Do you love scented candles and the way they add comforting or soothing scents to your home? If so, there’s a chance, like most people, that you usually purchase candles without really knowing exactly what type of ingredients they are made with.
Sure, most candles may smell good — but without you realizing it, they’re also releasing certain chemicals into your home. While you might think you’re making a good investment for your self-care routine by purchasing commercially-made candles, it’s wise to carefully select the types of candles you buy.
At Vibrant Honey, we’re here to educate you on all things candle related, including how to choose those made from better quality wax, such as coconut wax which is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
What Are Candles Actually Made Of?
Candles are a great way to create a beautiful aroma in your home and to help relax your mind and body. Unfortunately however, some candles — such as those made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances — can be toxic to the air quality in your home and potentially detrimental to your health.
So, what types of ingredients are found in most candles?
Many are made with paraffin wax and synthetic scents/fragrances. Some fragranced candles can emit a range of chemicals, including hazardous air pollutants and those that may trigger allergies.
Research shows that about 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil); these chemicals include phthalates, benzene derivatives, aldehydes, toluene and many others that have been shown to have potentially toxic and carcinogenic effects.
When candles are burned in your home you can wind up inhaling some compounds (volatile organic compounds or VOCs) that evaporate from the scented product into the air. Fragrances can also be exposed to your skin, triggering reactions in some cases.
What types of symptoms might exposure to these ingredients contribute to?
Some studies have linked ongoing exposure to these chemicals to negative health effects including:
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Higher risk for certain types of cancer, birth defects and central nervous system disorders
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Allergic reactions, especially among those who are sensitive to the effects of chemical fragrances
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Breathing problems
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Watery eyes
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Headache
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Congestion
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Skin rashes
Believe it or not, recent studies have found that about one-third of adults are sensitive to fragranced products made with synthetic chemicals.
Certain chemicals found in commercially-made candles and home fragrances may also contribute to endocrine disruption, hormonal issues and allergy symptoms in some cases. Endocrine disruptors are compounds that tinker with hormonal health and potentially lead to issues like weight gain and menstrual changes.
Harmful Effects of Candles Made With Paraffin Wax
In addition to avoiding chemical synthetic scents, one of the most important things you should know about your candles is what kind of wax they are made with.
Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which is extracted from petroleum (gasoline) coal, or shale oil.
According to one study, paraffin-based waxes are capable of releasing harmful chemicals into the air, such as alkans, toluene, and benzene.
It was noted that these same chemicals have been shown to cause harmful effects to humans and repeated inhalation of these chemicals can contribute to respiratory issues, painful headaches, and even kidney damage. However it’s still up for debate if the amount released from burning candles is enough to cause health problems in humans, so no conclusions may fully be drawn as of yet.
Benefits of Candles Made With Coconut Wax
After learning about the potential harmful effects from paraffin wax and noticing how many candles on the market are made of this wax, we wanted to create candles that were non-toxic, non-GMO, and free of irritating ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and paraffins.
Our favorite choice of wax, and the wax that we use in our candles, is 100% pure natural coconut wax.
After testing both soy and coconut wax, we found that coconut wax delivered a cleaner burn, a better scent throw, and is overall better for the air quality and the health of the consumer.
Not only is coconut wax a healthier alternative to paraffin wax, but it also has a very minimal impact on the environment and is a much more sustainable, since coconut is an abundant and natural ingredient.
Coconut wax is created through a hydrogenation process and is generally eco-friendly. The combination of coconut oil and other plant based waxes gets transformed into one full wax. The ingredients in coconut wax are organic, renewable, and a better solution than other commercial wax options.
Additionally, there’s some evidence suggesting that candles made with natural wax materials release less volatile compounds into the air, decreasing the risk for fragrance sensitivity reactions.
How Candles Help with Relaxation and Mental Health
Vibrant Honey believes in creating products that contribute to the elevation of the mind, body & soul.
Candles can make a great addition to your day time or night time routine, whether you’re looking to uplift your mood or relax your mind-- the scents that candles give off can impact you in a positive way. Different scents, such as those provided by essential oils, have a direct impact on the olfactory system and the brain; they reach a part of the brain that directly influences your emotions and even triggers memories.
We want our customers to comfortably enjoy the experience of our candles and their beautiful scents without worrying about negative health effects, or harming the environment.
We’ve found that using a combination of pure coconut wax, natural cotton wicks, and a mix of natural essential oils and the best quality fine fragrance oils in our candles is the solution to creating an amazing, eco-friendly, and healthier fragranced product.
The candles featured in our collection are:
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Inner Peace — Features an uplifting mix of rosemary and mint fragrances to help replenish the senses and create a peaceful and tranquilizing experience.
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Midnight Magic — Features lavender and amber fragrances to help with awakening the imagination and creating a relaxing and creative experience.
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Positive Vibes — Features lemongrass and geranium fragrances to help promote a positive mindset and give you a lift in mental clarity.
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Pink Essence — Features peony and tuberose fragrances to help nourish the heart chakra and create a soothing experience.
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Goddess Divine — Features sandalwood and cinnamon fragrances to help nourish the soul and awaken your passion.
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Pumpkin Spice — Features pumpkin and cinnamon fragrances to help sweeten up your mood and create a warm, cozy experience.
You can shop our candles here: https://vibranthoney.com/collections/candle-collection
Let us know your thoughts about your experience with candles or which one of our candles is our favorite. Feel free to leave a comment below!
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