Candles are possibly one of the most requested items in our retail stores. We do listen to customers' requests so we have made extensive enquiries into whether scented candles can be made naturally. We knew to avoid the petrochemical (paraffin) bases and synthetic fragrances (more about why later), but could a natural essential oil fragrance on a natural soy base work? The answer we believe is no.

Once a candle manufacturer learns you want to create a truly natural candle, they stop responding. Or they investigate and come back with 'you can, but it might explode'.

Here are some of the downsides we’ve discovered about burning candles at home:

Scented candles require synthetic fragrance

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to fragrance a candle naturally. Essential oils cannot survive the heat while burning and lose their scent. Soy wax combined with essential oils can also be highly flammable and some citrus essential oils can even become toxic when heated.

Nearly all candles on the market are scented using synthetic fragrances – which are not good news. These artificial substances have been found to mutate in our bodies in the form of formaldehyde when they come into contact with air. (1) Formaldehyde exposure has been associated with certain types of cancer. (2)

Synthetic fragrance blends also commonly contain a group of chemicals called Phthalates. Research has found phthalates can disrupt our hormone system and also can have an impact on children's respiratory systems (3). 

You can read more about why we avoid synthetic fragrance here. And more on phthalates in this article on how the US Government is trying to restrict their use particularly in products used by children and pregnant women.

Paraffin wax is a harmful chemical pollutant

Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a by-product of the oil industry. Paraffin releases highly toxic chemicals, benzene and toluene, when burned. (4). These chemicals are proven carcinogens and can cause problems in asthma sufferers as well as affecting your skin and health. (5). Most soy candles on the market now are a blend which also contains paraffin (paraffin is better at helping the scent to 'throw').

Lead wick fumes

Wicks can be made from a metal base including lead, with a cotton wrap. The fumes created from burning lead are known carcinogens.

Soy wax and deforestation

While soy wax is generally considered safe for human health, soy production is often unsustainable, and a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon (6).

If you are looking for a healthier candle alternative, Queen B and Northern Lights offer a range of beeswax candles safe for you and the environment.

To fragrance the home, we recommend an Aromatherapy Diffuser and pure essential oils or regular use of a Mist Spray/Room Spray.

Any questions relating to candles or the alternatives, feel free to get in touch at hello@bondiwash.com.au.

Sources:

(1) https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/news/deptnews/lewisbbcprog/#:~:text=After%20measuring%20the%20amount%20of,our%20homes%2C%20it%20produces%20formaldehyde

(2) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet 

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157593/

(4) https://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/21/candles.air.pollution/

(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9832800/ 

(6) https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/food_practice/sustainable_production/soy/