When it comes to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, candles play a significant role. Candles give our home a warm and inviting feel. However, not all candles are created equal. The type of wax used in your candles can have a profound impact on your health and the environment. Silvana Johnson, the owner of Live Your Faith Catholic, emphasizes the importance of selecting the right candle wax, stating, "People are more aware that paraffin is not good for you. They want to know what kind of wax is being used in their candles." If you want clean-burning candles from non toxic candle brands. Look for candles made from soy wax, coconut wax and most of all, beeswax.
Are Candles Really Toxic?
With the growing concern about the potential health risks associated with certain candle waxes, it's essential to understand the various types available on the market. The most common candle waxes include paraffin, soy, coconut, and beeswax. Each type of wax has its own unique properties, advantages, and disadvantages, which we will explore further in this blog post.
By understanding the differences between these candle waxes, you can make an informed decision when choosing candles for your home. This knowledge will help you create a healthier and more eco-friendly living space while still enjoying the ambiance and fragrance that candles provide.
Toxic Candle Waxes to Avoid
Paraffin Wax (Conventional Candles)
What is Paraffin Wax? Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel. Silvana Johnson, owner of Live Your Faith Catholic, explains, "Paraffin wax, because it's derived from petroleum. It's a non-renewable fossil fuel, and it releases harmful pollutants such as benzene and toluene into the air, contributing to indoor pollution."
Potential Health Risks Associated with Paraffin Candles Long-term exposure to the toxins released by paraffin candles has been linked to respiratory issues and other health problems. Dr. Amid Hamidi from South Carolina State University states, "It is the present authors' interest and aims to inform the public that burning candles, specifically paraffin based candles, are hazardous to human health. Candles are burned all over the world, and this is done mainly indoors that people inhale the emission product even long after the burning has finished.
A study published by the EPA found that burning paraffin candles can release potentially hazardous chemicals like alkanes and toluene, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.
Other Synthetic Waxes and Their Drawbacks
Silvana also cautions against other synthetic waxes, such as gel wax and petroleum-based blends. She explains that gel wax, made from mineral oil and polymer resin, can release volatile organic compounds when burned, irritating the respiratory system and worsening indoor air quality. Petroleum-based blends, while less expensive, pose similar health and environmental risks as paraffin wax.
Additionally, Silvana advises avoiding cheap imported candles that may contain waxes not meeting safety and quality standards, as well as artificially scented candles with synthetic fragrances and dyes that can release additional harmful chemicals when burned.
To ensure a healthier and safer home environment, consider switching to candles made from natural and sustainable waxes, such as the 100% beeswax candles offered by Live Your Faith Catholic. Their Our Lady Bees Wax Pillar Candle and Rose Bess wax Pillar Candle are excellent choices for those seeking a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin candles.
Best Non-Toxic Candles to Breathe In (and Safest!)
100% Beeswax Candles and Their Benefits
Silvana Johnson, owner of Live Your Faith Catholic, emphasizes the safety and benefits of 100% beeswax candles. She states, "The safest candles to breathe in are those made from natural, renewable waxes such as beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax. These candles typically produce a cleaner burn with minimal emissions of harmful pollutants, making them a safer option for indoor use. Beeswax candles are often considered one of the safest options, as they are natural, non-toxic, emit little to no soot when burned, they are also a natural air purifier and have a subtle, sweet honey scent, perfect for those looking for a nice ambiance but are sensitive to smells."
Beeswax candles, release negative ions when burned, which can help neutralize pollutants, allergens, and odors in the air, acting as a natural air purifier.
Live Your Faith Catholic offers a range of 100% beeswax candles, such as the Our Lady Bees Wax Pillar Candle (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/products/our-lady-bees-wax-pillar-candle) and the Rose Bess wax Pillar Candle (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/products/rose-besswax-pillar-candle), which are excellent choices for those seeking a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin candles.
How Organic Beeswax Candles are Made
Beeswax candles are made from the wax produced by honey bees. The wax is harvested from honeycombs, cleaned, and then melted down to create candles. This process ensures that the candles are 100% natural and free from any additives or synthetic materials.
Soy Wax Candles, Soy Wax Blend Candles, and Coconut Wax Candles
Soy and coconut wax candles are also considered safer alternatives to paraffin candles. These plant-based waxes are renewable, biodegradable, and produce a cleaner burn compared to paraffin wax. They also have a lower melting point, which allows for a longer burn time and better scent throw.
Live Your Faith Catholic's Blessed Mother Collection (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/collections/curated-candle-sets/products/our-blessed-mother-collection) features a delightful set of coconut soy wax candles with our favorite rose scents, providing a safer and more environmentally friendly option for your home.
Comparison with Beeswax Candles
While soy and coconut wax candles are safer than paraffin candles, they do not have the same air-purifying properties as beeswax candles. However, they still offer a cleaner burn and are a more eco-friendly choice compared to paraffin wax.
By choosing candles made from natural, renewable waxes like beeswax, soy, and coconut, you can create a safer and healthier environment in your home while still enjoying the ambiance and fragrance that candles provide.
Popular Scented Candle Brands and Their Wax Types
Yankee Candles and the Type of Wax Used in Yankee Candles
Yankee Candles from Yankee Candle Company, a well-known candle brand, primarily uses paraffin wax in their candles. Silvana Johnson, owner of Live Your Faith Catholic, confirms this, stating, "For Yankee candles, it's just paraffin."
