How to Choose | Buying Guide to Candles

June 2020

How to Choose Candles that Won't Make You Feel Sick From NZ Lavender Herb Farm

But how to choose candles that won't make you feel sick?

Candle quality varies in the market. A candle may trigger some sensitive reactions such as headaches, nausea, and coughing for some people. Here are some tips for you to know for selecting something top notch.

1. Choose Natural Waxes

Many cheaper candles are made out of paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil refining process. Study found that burning paraffin-based candles released toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene. Long-term exposure could pollute indoor air and be bad for your health. Choose candles that are made from natural alternatives and particular vegetable wax such as soy wax, beeswax and coconut wax. Natural waxes not only give us a cleaner burning with no-toxic candles but also make candles burn longer. The scent is gradually released allowing for a more pleasant burning experience.

However, it is important to check the percentage of soy wax that is contained in the candle. Make sure it is not a 50-50 soy/paraffin blend before you buy a candle.

2. Go Essential Oil Candles

Fragrance oils are highly concentrated synthetic compounds. The aroma compounds are designed to be lightweight which allows them to reach your scent receptors as they breakdown. Scientists suggest that while fragrance oils can be pleasant, it can stimulate the nerve system in the brain which is associated with head pain. If you are looking for aromatherapy benefits from your candles, you should look for a candle scented only with essential oils. Pure essential oils are derived from organic plant parts through processes such as steam distillation, solvent extraction and expressed oils. In general, candles scented with pure essential oils are not as strong as fragrance oils, instead it tends to have softer and more subtle scents.

Cleaner candles with more natural scents are better for everyone.

100% soy wax scented with pure essential oils are always a great choice for those who loves natural aromatherapy or for those who are sensitive to chemical fragrances. Keep in mind, even though essential oil candles give subtle scents, it is still possible to be allergic to them for some people.