There’s nothing better than getting home from a long hard day at work, running a bath, and lighting a few scented candles to relax you. But whether you like relaxing in the bath with the warm soothing glow of a candle near you, or flopping on the sofa and lighting a a candle while you flick through Netflix, just make sure you don’t light a candle made from paraffin wax…
Why Most Candles are Toxic and Harmful
It’s only been recently that people have been made aware of the harmful toxic chemicals in candles, and as well as containing harmful toxins in the wax itself, a lot of candles also have heavy metals (including lead) in the wicks to make them firmer.
Unfortunately normal paraffin wax candles create and release benzene and toluene when they’re burned, which are actually the same chemicals released by diesel cars. Paraffin wax itself is made from petroleum waste, not to mention scented candles releasing high amounts of formaldehyde. According to The Telegraph, “The Health Protection Agency lists formaldehyde as a possible human carcinogen, as well as being toxic and corrosive. It can also cause nosebleeds, sore throats, coughs and stinging eyes.” Definitely not something you want to have in your home, especially if you already suffer from asthma, sensitive skin and skin issues such as eczema!
The Best Non-Toxic Scented Candles
Thankfully there are plenty of non-toxic and organic alternatives that won’t fill your lungs with carcinogenic toxins, and although they are far more pricey than your £2.50 IKEA tealights or £6 scented Yankee Candle, the following brands make scented organic candles with cotton wicks, so you can light a candle and truly relax without worrying about breathing in toxic chemicals!
1. Neom
Wellness brand Neom create beautiful non-toxic candles using the highest quality essential oils. Their 100% natural wax candles contain up to 40mls of therapeutic essential oils, and come in a variety of different scents. Our favourite is the Tranquility Scented Candle – a combination of English lavender, sweet basil & jasmine plus 16 other essential oils!
Purchase a Neom candle
2. Peppermint Grove
Hailing from Australia, Peppermint Grove create beautiful 100% soy candles with lead-free wicks. The candles and diffusers are handmade in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, but thankfully they’re also available in the UK and US as well. We love the Fresh Sage & Cedar, and their seasonal limited edition candles are also fabulous!
Purchase a Peppermint Grove candle
3. ECOYA
ECOYA candles are non-toxic and are an Australasian brand; designed in New Zealand and handcrafted in Australia. Their products are guided by leading perfumers and fragrance experts, ensuring the very best quality of scent whilst using natural soy wax and 100% cotton wicks. Our favourite is Coconut & Elderflower, and Vanilla Bean which is a perfect combination of vanilla and butterscotch!
Purchase an ECOYA candle
4. Aromatherapy Associates
Aromatherapy Associates are a British brand creating luxury soy candles with unbleached 100% cotton wicks. Their candles have a 42 hour burn time, and whilst these ones are pricey, here’s a sneaky tip – they often have Aromatherapy Associates candles half-price in TK Maxx 😉 You can thank us later!
Purchase an Aromatherapy Associates candle
5. MOR Boutique
Yes, yet another Australian brand on the list! One thing we really need to thank the Aussies for is their dedication to providing organic, healthy, and safe products for us to use! MOR Boutique is a truly luxury brand so ideal for adding to your Christmas list if you can’t justify the cost of their products. Their soy candles are housed in the most beautiful glass jars with *very* fancy lids!
Purchase a MOR Boutique candle
What to look for when buying non-toxic candles?
Make sure they don’t contain paraffin wax, limonene (which is what turns into formaldehyde when it hits the air), and it’s always best to find candles that have cotton wicks. Most true organic candles will be made with either Soy, or Beeswax.
There’s no doubt about it that soy candles are far more expensive than your supermarket ones, but we promise they really are worth it, after all, you can’t put a price on your family’s health.
