In recent years, toxic candles have come under fire (no pun intended) for releasing dangerous chemicals into the air. Filled with paraffin, synthetic fragrances, and cheap fillers, burning these accessories can impact your health and well-being.
So, what’s the alternative for folks who want a pleasant scent and a clean burn? It turns out that there are plenty of natural wax candles to fill your home with a luscious aroma without making you sick.
What are natural wax candles made of?
Natural wax candles are crafted from renewable, plant-based, or animal-derived ingredients. Many include products like:
Soy wax
Vegan, clean-burning, and biodegradable, soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin, offering a long burn time and substantial projection. If you’re looking for a readily available option that isn’t bad for your health or the environment, soy is a great option.
Beeswax
Beeswax comes from the caps of honeycomb cells found inside beehives, so it contains a naturally sweet scent, adding a mild hint of honey to any fragrance blend. Another benefit is that beeswax can help purify the air, so these candles aren’t only safe, they’re actually healthy.
Plant-based waxes
You’ll find natural, organic wax candles made of various plant sources, including coconut, rapeseed, carnauba, and candelilla. These ingredients may improve texture, scent throw, or burn characteristics, boosting the overall ambiance every time you light the wick.
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Are natural wax candles worth it?
Some people are naturally more scent-driven than others. If you’re someone who savors your favorite aroma and always has a candle burning, natural wax candles are a must-have addition to your home. Here are a few of the benefits they offer:
Non-toxic ingredients
Unlike many mass-produced candles on the market, natural wax candles are free from harmful petroleum byproducts and release fewer toxins and less soot into the air. This can make a big difference in your indoor air quality, especially in smaller or poorly ventilated rooms.
Safe for pets and children
Children and pets can be particularly sensitive to artificial fragrances, dyes, and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air as a candle melts. Beeswax and other natural alternatives are generally safer than other options.
This means you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy without risking the health of your loved ones. However, some essential oils may not be suitable for use around pets, so do your research before striking a match.
Longer-lasting
If you’ve ever hosted a dinner party, you may have found that the tea lights in your decorative votive centerpieces have all burned down to nothing before your guests have finished dessert. But that shouldn’t be a problem with more sustainable candles.
On average, you can expect natural wax candles to burn 30% to 50% longer than paraffin varieties. This means more value per candle even if you pay a little more upfront.
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Best natural wax candles to try in your home
Ready to discover the unique aromas of natural wax candles? Adlan small-batch candles are expertly crafted in West Hollywood.
Most are housed in tasteful graphite stoneware vessels and include a soy-coconut base. Here are a few of our long-burning favorites to make your home smell incredible:
Adlan’s “Eve’s Nightcap”
Eve’s Nightcap from Adlan is a fruity gourmand aroma that blends notes of the forbidden fruit with sweet praline, earthy oak, and rich cognac for a scented sensation you’ll adore.
Adlan’s “Crowd Pleaser”
For a warm, woodsy aroma that leaves a lasting impression, you’ll want to experience Adlan’s Crowd Pleaser. This natural wax candle features top notes of Australian sandalwood and leather, followed by amber, green cardamom, and vetiver, before finishing with cedarwood and musk.
Adlan’s “Midnight Oil”
Midnight Oil is a rich, intoxicating aroma, invoking the quiet stillness that only reveals itself when the rest of the village has turned in for the evening. Vanilla, amber, and leather give way to patchouli and sandalwood for an exotic, alluring fragrance you’ll think about long after the sun rises.
Adlan’s “Plum Luck”
Another natural wax candle with a fruity gourmand scent profile is Adlan’s Plum Luck. With notes of amber, ripe plum, sugar cane, and aged parchment, this scent suggests tranquility, relaxation, and mindful reflection.
Adlan’s “Plague Doctor”
Orange peel, clove, and dark amber combine for an aromatherapeutic journey unlike any other. If you appreciate a strong citrus perfume with a hint of spice, Adlan’s Plague Doctor is for you. This captivating scent profile evokes a sense of mystery, intrigue, and discovery. Don’t be surprised if all your guests want to get in on the secret.
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Shop natural wax candles and home decor at RAREBIRD!
Whether you prefer the rustic appeal of an unscented tea light in a glass jar or you want to fill your home with the colors and smells of your favorite holiday, there’s a natural wax candle out there you’ll love. Shop our online collection or visit our Sarasota boutique to find your favorite scent today!
