Who wouldn’t want their home to radiate the refreshing aroma of a spring garden or freshly laundered linens? It’s a rhetorical question because most of us crave a home that emits a clean and inviting scent. Typically, we turn to candles, spray fragrances like Febreze, and scented plugins to ensure our living spaces remain free from unwanted odors lingering from pets, food, or unwashed dishes.
For quite some time, I also enjoyed buying candles from Bath and Body Works and discovering all the different scents available in the candle section at Home Goods. However, I endured frequent headaches without ever suspecting that my beloved scented candles might be the culprit. Fast forward through years of research, and now you’ll only find essential oils being diffused or non-toxic candle options in our home. Join me as we explore why conventional candles might be harming your family’s health. The good news is there’s a plethora of excellent alternatives available, including non-toxic candles, which can still leave your home wonderfully fragrant.
The Toxic Truth Behind Traditional Candles
Most candles found in stores are typically crafted from paraffin wax infused with synthetic fragrances and have traditional cotton wicks. Each of these components poses distinct health risks, so let’s examine them individually.
Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum oil (a byproduct of gasoline), is a cost-effective material for producing candles with extended burn times. However, when lit, paraffin releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified VOCs as contributors to both short- and long-term health issues, with indoor concentrations of VOCs being up to 10x higher than outdoors. Exposure to VOCs can lead to headaches, liver and kidney damage, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, allergies, nausea, and even cancer 1.
Among the VOCs released by paraffin wax, notable ones include acetone, benzene, and toluene, with benzene recognized as a human carcinogen. If you are interested in learning more about the most noteworthy VOC’s, click the chemical to link to a detailed toxicology profile.
Synthetic fragrances are employed to evoke specific aromas, such as the comforting scents of apple pie, sugar cookie or pine during Christmas. These scents instantly make you connect and have a certain feeling. Unfortunately, these scents can be made up of thousands of chemical compounds and you as a consumer will have no idea what makes up the fragrance. The FDA does not require the ingredients in the fragrance to be listed because the mixture is propriety 2. This makes the word fragrance an umbrella term where so many chemical ingredients can be the structure. One ingredient we know is in fragranced candles and products are phthalates.
Upon burning, phthalates are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, entering the bloodstream, and causing various symptoms, including asthma, headaches, dermatitis, allergic reactions, and hormonal disruptions 3. Chemicals that interfere with our hormones are known as endocrine disruptors (and for good reason). Phthalates specifically mimic our hormones which upregulate estrogen and often lower or block testosterone. They can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting development, reproduction, and neurological functions. Moreover, exposure to phthalates has been linked to estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast, lung, kidney, brain, and pancreatic cancers.
A 2016 survey revealed that 99.1% of participants were exposed to fragrance products weekly, with 34.7% reporting adverse health effects4. Although this figure may underestimate the true prevalence due to individuals not associating symptoms like headaches or acne with fragrance exposure. Read this post about more toxic ingredients you want to avoid.
Candle wicks are commonly made from cotton, wood, paper, or metal, depending on the manufacturer. While lead-containing wicks were banned in 2003 due to health concerns, other wick materials may undergo chemical treatments that pose risks when burned. For instance, cotton wicks are often treated with chemicals to prolong burning, releasing these substances into the air. Opting for organic cotton wicks may mitigate such risks. Limited information is available regarding the health implications of wood or metal wicks, suggesting they may not present significant concerns. I would make sure to look for untreated wood wicks as treated wood could be an issue just like it is for cotton.
Understanding Healthier Non-Toxic Candle Alternative Swaps
So, you’re craving that delightful aroma in your home, but you’ve learned that traditional candles aren’t the healthiest option. What are your alternatives? The good news is you have plenty!
Simmering spices offer a wonderful alternative to burning candles for infusing your home with a cozy scent. It’s an easy way to enjoy long-lasting fragrance. Simply grab a large pot, fill it halfway with water, and add your chosen ingredients (some ideas listed below). Bring the water and ingredients to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. That’s it! Your home will soon be filled with an amazing aroma. You can keep this simmering pot going for hours, just remember to check on it occasionally and add more water if needed.
Here are a few ingredient ideas:
- Orange and lemon slices are a go to option
- Fresh or dried herbs such as mint, rosemary, lemon balm etc.
- Apples sliced up
- Cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, perfect for holiday scents
Essential oils are one of my favorite ways to create a pleasant scent in the house while also offering various health benefits. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts used for their aroma and therapeutic properties. There are numerous ways to use essential oils, but for now, let’s focus on aromatherapy. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a diffuser filled with water and let it spread the scent throughout the room. You can have different diffusers in various parts of the house.
While there are many fantastic essential oil options available, it’s essential to remember that not all oils are safe for use around pets, children, or during pregnancy. Always do a quick Google search to ensure safety before using any new oil in your home. Some of my favorite oils include lavender for its calming properties, peppermint for relieving headaches, wild orange for an energizing boost, and eucalyptus for congestion relief. Each oil offers its own unique benefits!
When it comes to purchasing essential oils, quality matters. Stick to reputable brands like Plant Therapy and Mountain Rose Herbs, or consider doTERRA, which has received positive reviews although I have not personally used them.
