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Have you ever stopped to think about what scented candles are made of? The answer, perhaps, will surprise you. Your candles could be damaging your health and the planet. In fact, one of the main ingredients of the vast majority of candles marketed on a massive scale is paraffin. This petroleum derivative emits toxic substances during its combustion.
According to data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paraffin can expel volatile organic compounds or chemicals harmful to our lungs, such as acetone, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, or naphthalene. In the worst-case scenario, such toxic substances could develop severe diseases in our respiratory system.
However, we should not worry too much as several studies have concluded that these adverse effects are only related to the inhalation of candle smoke in long and constant doses or spaces with little ventilation. The good news is that there are natural alternatives to paraffin candles. This way, you can diffuse a pleasant aroma in your house without putting your well-being and air quality at risk.
This candle features natural essences of jasmine, violet, and coconut. It is decorated with orange peel and lavender.
What are vegan soy candles?
In recent years, many manufacturers have started to market candles based on vegetable wax, more specifically soy wax. Soy is a popular legume that does not generate toxic substances when combusting, as long as it is produced organically.
We can also find other non-polluting candles in the market, such as those made with beeswax. Still, soy is the more accessible vegan alternative (100% vegetable origin) we can find today.
Tomato Leaf Scented Soy Candle
This candle features the natural essence of tomato leaf. It is ornated with basil and chamomile.
How are vegan candles made? Main components
Vegan candles are usually made with soybean oil, although palm oil or other vegetable oils can also be used. However, even if soy is an organic and natural material, its use is not always environmentally responsible. Its cultivation is sometimes connected with the illegal soil exploitation of regions such as the Amazon.
Therefore, at Hannun, we only use soy whose cultivation is sustainably regulated in European forests.
This candle features natural essences of fig, hyacinth, and tonka. It is ornated with pink salt and pepper.
Making soy candles is a straightforward process that can be performed artisanally. Simply put the hot wax into a bowl, then add the essential oils to aromatize the candle and a wick. Dyes are a good option if you want to change the candle's color. However, at Hannun, we prefer to preserve its natural shade.
Wick
Some candle makers like to add a small metallic thread made of lead or zinc to keep the wick stiff (although this is getting less and less common). Unfortunately, this material emits polluting particles when burned.
That is why our candles contain a small piece of wood of sustainable origin instead.
Mint & Lemongrass Scented Soy Candle
This candle features natural essences of mint and lemongrass. It is ornated with mint and lemon bark.
Wax
One of the significant advantages of soy wax, besides not being harmful to our health or the planet, is that it burns slowlier than paraffin wax. Therefore, although, in general, the price of soy wax candles is higher, this choice will pay off in the long run. A medium soy candle of about 225 grams can last up to 55 hours.
Soy wax is an entirely natural substance that does not negatively affect our respiratory system. This is especially important in households with babies or people with asthma.
This candle features natural essences of vanilla, raspberry, brown sugar, and coconut. It is ornated with brown sugar and a hibiscus flower.
Scent
We all want to find ourselves in a state of absolute peace at home. One of the ways to achieve a state of maximum relaxation is through aromatherapy. Who does not want to smell fresh lavender, orange, or mint scent in their house?
While paraffin candles are usually perfumed with artificial perfumes, in the case of soy candles, all the scents come from the essential oils extracted from real plants via different distillation processes. Therefore, they do not contain any additives or chemicals.
Rosemary & Lavender Scented Soy Candle
This candle features natural essences of lavender and rosemary, and it is ornated with parts of these plants.
Benefits of vegan candles
Reducing the consumption of petroleum-derived elements becomes necessary in the current climate emergency and lack of energy resources. Paraffin is obtained by distilling petroleum and mixing it with other chemicals. Therefore, it is a complex process that can only be carried out in large factories using machinery that emits toxic gases.
Betting on vegetable wax candles can help the planet. At the same time, it sustains the local economy since soy candles are not made industrially but in small artisanal workshops.