Ultimate Candle Buying Guide – Choose the Perfect One
Candles can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, but not all candles are created equal. Some may trigger headaches, nausea, or even respiratory irritation. If you want to enjoy a safe and soothing candle-burning experience, here’s what you need to know about selecting the best non-toxic candles.
1. Choose Natural Waxes for a Cleaner Burn
Many conventional candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of crude oil refining. Studies have shown that burning paraffin-based candles releases toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and long-term health risks.
Best Natural Wax Alternatives:
- Soy Wax – Burns cleanly, lasts longer, and releases fragrance gradually.
- Beeswax – Naturally air-purifying and provides a warm, honey-like scent.
- Coconut Wax – A sustainable option with a smooth, even burn.
When buying candles, check the label to ensure they are 100% soy, beeswax, or coconut wax rather than a 50-50 soy/paraffin blend to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
2. Opt for Essential Oil Candles Over Synthetic Fragrances
Many scented candles contain fragrance oils, which are synthetic compounds designed to enhance aroma. However, these artificial scents can trigger sensitivities in some people, leading to headaches, dizziness, or allergic reactions.
Why Essential Oils Are a Better Choice:
- Derived from organic plant parts using steam distillation or cold pressing.
- Non-toxic and therapeutic, offering natural aromatherapy benefits.
- Subtler, softer scents compared to overpowering synthetic fragrances.
For a truly natural experience, choose candles that use 100% pure essential oils rather than artificial fragrance blends. Keep in mind that while essential oils are safer, some people may still have sensitivities to certain natural aromas.
3. Quick Tips for Selecting the Best Candles
If you’re looking for safe, non-toxic candles, keep these key tips in mind:
- ✅ Choose natural waxes (soy, beeswax, or coconut) instead of paraffin.
- ✅ Opt for candles scented with essential oils, not synthetic fragrance oils.
- ✅ Check the label to ensure your candle is free from paraffin blends.
- ✅ Be mindful of sensitivities, even to natural scents like lavender or citrus.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more aromatic candle experience without compromising your well-being.
Experience Pure, Natural Candle Aromatherapy
At Lavender Backyard Garden, a New Zealand herb farm, we grow lavender, rosemary, and other botanicals to produce our own award-winning essential oils through steam distillation. Our candles are handcrafted in small batches using 100% natural soy wax and pure essential oils, ensuring a clean, toxin-free burn.
🌿 Discover our farm and explore our naturally scented candles today!
