clean burning candles:: safer swap

You may start noticing a theme around here, friends. I always have to start off with the bad news. And today’s bad news is a rough one, because we all loooove candles. Right? I mean, how many of us have never spent 20 minutes in the Target candle aisle, just sniffing our stresses away? And for good reason! Candles smell good. They create a calming ambiance. They make your bathroom smell good. They’re magical.

Except that they can be loaded with carcinogens and when lit, can throw those carcinogens in your home’s air. Oof. Less than magical. But very, very sad for us candle lovers out there.

Before we get to the good news (it’s coming!), let’s take a quick look at why conventional candles can be harmful and what they can contain.

First off, most candles are made with paraffin wax. Paraffin wax creates benzene and toluene when burned, which are both known carcinogens (source). It’s better to choose clean-burning soy wax or beeswax, but be sure to look for 100 percent on the labels, and, when possible, select wax that is naturally derived or sustainably sourced. Many candles are a blend of paraffin and another wax but will call it a “beeswax” candle, for instance, so read your labels or reach out to the brand if you’re not sure.

And some candles have wicks made out of LEAD (this journal article goes more in-depth on the dangers of lead wicks.) Obviously, lead is a known toxin and most candles are no longer made with lead wicks, but older candles might still be.

And the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says in this stud that candles can contribute to indoor pollution and be especially bad for those who have respiratory conditions like asthma. Yikes.

The main thing to avoid in candles is the synthetic fragrance. Fragrance is a big loophole in the personal care industry, and companies don’t actually have to disclose what is in the fragrance itself. Right now the FDA currently protects fragrance on labels, as a trade secret. This is a major problem when it comes to ingredients that could be endocrine disruptors like phthalates . Choose candles that specify they’ve used 100 percent pure essential oils, are phthalate-free, or further explain the “fragrance” and where it’s from.

OK, on to the good news! The good news is that there are safe, affordable candles that set that same warm mood and smell amazing. I’ve listed my favorites below (and I’ve tried a few to give you guys my honest opinion). If you know any good ones I haven’t listed, feel free to share! (And yes, essential oils and diffusers are a great way to fill your home with safe fragrance, but for the purposes of this post, we’re going to focus on candles.)

Gold and Ivy: Use soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free oils // poured by hand // $

Brightwise Candles: 100% soy wax chips and blending with unique fragrance that contain essential oils, cotton wick Code BROOKEG for 10% off

Cellar Door Candles: Use sustainable coconut and beeswax // use local essential oils // packaged with recyclable materials // $

Lite + Cycle: Pure essential oils only // 100% vegan waxes: vessel wax is American-grown soy, pillar wax is a blend of American-grown vegetable oils and waxes. // $$$

P.F. Candle Co.: Soy wax // Terra line is essential oils only, the others are synthetic and EO, but phthalate-free //$ Can be found at Whole Foods too.

Harlow Skin Co.: Use soy wax with a wood wick // essential oil fragrance // $$

Follain: Use vegetable wax and an all-wood wick // hand-poured in the U.S. // $$

Terralite: Use botanical coconut wax and organic, wildcrafted essential oils and plant extracts // $

Woodlot: Use coconut and soy wax // pure essential oils // $$

Element: 100% US grown organic soy wax // phthalate-free fragrances // cherry wood wicks // $$

Keap: Coconut + soy wax // Reusable + returnable candle holder and biodegradable, plastic-free packaging (They do use some synthetic fragrance, but its certified phthalate-free) // $$

ECam & Co: Local if you are in Birmingham, like me!//Essential Oils or Phthalate free fragrance oils.100% pure soy wax, 100% cotton braided wick, and recycled glass. SO cute, made out of wine bottles!

I have personally tried Cellar Door candles, Gold + Ivy, Brightwise and Terralite! Here is my thoughts on all the scents I own. Can’t wait to see what you guys think about your safer swaps when you try some!

Cashmere and Cedar: Smells sweet like vanilla–I like it! Blend of cedarwood, jasmine, vanilla orchid, rose, vanilla, and musks. Light this candle to feel warm, soft, and cozy.

Oakmoss & Amber: I like this one the best; it’s musky but not manly! I REALLY like it. This scent begins with hints of orange, grapefruit, and an infusion of sage that enhance the natural earthy quality. Lavender and rose add a soft floral touch to this fragrance, while oakmoss, amber, and tonka round out the base.

Lemon Vanilla: Smells like a lemon smoothie! Sweet and zesty–if you love lemons, this is perfect!

Red Mandarin: Like a sliced grapefruit or orange with a hint of floral

Orange Blossom: Smells like a gardenia, with a hint of citrus. Perfect for spring!

Lemon Verbena & Ginger: I was gifted this for Christmas and I LOVE IT. I love lemons so this is right up my alley.

Grandiflora: VERY floral, smells like walking through the botanical gardens! So lovely! Powdery gardenia and roses.

Brightwise Candles: I tried these when she launched her Cozy Dwelling series during Quarantine and LOVED THEM. Her scents are all fabulous, and I have loved them all. Can’t wait for new fall scents from  Katelyn!

Enjoy cleaning up your candle collection!

xoxo,

Brooke