DIY room sprays using essential oils are an excellent alternative to commercial products like Febreze or Poopourri. You can easily find small glass spray bottles on Amazon or in stores like Target. All you need are three simple ingredients: witch hazel (or vodka), essential oils of your choice, and distilled water. The witch hazel or vodka helps emulsify the essential oils in the water, ensuring a lasting scent.
For a 4 oz spray bottle, use 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 15-20 drops of essential oil (such as lavender with lemon), and top it off with 1/4 cup of distilled water. Give it a good shake, and you’ve got yourself a natural room spray that can be used throughout your home or in the bathroom.
Lower-Tox/Safer Candle Options
But what if you can’t resist that beautiful candle glow in your home? The good news is, with increasing awareness about toxins in regular candles, many brands are stepping forward with safer options. Look for candles made from 100% pure beeswax or coconut wax, sourced from a single origin without blending with other waxes. It is okay if the candle has beeswax and coconut but ensure those are the only waxes used.
Beeswax is an excellent safer (possibly considered non-toxic candle) option, especially when it’s pure and not blended with other waxes. It’s a natural substance produced by honeybees to build their combs. Beeswax typically contains bee pollen and enzymes. Since it’s derived from a natural source, beeswax doesn’t release toxic byproducts like paraffin wax, resulting in better air quality. And it releases the least amount of soot into the air which is important because inhaling soot particles has been correlated with toxicity to the cells and inflammation in the lungs.
There’s ongoing discussion about whether beeswax may even be beneficial for air quality, as it releases negative ions that attach to airborne particles, though scientific evidence is still emerging. Additionally, beeswax has a natural sweet scent, and you may not even need to add fragrance, though if desired, opt for candles that use only essential oils. Beeswax candles also burn longer and produce less soot than traditional candles.
Coconut wax is another safer option and more sustainable than candles made purely from soy or palm oil. Coconut wax is likely to be blended with another wax (ensure its soy and not paraffin) due to its high smoke point, requiring a binder. Made from coconut oil extracted from coconuts, coconut wax is minimally processed. Studies have shown that coconut wax candles along with beeswax produce much less soot than paraffin wax candles, and they are more sustainable since they originate from the fruit of a tree. While there hasn’t been extensive scientific research on coconut wax, its natural properties make it a promising alternative to everyday candles.
A Few Recommended Candles Brands:
- Ames Farm– Offers 100% Beeswax candles that are unscented, boasting a beautiful glow, natural scent, and yellow tone. A candle pillar costs around $25 for 5″ with a 120-hour burn time.
- Fontana Candle Co. – Features a blend of beeswax and coconut oil using only essential oils and a wood-burning wick. Currently priced at $24 for a 9oz jar with an approximate burn time of 35-40 hours.
- Lomar Candles– Make sure to purchase the unscented beeswax candle as the scented ones are not guaranteed to use only essential oils.
- Meanginful Mantras– Offers coconut wax candles scented with pure essential oils and featuring unbleached cotton wicks.
- Natural Sloth– Presents a blend of beeswax and coconut wax with essential oils and wooden wicks. A 9oz jar is priced at $33, offering a 50-hour burn time.
Another non-toxic candle option is to make your own! This allows you to precisely control the ingredients, explore a new hobby, and potentially save money, considering that beeswax and coconut candles with pure essential oils can be expensive. All you need to make your own candles are pure beeswax (available in bricks or pellets for melting), jars (which can be repurposed old candle jars or mason jars, etc.), and organic cotton wicks, with essential oils being optional. Here’s a helpful “how-to guide” I found that breaks out the steps.
Conclusion
In our quest for a fragrant and inviting home, we often turn to conventional candles without considering the potential health risks they pose. However, the toxic truth behind traditional candles reveals alarming concerns about the chemicals released into our indoor environment. From paraffin wax emitting volatile organic compounds to synthetic fragrances containing harmful phthalates, these candles can contribute to various health issues, including headaches, respiratory problems, and hormonal disruptions.
But fear not! There are numerous healthier alternatives available to infuse your home with delightful scents while safeguarding your family’s well-being. From simmering spices and essential oils to DIY room sprays, you can achieve a beautifully fragrant home without compromising on safety.
Furthermore, if you still crave the warm glow of candles, opt for safer options like 100% pure beeswax or coconut wax candles. These natural alternatives not only offer exquisite aromas but also burn cleaner and longer, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
Call to Action
Join the conversation in the comments section below! Share your thoughts, experiences, and any additional tips for creating a healthier home environment.
Spread awareness about the hidden dangers of traditional candles by sharing this article with your friends and family on social media platforms. Together, we can empower others to make informed choices and prioritize their health and well-being. Let’s create a safer, more fragrant living space for everyone!
This blog may contain affiliate links. This means that when you make a purchase or engage with the provided links, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The commissions earned help support the maintenance of this blog and the creation of valuable content. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services that I genuinely believe in and have personally used.
Article Refrences
- US EPA. Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality | US EPA. US EPA. Published 2018. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Fragrances in Cosmetics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published 2019. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/fragrances-cosmetics
- Al Khathlan N, Basuwaidan M, Al Yami S, Al-Saif F, Al-Fareed S, Ansari K. Extent of exposure to scented candles and prevalence of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms amongst young university students. BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15001-6
- Steinemann A. Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z
