Over the past few years, words like “clean” and non-toxic” have been presented to consumers time and time again. From “clean” stamps of approval created by mainstream shopping outlets to the word “non-toxic” popping up on everything from laundry detergent to table salt, it is confusing to know what these terms actually mean and what we should do about them. Should our health and environment really be a marketing strategy?
The “clean beauty” industry is a prominent example of unreliable definitions being leveraged to market to our collective desire to make healthier choices. From being green or recycled, to sustainably sourced, to free of harmful chemicals (often self-defined by for-profit organizations), “clean” labels can mean so much that really, they don’t mean much at all. While each of these initiatives are independently valuable and important in their own way, it can be extremely confusing and overwhelming to understand how to make purchasing choices that align with specific values – whether yours are focused on the environment, your health, or both.
Education and accessible information is a critical piece of creating a healthier world. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) does a fantastic job of creating approachable tools backed by science, like the Skin Deep Database and the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists. While today it seems that candles are not covered by the EWG, I am optimistic that one day they will be, with the organization more recently expanding their database to new products like mattresses and household cleaning products.
I can admit, I have been known to quickly eliminate products from my home and beauty collection upon research and review of their ingredients. But I just don’t see myself eliminating candles from my daily rituals. Growing up on Elmsgrove Lane, many of my memories are set with a candle burning in the background. Scents bring me back to certain events and time periods, and I cherish those little reminders of times past.
It’s not possible to eliminate 100% of toxins from our lives, but it is possible to take action to better manage your toxic load. Each small step makes a difference and compounds into change; when we collectively take steps towards a healthier world (with our valuable voting dollars) we can really make a difference in the products that we see on shelves in the first place. My hope is to share my own research on candles and their toxicity (or lack thereof) so that you can make more informed purchasing decisions for your own health.
When it comes to candles, it is my opinion that a few small (and important) considerations can help reduce the fear that often is associated with their use. In an article by Cleveland Clinic, pulmonologist Sobia Farooq, MD agrees: while they do impact indoor air quality, with a few precautions candles won’t pose a major risk to your health.
I’ve included three health-focused takeaways below that you can easily act on when shopping for your next candle.
A 2015 study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials confirmed that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from candles, and candles should be considered sources of VOC emissions in indoor environments. The Minnesota Department of Health has created this helpful chart detailing VOCs as harmful chemicals that can introduce various short-term and long-term risks to our health, ranging from headaches to chronic illness.
A VOC that is commonly found in candles is paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product. Paraffin wax can release a harmful chemical called benzene, which the American Cancer Society has linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Scary! What can you do instead?
Choose a 100% plant-based wax instead of a paraffin wax. Options can include soy, coconut, or even beeswax candles. Be mindful of products that are labeled as natural wax blends, like “coconut wax-blend.” These blends typically contain a prominent amount of plant-based wax, which companies leverage in their marketing strategies, but in reality the plant-based wax is blended with paraffin wax, and companies choose not to specify this on labels.
Recently, I noticed one of my favorite candles was denoted as a proprietary coconut wax “blend.” I contacted the company and asked specifically whether the blend contained paraffin wax, and my suspicion was confirmed that food-grade paraffin wax was, in fact, the key ingredient in the blend and was “needed for optimal burn.” I was assured by this brand that most candles contain entirely paraffin wax, so their blend was far superior to other options. Although I have loved these specific candles for many years, I will no longer be a returning customer given there are many 100% natural brands on the market.
I love smelling good, and I love to have a home that smells good. When it comes to fragrance, there are many thoughts and opinions as to what should be considered “safe.” Accepting that it would be impossible to eliminate every “toxic” ingredient, my personal choice is to focus on eliminating a few ingredients with proven harmful effects wherever possible. Phthalates are at the top of that list.
A 2023 BMC Public Health study confirmed that synthetic fragrances utilized in candles often contain phthalates, which are chemicals used in the production of plastic (yikes!). Some phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which the EWG confirms can interfere with our hormones.
But now for some good news! Many candle brands recognize phthalates as harmful and have formulated their fragrances to smell just as good without the use of these chemicals. Always look for candles that are labeled as “phthalate-free.” This is also a great phrase to look out for in personal care products like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, perfume and other scented products that you might find on your bathroom shelf.
Some more good news! Lead wicks were outlawed in 2003 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, so you don’t need to be concerned with checking labels on candles that you purchase today for wick composition.
In addition to general candle-safety tips like fire safety, keeping a trimmed wick, and limiting burn time to a few hours, I hope these three indicators can help you make informed candle purchasing decisions, and also encourage you that there are ways to continue to enjoy things that you love while making healthier choices. Let’s not make the world scarier than it needs to be, right?
Paraffin wax is often the cheapest way to produce candles, so opting for healthier options can also mean a higher price tag. I find that candles from local makers and farmer’s markets are often more price-conscious and transparent about ingredients (plus, supporting local and small businesses is always a small way to make a big impact). A Hill Country favorite is Cadeau Dripping Springs, which boasts a great story about the founder, Amy, creating a healthier home for her children who were diagnosed with reactive airways disease.
I continue to try out both local options and bigger brands, and so far my favorite is Nette. With their detailed “No List” of ingredients they promise never to use in their products and focus on sustainability, I think Nette does a lovely job balancing luxury with health and wellness. While this brand is on the pricey side, I find their quality superior to most. The candles can fill up a room with the perfect amount of scent without even being lit! A personal favorite is Chai Milk, which is creamy, spicy, multi-faceted scent that pairs perfectly with a nice slow morning and a cup of coffee.
Here are a few other healthier candle options I have my eye on:
While it’s important to take action and make healthy choices for your environment, it’s also important to maintain traditions and feelings of home. I hope this comprehensive guide to healthier candles helps you make informed purchasing decisions that help you continue to enjoy things that you love. If you have a favorite healthier candle, I’d love to hear about it!
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