The Truth About Clean Candles: Why You Don’t Have to Fear the Flame
The Truth About Clean Candles: Why You Don’t Have to Fear the Flame
Lately, there’s been a wave of concern about burning candles. Maybe you’ve seen the TikTok warning about indoor air pollution or read an article telling you to toss your entire candle collection. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear, but let’s take a step back and discuss what makes a candle safe.
The truth? Not all candles are created equal. Some do contain harmful ingredients, but the good news is that there are plenty of clean, non-toxic alternatives. If you love candles (like I do), you don’t have to give them up—you just need to know what to look for.
What Makes a Candle Toxic?
Some candles on the market are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that, when burned, can release potentially harmful chemicals into the air. Others use wicks that contain lead (yes, really) or fragrance oils packed with phthalates and other synthetic chemicals that can affect air quality. If you’ve ever burned a candle and felt a headache coming on, chances are it had something to do with these ingredients.
What Makes a Candle Clean?
A truly clean-burning candle should be made with natural, non-toxic ingredients. That’s why every candle I make is:
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Organic soy wax – No paraffin, no petroleum byproducts, just a smooth, clean burn.
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Cotton or wood wicks – Always lead-free, ensuring a safe and even flame.
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Phthalate-free fragrance oils & real essential oils – No harsh chemicals, just pure scents.
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Reusable & recyclable glass jars – Designed with purpose, because sustainability matters.
Burning Candles Safely
Even with the cleanest ingredients, proper candle care makes a big difference. To get the best burn from your candle (and make it last longer), always:
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Trim your wick to 1/4 inch before lighting.
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Let the wax melt evenly across the top to avoid tunneling.
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Burn in a well-ventilated area and never leave a candle unattended.
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Repurpose or recycle your glass jar when you're done.
The Bottom Line
Not all candles are bad; you don’t have to fear burning them. It’s all about choosing the right ones. When made with safe, high-quality ingredients, candles can be part of a cozy, intentional home—without worry.
So go ahead, light that wick, and enjoy the glow. Just make sure it’s a clean one.
P.S. If you're looking for candles you can trust, I’ve got you covered. 👀🤙🏻