With climate change being a hot topic these days, a lot of people have had to re-examine certain aspects of their way of life; in order to determine which habits they need to cut down on in order to preserve the planet, or what chemical compounds to avoid using.
Candle burning is one of the habits that have consistently been up for debate in certain circles, since candles may release certain amounts of green gases like acetone, benzene, etc when they burn (albeit in small doses). In the case of scented candles, there may be more compounds to worry about.
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF SCENTED CANDLES?
Scented candles are usually made from different materials, depending on the type of candle or the required product. However, the common components of scented candles – and any type of candle really – are the candle wax and the candle wick.
- Components of the candle wax
The choice of candle wax used typically determines how toxic or non-toxic a scented candle is going to be. Scented candles made with paraffin wax tend to be a lot more toxic compared to those made from soy wax, beeswax and other cleaner types of waxes (paraffin wax, being petroleum based, usually gives of toluene, benzene, acetone, formaldehyde and other chemical compounds that have high toxicity; which can also contribute to greenhouse effect and climate change, when they are present within the atmosphere in large quantities).
Also, those that do not contain dyes also tend to burn a lot more cleanly compared that those that do. This is because the components of candle dye can also contribute to the toxicity of candles, when they burn. Dyes are usually contained within the candle wax, along with fragrance.
Ideally, the type of fragrance that should be used in the production of scented candles should be natural and obtained from plant sources such as rose, lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, sandalwood, lemon, citrus and so many others. Essential oils are the best possible kinds of sources for fragrances to be used in the production of scented candles. Fragrances obtained from other materials other than natural plant sources are usually artificial in nature or synthetic and may contain more harmful chemicals, which are not only volatile and potentially dangerous to humans (and animals) when inhaled; but can also have adverse effects on the environment. Candles with such kinds of synthetic fragrances may also burn faster, as the components of the fragrances may allow the wax to burn hotter.
- Components of the candle wick
The wick of scented candles should ideally be made of completely 100 percent cotton fibers, to remain on the natural, non-toxic side of things.
IS VYBAR TOXIC?
Vybar is a common additive used in the production of scented candles, in order to amplify the strength of the candles’ scent (i.e. the throw). Sure, scented candles need to smell nice while burning (i.e. their hot throw has to be pleasant and strong). However, how they smell before being lit also matters a lot (i.e. the cold throw).
This is because a lot of people judge the quality of a candle by the strength of its cold throw; and if the aroma or scent is not the kind they want – or if it does not smell as strong as they would prefer – they may not purchase the scented candle. This is one of the reasons why candle makers add vybar into the wax during the candle making process.
This should be all good and dandy, yet, there is one important question to consider with the use of this additive: “Is vybar toxic?”
Well, there even though Vybar is made of a synthetic polymer, and it may have unfavorable effects on the candle wax and fragrance (particularly when used in large quantities), there is nothing that suggests that this substance is significantly toxic. However, it may trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to synthetic fragrances.
POPULAR BRANDS OF NATURAL SCENTED CANDLES
With scented candles, it is always good to go for good quality whenever you can. Some of the most popular brands of scented candles in the world include the following:
- Fable terrific scented candle
This candle has gives off orange blossom, honeysuckle, cedarwood, amber and violet notes. This candle gets its name from the tale of Androcles and the Lion, from the Aesop story. The tale is of a man who forms a friendship with a lion after assisting the beast to remove a thorn from its paw.
- Mrs. Meyer’s lavender soy candle
Priced at $10.99, this candle on the more affordable end of things, compared to some other candles on this list. It is made with cruelty-free ingredients (Mrs. Meyer’s products are Leaping Bunny certified), and it gives off a refreshing floral scent.
- Golden coast
Golden coast is a type of scented candle that gives off the natural fragrance of salty air, eucalyptus, palo santo, lime and white lavender. It is priced at less than $25!
- Boulangerie jar candle in whipped cream and pear
This natural candle contains and emits a natural pear fragrance, even though pear is not a very common scent in the world of candle making. In addition to the pear, it also has the aroma of whipped cream; a combination that is generally rare.
- Fontana candle co’s Cinnamon Orange Clove Essential Oil Candle
Fontana candles are well known for their natural, toxic-free candles, which are made from hand selected ingredients such as high quality coconut oil, beeswax, wood wicks and essential oils. Their Cinnamon Orange Clove Essential Oil Candle is one of their most popular products (it was one of MindBodyGreen’s favorite clean burning candles of 2021). This candle emits a spicy aroma of cinnamon, mixed with orange and clove notes.
- Anecdote’s candles’ Farmers Market
Farmers Market (Smells like Long Lines and Tote Bags) is a product of Anecdote’s candles that is guaranteed to make your home smell like ginger, clementine, meadow grass, vanilla orchid, nutmeg and sandalwood. It also has a very interesting name (one of the things Anecdote’s candles is very famous for).
- La Luer ‘s White Cactus
La Luer candles are one of the most popular brands of natural candles in the world. They are made from natural coconut wax, high quality oil blends and cotton wicks that are completely made from cotton. Their White Cactus is especially popular.
