are your candles toxic?
they create ambiance, make your home smell amazing and feel inviting, and invoke all the hygge feelings....but are your candles toxic?
short answer is: jury's out.
there are very few studies on the toxicity of candles and the few studies that there are, have potentially suspect funders w/ conflict of interests. candles aren't regulated by the USDA or FDA, so there's not a set standard that the need to adhere to. This article is a great round up of the available research.
what I can tell you is candles (in the US) are typically made of either paraffin wax or soy wax, sometimes beeswax. Paraffin wax is petroleum based (fact) and may release a highly toxic compounds toluene and benzene when burned (tbd - but as these are both carcinogens (fact) - that's a risk I don't need to take).
soy wax and beeswax are both naturally derived and considered non-toxic. you want to check that the candle is labeled as "100% " soy wax or beeswax, as often they will label as a "soy candle" but be a blend of paraffin and soy.
other things to look out for?
the wick - should be 100% cotton, no metal core or components. keep your wicks trimmed to minimize soot & air pollution!
fragrance - fragrance is considered a "trade secret" and is not regulated. look for candles scented with essential oils or with fragrance that is phthalate free. Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds that may be endocrine disruptors.
the good news?
there are TONS of amazing non-toxic candles out there.
P.F. Candle Co makes my all time favorite: Golden Coast candle. They are 100% soy wax, cotton wick, and phthalate free candles that come in reusable jars.
Makana - with beautifully simple packaging, 100% soy wax, 100% cotton wick, phthalate free fragrance, and produced in small batches, I cannot say enough good things about these candles.
Follain: their number 1 candle earns the name. made from soy and coconut wax and scented with essential oils, these candles meet Follain's restricted ingredients requirements.
Heretic Candles: edgy but minimalist, the line of candles is 100% soy and 100% cotton wick
