It’s 2020, and we’re all stepping up our ‘well care’ game as much as possible. Maybe you’re rocking cruelty-free makeup or all-natural hair care, but there’s one eco-friendly upgrade that might have slipped under your radar. Admittedly, it has for us! Candles. Lately, non-toxic candles have piqued our interest, and we’re not alone. Just like we ingredient-check our food and beauty products, many folks are questioning the air they’re breathing at home.
Here’s a quick lesson in candle making – because that yummy-smelling apple spice jar burning at home might not be so yummy (for the air) after all. Low-quality candles are made with a paraffin base. This wax ingredient is obtained from petroleum, which isn’t great for old Mother Nature. These kinds of candles might also be assembled with a wick made out of metal fibers…herein lies the main potential house pollution problem. Not good.
What are non toxic candles made of?
Clean-burning candles are usually crafted with beeswax, coconut, or soy as the foundation. From there, they’re scented naturally with essential oils and authentic compounds. Finally, non-toxic candles are all tied together with a non-toxic wick made out of cotton, wood, or paper. To be safe, seek out companies that clearly state their ingredients, use 100 percent naturally-derived essential oils, or are phthalate-free. So much safer, and still great-smelling!
There’s a lot of contradictory information about candle toxicity out there and it’s hard to determine what to believe. We’ve found the best way is to do research on the candle manufacturer and its philosophy. Remember to check ingredient lists, or ask directly about the fragrance, the wax, and the wick.
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What are the best non toxic candles?
We’ve done a lot of research on this topic since we just LOVE to burn a candle and here are 15 non-toxic candles + candle brands that we’re lighting right now:
1. Slow North Candles
Slow North creates all natural, soy-wax candles, made with 100% essential oils, that redefine all-natural luxury. They use soy wax along with no artificial dyes or ingredients. We love that all their candles are designed with sustainability in mind, and they only use biodegradable and renewable resources and hand-pour their candles into American-made, frosted glass tumblers that feature a sustainably sourced, fire-branded cork lid.
2. P.F. Candle Co.™ Candle
Developed and produced by a team in sunny Los Angeles, P.F. Candle Co. is the brainchild of partners Thomas Neuberger and Kristen Pumphrey. Their home collection is made of the finest ingredients, including clean-burning soy wax and keenly combined fragrance oils. This candle has a 40 hour burn life and we just love the sagebrush scent!
3. Brooklyn Candle Studio
Made in Brooklyn, New York with 100% soy wax for an eco-friendly clean burn, we are big fans of Brooklyn Candle Studio. All their candles use lead-free cotton wicks and premium fragrance oils infused with essential oils. The candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free – plus their scents are the bomb!
4. Lulu Candles
Yes to candles that burn clean and are made free of harmful toxins. A great candle that is not only beautiful but affordable! Every Lulu Candle is made with a clean burning, nontoxic, paraben free proprietary soy-blend wax formulation. The candles have 100% Cotton Wicks and are made in the US. This Jasmine, Oud & Sandalwood candle has deep notes of oud blended with sexy sandalwood and jasmine, making this scent so incredibly sensual and mysterious. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic evening…
6. Benevolence
These non-toxic candles contain a significant amount of pure essential oils and fragrances that work to fill the air with natural goodness and natural scents. These organic soy candles burn clean to purify the air in your home for at least 35 hours! Every Benevolence candle purchased results in a donation to their charity partner Zoe International which works to end f human trafficking and slavery.
3. Vim + Vigor Candle Co. | $28
This one’s crisp + clean aroma of bamboo foliage and green florals mixed with a refreshing blend of citrus and basil. Infused with natural essential oils including bergamot, violet, jasmine + thyme. Vim + Vigor combines 100% natural soy wax with meticulously crafted fragrance combinations before hand pouring all of their candles in unique pure copper vessels in Phoenix, Arizona.
11. Sydney Hale Candle | $36
via Terrain
Woody and herbal, this gorgeous candle from Sydney Hale is scented with notes of crisp eucalyptus, warm honey, herbaceous sage, patchouli, and teak.
12. Embers & Roots | $7.38
via Etsy
Lime, basil + mandarin is the most popular Embers + Roots scent for you candle addicts out there! An enticing, mouthwatering medley of Sicilian lime and zesty bergamot with ripe mandarins, peppery basil and caraway seeds. They also customize labels for special occasions :)
13. Signature Artisan Candles | $38
via Free People
Wild, herbal and crisp: a forest canopy of pine and leaves blended with pale musk, crisp citrus, and earthy herbs. A complex, rich and intoxicating woodsy scent that harnesses the harmony of crisp fresh air indoors.
14. Homesick | $34
Hello seasonal scents! This is a juicy bite of a freshly picked apples, meaning fall is here. Pie, cobbler, or cider. Your basket is full of possibilities.
Do you have any non-toxic candle brands we need to try? Would love to hear in the comments!
Wisco Home Goods, fantastic candles!