Here is how you can make sure you get non-toxic candles only. Recently, our society is becoming more conscious about the types of food we eat, clothes we wear, and everything in between. And with good reason. We have an obligation to our own health in trying to understand what’s in all of the products sold to us.
And this includes making sure the candles you buy are non-toxic, too. Whether for birthdays, religious occasions, or simply to make your home smell wonderful, taking precaution in what candles you buy, is necessary.
A lot of candle producing brands will claim to produce green or non-toxic candles. They hide behind minimally required FDA requirements to get the non-gmo or organic label approvals. You can however, perform a few checks to make sure you are not bringing any carcinogenic or lead-wicked candles into your home.
Stanford University conducted a research on common candles, which when burned emit carcinogens. The New York Times documented a complementary study on the soot from candles, which are released into the surroundings, and can cause lung cancer.
While there are so many “green” products sprouting up everywhere, it can be hard to decide on what is best for you and your family even when it comes down to buying candles. Here are a few points to keep in mind when making that purchase. Look for organic wherever you can. If that is not an option, look for non-GMO.
Non-Toxic and Organic Candle Buying Tips:
- Wax should be 100% beeswax or its closest alternative, organic non-GMO soy
- Contains no paraffin. When burned, paraffin’s emissions are carcinogenic
- Wicks should be made of cotton and not dipped in paraffin or contain metal with lead (If the core of the wick is metal, it most likely has lead)
- There should be no phthalates
- Scents should be made using essential oils
- If it says it’s a blend, do not buy
And if you are able to remember and follow these guidelines, you probably would have purchased yourself a safe candle.
Also, beeswax candles can be expensive, but if you are not open to other options like using a diffuser with essential oils, then beeswax or non-GMO soy are your safest options. In any case, here are 5 companies that stand by their word of truly being green.
What are the Best Non-Toxic Candles?
Below are a list of 5 of the best non-toxic candles that you can introduce into your home. You can be sure these companies are doing their due diligence to bring you the best non-toxic candles out there.
1) Rare Essence Aromatherapy
Rare essence aromatherapy has an aromatic collection of non-GMO soy candles made with cotton wicks. These are definitely cheaper than the beeswax option and come in a safe tin container. And the various essential oils provide a safe and calming smell throughout your home.
2) SunBeam Candles – Non-Toxic Beeswax Candles
Sunbeam candles are an eco-friendly and sustainable company that offers 100% beeswax candles using pure essential oils and lead-free cotton wicks. They go beyond by using eco-friendly dyes and provide shipping through a carbon-neutral program. They have a huge variety of options from aromatherapy candles, to candles shaped like corn on the cob! How fun.
3) Beeswax Candle Works – Pure Beeswax Candles
Touting to have the largest selection of 100% pure beeswax candles, BCW candles are a safe and reliable option. They use lead-free wicks (cotton wicks) and use 100% USA beeswax. They have candles from birthdays, to Chanukah, to Shabbat.
4) Honey Candles – Pure Beeswax
This Canadian company uses 100% beeswax locally sourced from small farms in Canada. They use cotton and paper wicks, avoiding harsh toxins like zinc and lead. The company will contribute $2 for products like the Honey Candles® Peek-a-Bee Pillar candle in support of saving the honeybee.
5) Ananda Natural Soy Candle Company – Non-Toxic Soy Candles
This is another option of a reasonably priced candle, however being soy. It is organically grown. The candles use cotton wicks and are free from zinc, lead and phthalate. They use essential oils for fragrance. And all components are manufactured in the USA. With the price and the quality, this is a win-win.
Bonus:
Some stores like TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack will have super saver candles that are organic, lead free, and generally non-toxic. Since candles can be stored year round, it doesn’t hurt to check out those sections every so often to get a good deal on them.
Conclusion
There are a ton of candles out there from Yankee to Bath and Body Works, and everything in-between. However, getting the more fancier or popular candle may seem okay, but they are definitely not safe. Unless they mention they are using 100% beeswax or 100% soy to make their candles, do not fall for the hype.
More and more companies are realizing the impact to Earth and the common goal to have more sustainable and eco-conscious manufacturing. And it is our jobs (unfortunately) as consumers to hold them to a higher standard.
Featured image courtesy of Rare Essence Aromatherapy
Article last updated on August 28th, 2021