Potential Concerns with Yankee Candles
Paraffin wax candles like that found in Yankee Candles can release harmful pollutants when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution and potentially causing health issues. A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that burning paraffin candles can release toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens.
Consumers who are concerned about the potential health risks associated with paraffin candles may want to consider alternatives, such as the 100% beeswax candles offered by Live Your Faith Catholic. Their Beeswax Taper Candles Set of Three (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/collections/curated-candle-sets/products/beeswax-taper-candles-set-of-three) provides a healthier option for those who enjoy the ambiance of taper candles while praying, reading spiritual books, or meditating.
Ingredients Used in Bath and Body Works Candles
Bath and Body Works candles contain a blend of different waxes in their products. Silvana explains, "Bath and Body Works, it uses vegetable wax mixed with paraffin wax and with soy wax. So, they do that so they can appeal to consumers seeking more natural and sustainable options. However, paraffin wax remains a prevalent choice for their candles."
Pros and Cons of Using Bath and Body Works Candles
While Bath and Body Works incorporates some natural waxes like soy and vegetable wax into their candles, the presence of paraffin wax raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with burning these candles. The exact proportions of each wax in their blends are not disclosed, making it difficult for consumers to determine the level of paraffin wax present in their candles.
On the positive side, Bath and Body Works candles are known for their strong scent throw and wide variety of fragrances. However, consumers prioritizing their health and indoor air quality may prefer candles made entirely from natural, non-toxic waxes.
For those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on scent, Live Your Faith Catholic's Our Jesus I trust in you prayer candle ( https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/collections/saint-quotes-candles/products/jesus-i-trust-in-you ) offers a delightful coconut soy wax blend with a delicious White Tea sweet herbal scent, providing a safer and environmentally friendly option for your home.
Benefits of Choosing Hand poured Prayer Candles, The Best Non Toxic Candles
Advantages of using Soy, Coconut, or 100% Beeswax Hand poured prayer candles, like those offered by Live Your Faith Catholic, These waxes offer several advantages over traditional paraffin wax candles. We want a clean burn from natural candles and sustainable candles for our home. Healthy candles are our goal.
Soy and coconut wax are renewable, biodegradable, and produce a cleaner burn compared to paraffin wax. They also have a lower melting point, allowing for a longer burn time and better scent throw. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are known for their air-purifying properties, as they are believed to release negative ions that can help neutralize pollutants, allergens, and odors in the air.
How Hand poured Prayer Candles With Natural and Sustainable Properties Support a Healthier Home Environment
By choosing hand poured prayer candles made from natural, non-toxic waxes, you can create a healthier home environment for yourself and your loved ones. These candles produce minimal emissions of harmful pollutants, ensuring that the air you breathe remains clean and free from toxic chemicals.
Silvana shares her experience with customers who are concerned about the type of wax used in their candles, saying, "They're always concerned about what kind of wax I use. Some people even think that soy wax and coconut wax are not as good, you know, that it has to be beeswax, which is the healthiest one out of all of them, this is true, but the other ones are safe to burn as well."
Our hand poured prayer candles not only support a healthier home environment but also promote a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. By opting for candles made from renewable resources, you can reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the spiritual benefits and ambiance that prayer candles provide.
Non-toxic candle brands include Live Your Faith Catholic's candles made from 100% beeswax. For example, Live Your Faith Catholic's Praying Angel (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/products/guardian-angel-beeswax-candle) is an excellent choice for those seeking a 100% natural and eco-friendly option for their prayer and meditation practices.
The Importance of Selecting the Right Candle Wax
Remember, there are various types of candle waxes available and you want to think of their potential impact on your health and home environment. Paraffin wax, commonly used in many popular candle brands, can release harmful pollutants when burned, potentially contributing to indoor air pollution and health issues. The reason why big companies use paraffin is because is very inexpensive and it is a great conductor of scents, that is why their scent through is so strong.
As conscious consumers, it's essential to prioritize our well-being and the health of our loved ones. By opting for hand poured prayer candles made from safe, natural waxes like those offered by Live Your Faith Catholic, you can take a proactive step towards promoting a healthier home environment.
Silvana Johnson, owner of Live Your Faith Catholic, understands the importance of using high-quality, natural ingredients in her candles. Her dedication to crafting candles from 100% beeswax, soy, and coconut wax ensures that you can enjoy the beauty and spiritual benefits of candles without compromising your health or the environment.
Explore our Collection of Homemade Prayer Candles
We invite you to explore Live Your Faith Catholic's exquisite collection of homemade prayer candles, crafted with love and care using only the finest natural waxes. From the Our Lady and Child Bees Wax Pillar Candle (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/products/virgin-mary-and-child-beeswax-prayer-candle) to our Cylinder Pillar Candle (https://liveyourfaithcatholic.com/products/100-beeswax-pillar-candle) you'll find a wide range of options to suit your spiritual needs and personal preferences.
If you're currently using paraffin wax candles or other synthetic waxes, we encourage you to make the switch to safer, natural alternatives. The reason why companies use paraffin wax is because is very cheap, bees wax is one of the most expensive waxes out there follow by coconut wax, so you will pay more for this candles but at the end is cheaper than having health issues.
