If the long, dark, gloomy winter days have you stuck suffering from the winter blues, you are not alone. Candles have been an age-old way of boosting your mood to embrace the cozy winter season.
Candles are a great way to add ambiance and fragrance to a room, but traditional candles can release potentially harmful toxins into the air, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Eaks! If you’re like me, you are always thinking about what’s healthy and what’s harmful to you and your family.
Thankfully, there are now options for non-toxic candles that can provide all of the benefits of traditional candles without the negative side effects.
What Makes A Candle Toxic?
Candles can be toxic if they are made with certain materials or ingredients. Here are a few ingredients to steer clear of.
Paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle material and can emit potentially hazardous chemicals into the air when burned. Paraffin is a petroleum waste product that creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned.
Other ingredients to be wary of are lead, fragrance, and dyes. It’s best to check the candle’s label carefully before buying to ensure it is made with non-toxic materials and has no artificial fragrances or chemicals.
Soy wax and beeswax are better alternatives as they produce fewer toxins.
The Best Non-Toxic Candles
If you’re looking for non-toxic candles, there are several options available.
You can find petroleum-free, paraffin-free, and 100% natural soy wax candles from many online retailers. Soy wax is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable and produces very little soot when burned. Soy wax candles also burn longer than other types of wax, so they are a more economical choice.
Amazon has a few options like this coconut wax, wood wick candle that plants a tree with every candle purchase. I also absolutely love Siblings candles. All their candles are non-toxic, and provide refill kits to refill all your favorite vessels.
Another option is beeswax candles like these adorable taper handmade candles. Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees and has several benefits. It is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making it a great choice for those with allergies or sensitivities. Beeswax candles also burn longer and produce a brighter flame than other types of candles. In addition, beeswax candles have a natural, honey-like scent that is subtle and not overpowering.
Essential oil candles are another non-toxic option. These candles are made with a base of soy wax or beeswax and are infused with essential oils for fragrance. Essential oils are natural plant extracts that have a variety of therapeutic benefits. When burned in a candle, the essential oils are released into the air, providing both fragrance and therapeutic benefits.
Candle Alternatives
There are many alternatives to candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. You could try using string lights, lanterns, or oil diffusers. String lights give a warm and cozy feel and can be hung around windows or doorways. Lanterns come in various shapes and sizes and can be placed on a shelf or tabletop. Oil diffusers are a great way to add a pleasant scent to your home while creating a calming ambiance. I love this Thymes diffuser; it makes my house smell like a pine forest.
Non-toxic candles are a great alternative to traditional candles and can provide all of the benefits without the negative side effects. Whether you choose soy wax, beeswax, essential oil candles, or some candle alternative, there are plenty of options to choose from that will invite all warmth and cozy comfort to embrace the winter season.
What are your favorite ways to invite winter and enjoy the cold season?
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