Candles create a wonderful sense of calm and a warm ambience. Bring a spa day to your home every day with plant based, naturally scented candles.
Simple, pure ingredients that are free from harmful toxins and lightly scented with plants make the perfect candles for gifting on any occasion.
What are natural candles?
Candles made from a natural source are generally classed as natural candles and are a much safer choice. Natural wax, one hundred percent essential oils (not a blend) with a cotton wick is the type of candle to be looking for.
Not all candles are created equally and although some candles might display a label "made with soy wax", it's possible it is a blend, which may include harmful chemicals.
We breathe what we burn and if you're a candle lover who usually has one burning, it's important to know what you're breathing in. Choosing a non toxic candle is not always straightforward. In terms of wax and 'clean candles' go for the following:
Soy wax candles:
A soy candle is one using wax made from soy beans. The beans have been cleaned, cracked and hulled and then rolled into flakes before entering the candle-making process.
Soy wax candles are common - make sure they're wholly soy or vegetable wax and not blended with something else, like paraffin.
Beeswax candles:
This is a clean burning option that has air purifying qualities. Beeswax has been used to make candles for centuries and in the very early days of candle making, was blended with animal fats known as tallow.
With a slight aromatic of honey, for obvious reasons, beeswax is known to make the best organic candles available. It's a clean burning wax, burns longer than other vegetable wax blend options and is a nice unscented option with the subtle honey smell.
Vegan candle wax:
A soy candle is the most common of vegan candles. Beeswax candles are not vegan, although it's worth noting that bees are not harmed in the extraction of wax. Coconut wax and other vegetable blends are also good options.
Look for one hundred percent soy or vegetable based options to avoid a blend that may contain other products.
Be mindful of labels - what about palm oil wax?
Of course, choosing plant based products for candle making is best. However be conscious of products like palm oil. Be sure to source from brands that support sustainable palm oil programmes and reforestation projects, which are cruelty free and kind to the environment.
Hand poured soy candles with an unbleached cotton wick, free from artificial dyes and made with one hundred percent pure essential oils make the most vegan-friendly candles.
Are there some natural candles that are healthier than others?
Typically beeswax is the most clean burning of wax candles. Not only that, it helps to purify the air, pulling toxins from your environment.
Interestingly, some people occasionally have reactions to plant based candles. This is typically those with a susceptibility to allergens. Tread carefully if you're an allergy sufferer.
Decorating with environmentally friendly products:
Nature-inspired elements are welcome in any decor style, in any room in your home.
Choose decor items like sheepskin, rustic and reclaimed wood, natural and organic candles and include elements of greenery to soften.
Sheepskin products will be the focal point and most comfortable pieces you can fill your home with. Pop a sheepskin shaggy bag down with a footstool or ottoman, a natural candle on the hearth and a book by your side.
What should I look for when shopping for candles?
Mt Gold Sheepskin Shaggy Bean Bag
Look for products with cotton wicks and those that are scented with naturally derived products. Wood wicks offer a nice crackle, cotton wicks burn nicely and vegetable wax candles will burn cleaner.
True non toxic candles are obscure. Wax blends are common and companies will often only point out the 'good' wax. Paraffin free wax is an important first step. This is a by-product of petroleum and is best avoided when buying or making candles. Paraffin wax typically puts soot into the air and doesn't burn as clean. Lead wicks are seldom used these days and are banned in many countries. Steer well clear of these.
Go for natural fragrance and scents
The candle industry is largely unregulated and can be a mine field to navigate. Anything that has 'fragrance' in the scent label is likely to be a synthetic fragrance. It's pretty tricky to put genuine 'sea salt' and 'fresh linen' smells in a jar. Many brands that make seasonal candles are guilty of synthetics.
A true natural candle will have naturally derived scents. Honey candles made from beeswax will give off a light honey scent. Lavender, orange blossom and white tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) are popular choices. Be sure to read 'one hundred percent natural or one hundred percent essential oil' when deciding on fragrances.
A true natural scent will have a mild aroma and not be overpowering. Humans are sensitive to smells and like music, they can trigger memories and indicate mood.
The takeaway:
Purify the air, soften the atmosphere, calm your space, and have a wonderfully scented home with candles. Just remember to snuff them out and never leave a candle burning overnight or when you nip to the store.
In ancient Greek times a candle symbolised "divine" and candles were used to offer sacrifice by lighting the temples of the Gods.
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