We’ve all bought candles at some point simply because they were pretty, would look perfect on the mantle or make a great gift. We don’t stop to think that burning those candles might release toxins into the air that we inhale, that the friends and loved ones we gifted these candles to would be inhaling said toxins.
Fragrance
Sure, “Sugar Cookie” or “Apple Pie” are fragrances that stir up meaningful memories but, that’s exactly what they are, fragrances. Unfortunately, you can’t capture the aroma of Apple Pie simply by bottling the air while baking, the aroma has to be synthetically made. A good rule of thumb is, whenever you see the words “Fragrance” or “Perfume” oils (even if it says Natural Fragrance) you can assume it is completely synthetic and you should keep away.
Since synthetic fragrance contains phthalates, which are chemicals that can cause or trigger several issues including; hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, allergies, headaches or migraines, asthma attacks and even reproductive problems, you want to ensure you steer clear of burning this surreptitious menace.
Wax
Another point of contention is the type of wax used in most commercially available candles. While hard-core Paraffin users will swear to the ingredient’s “organic” status, other candle makers and users sing a different tune. Because paraffin is so much cheaper than alternative waxes like soy, plant and beeswax, it is the most common candle on the market.
Paraffin for candle making is by definition a byproduct of distilling petroleum. Petroleum is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons present in certain rock strata which can be extracted and refined into things like gasoline. Here’s the rub, although the National Candle Association (NCA) defends the use of Paraffin wax in candle making, both the EPA and the State of California (under prop. 65) have identified several major toxins in paraffin including Toluene and Benzene which are known human carcinogens.
The simple fact that there is debate on the topic of Paraffin adversely affecting air quality is enough to turn me off to the ingredient!
Wicks
Wicks are yet another big issue. Even though the use of lead in candle wicks is banned in the US, there is regretfully no surefire way to tell what kind of wick a given candle contains - especially when it comes to imported candles.
Since candle makers do not have to list ingredients on the labels, how are consumer supposed to know what base materials are in their candle? How are we to decide for ourselves if we want to inhale harmful chemicals?
Plantlife Candles
By now, I’m sure most of you know our motto, “For People and Planet”. It’s this same motto that drives us to provide the highest quality, most sustainable products. We apply this attitude to our candle line as well. As a health and wellness company at heart (not to mention our love of pure essential oils) the air we breathe is just as important to us as what we put in or on our bodies.
Like all Plantlife products, our Aromatherapy candles were formulated for their therapeutic benefit. Weather it’s our relaxing Lavender (great for the bedroom) or our uplifting Lemongrass & Orange, all of our candles are made with 100% pure essential oils, a mixture of plant based and soy waxes and cotton wicks.
New Pest-Off Product and Special Promotion
We are thrilled to announce the release of the newest addition to our Pest-Off line of natural pest repellent… The Pest-Off Candle! Like all Plantlife candles, the Pest-Off Candle is made with only 100% pure essential oils (including Citronella) known for their repellent properties.
Keep troublesome pests away from your kitchen, picnic table or campfire with this wonderfully natural new candle!