Picking a Safer Candle

I have to confess, I love candles. I know diffusers full of essential oils are the safest option for clean air, but I love having a candle flicker in the kitchen. Especially in the Fall.

There’s something about the leaves turning and the chill in the air that makes us start to crave the warmth and coziness of Fall. I need all the pumpkin spice and tall boots and candles. 

Here’s my quick checklist to make sure I’m picking the safest option for a candle to burn in my home.

Look for soy wax, beeswax or coconut wax.

Most inexpensive candles are made with a paraffin wax base (which is derived from petroleum) and is nasty for the environment and your air quality.  When you see the top of your candle jar turning black form the smoke, that’s caused by paraffin wax and it’s what is emitting into the air, too.  Imagine your lungs taking on that same black film.

Pro tip: Just make sure the labels say 100% soy, beeswax or coconut wax. Some companies use a paraffin/soy blend (because it’s cheaper) and then say something like “Made with soy wax.”

Should say scented with essential oils.

I avoid the candles scented with heavy, synthetic fragrance and go for essential oil scented candles. This create a much cleaner air environment. Common VOCs emitted from fragrance in candles include formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, alcohol and esters. These chemicals can be harmful and can cause health problems such as headaches, dizziness and allergy-like symptoms.

The wick matters.

Seems like such a small part of the candle but I opt for cotton (or even wood) wicks. The ones with a metal core can contribute to harmful air quality in your home.  

For your Happy, Healthy Home,

Rachel