of aesthetics over safety and health concerns. When shopping for safe and nontoxic candles, you want to take into account the following:
Look for a lead-free wick: While lead wicks have been officially banned in the United States since 2003, it’s still important to know what candle wicks are made from and to choose the right one for your home environment. Today, candle wicks can be made from cotton, wood, hemp, and more. To ensure that you’re avoiding any heavy metals, look for wicks that are 100% untreated cotton or 100% natural fiber such as wood.
Stick with clean wax: From a health perspective, the most problematic waxes include gel, paraffin, and palm. These waxes, in particular, emit the most amount of VOCs. When burning them, we can breathe in things like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene—chemicals that can cause symptoms like fatigue and nausea but that can also contribute to nervous system damage and genotoxicity. So to protect your indoor air quality and your health, look for cleaner burning waxes like beeswax and coconut candles. Beeswax is sustainable and clean burning with a warm sweet scent and easy to find in many sizes. Coconut wax is another great (vegan) option that is sustainable and burns clean, but make a note that most coconut wax will contain some soy.
Opt for 100% essential oils: In general, when we see the word “fragrance,” we want to be conscious of what it means. When something says “fragrance,” it can mean that a product contains up to 300 undisclosed chemicals and can expose us to things that our bodies may have a negative response to. That’s why it’s important when using products to look for fragrance-free options and, in the case of candles, to opt for ones with “100% essential oils.” While true nontoxic candles may burn differently than we’re used to, they’re still creating that glow and beautiful scent we love while protecting our health. And there are lots of plant-based scent profiles to choose from—pine, bergamot, frankincense—that will help you create that clean and healthy indoor air you’re after.
Choose Clean Candle Brands
Here are some of the best luxury nontoxic candles out there on the market. While there are even more new companies contributing to the nontoxic candle market, here are some that we’ve rounded up and recommend to help you get started:
· Fontana
We’re cheering you on as you shop for nontoxic candles and other healthier product swaps because it means you’re making small changes to prioritize your health!
And remember! Mindful purchases add up over time, so small changes do matter. Something as simple as investing in a nontoxic candle will impact everyone in your home for the better, including your pets. Making cleaner informed choices is a gift of health to everyone around you.
Need more guidance in deciphering product ingredients or reducing toxins in your home?
Artisan Home Health has you covered when it comes to reducing environmental toxins in every room and facet of your life, whether it be with products, sourcing, or purchases. We care about your nontoxic living journey and are here to support you each step of the way!
Schedule a free Discovery call with us to learn more about how to get started, how to make small changes, or just to find the support you’re looking for on this exciting journey.
