As we navigate through the new year, many of us are still holding onto our resolutions, and for me, one of those resolutions is to make the switch to non-toxic products.

I want to feel confident about the items I use in my surroundings, whether it's around me, my family, friends, or even my dog. And what better way to kickstart this shift towards safer choices than by focusing on fragrances?

You see, I used to light candles without giving it much thought, especially when I wanted to create a cozy or inviting atmosphere for visitors. But one day, I decided to take a closer look at the ingredients in the candles I had been using, and what I found left me puzzled. The ingredient list was astonishingly brief, dominated by a single word: 'fragrance.'

I wasn't fully aware of the long-term implications of synthetic ingredients in candles, and that realization was far from comforting. Determined to make choices that prioritize transparency and safety, I embarked on a journey to research how I could select candles that are not only safer but also more transparent than the conventional ones you often find on store shelves.

I believe that the best candles are those that not only smell amazing but also can align with our values. This guide to 100% plant-based candles is here to help you find the perfect scent for your home for Spring.

What's In Traditional Candles?

When you peruse the aisles of your favorite stores in search of candles, it's crucial to understand what you might be introducing into your living space. The majority of commercially available candles are crafted from paraffin wax.

Igniting these candles can release certain substances into your home's air that aren't exactly conducive to a healthy environment, such as toluene and benzene, which are best avoided.

The Science Behind Traditional Candle Scents

The delightful aromas associated with these candles are the result of synthetic fragrances. While these scents can be potent and long-lasting, they often contain chemicals that raise health concerns, particularly phthalates.

Phthalates are commonly used to extend the fragrance's longevity, but their impact on your health, including potential hormonal disruption, raises valid questions.

Unpacking the Candle Wick

Let's not forget about the candle's burning component – the wick. Many candles incorporate wicks with small metal components to help them remain upright during combustion. However, as these candles burn, minuscule metal particles can be emitted into the air. Inhaling these particles may not be the safest choice for your well-being.

Finding out that traditional candles may not be great is the first step towards making better choices for your health and indoor air quality.

The Significance of Understanding Candle Ingredients

Understanding the contents of your candles is important, and that's exactly why ingredient transparency matters. It's essential to seek out companies that prioritize full disclosure, providing a comprehensive list of every ingredient, including fragrance, that comprises their candles. When you opt for such transparency, what you see is precisely what you get.

Many candle manufacturers use the term "fragrance" as a cover for various synthetic components that may not be the best for your health, potentially leading to allergies or other sensitivities.

So, why does this practice persist? The fragrance industry often argues that revealing their formulas would jeopardize their competitive edge. While this argument may hold some merit, it raises concerns about consumer safety and the right to know what we're introducing into our living spaces.

That's why it's crucial to select candles from brands that openly disclose their ingredients. With complete transparency, you can make your space cozy and enjoy fresh fragrances, all while feeling assured that you know exactly what you're breathing in. 🔎

🕵️ Investigating Synthetic Candle Ingredients 🕯️

Many candles on the market rely on synthetic chemicals for long-lasting fragrances. However, it's crucial to be aware of the presence of phthalates in these products, as they raise significant concerns for several reasons:

1. Phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances. This is particularly worrisome for pregnant women, infants, and children, as it can impact their development.
2. Exposure to phthalates can increase respiratory conditions like asthma and trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
3. Certain phthalates have been associated with an increased cancer risk, especially in animal studies.
4. Phthalates are not easily biodegradable and can persist in the environment, posing risks to your surroundings.

By ensuring that your products do not contain phthalates, you can enjoy greater peace of mind when using them in your home.

You May Also Like: 3 Chemicals in Candles That Can Disrupt Hormone Balance

How To Identify Clean Candles

To start, look for candles that use clean, natural waxes. Here are a few that you can use:

• Soy wax is a popular choice when seeking non-toxic candles. Derived from soybean oil, it's both renewable and biodegradable.
• Beeswax candles are another excellent natural option. They're created by bees, making them entirely free of synthetic additives.
• A newer addition to the candle market, coconut wax is made from coconut meat and provides a clean, slow burn.

While soy wax can't be certified as organic or non-GMO due to the hydrogenation process, you can still choose high-quality, contaminant-free options by selecting soy wax from American-grown, U.S. processed sources and ensuring it's 100% plant-based through USDA testing.

You May Also Like: Why Switching To 100% Plant-Based Fragrances Is A Brilliant Move

A Perfect Place To Look For Your Next Candle👉

In the realm of natural candles, not all choices are made equal. It's crucial to consider what's included in the candles you introduce to your living space. This is where I stumbled upon a standout company - Grow Fragrance. Here's why I made the switch to using Grow instead of those questionable store-bought candles:

1. Grow's candles feature wicks crafted from unbleached cotton, completely free from lead.
2. Their unique blend of soy and coconut oil wax not only ensures a clean burn with less soot but also promotes even burning, allowing you to maximize your candle's lifespan.
3. Grow's unwavering commitment to complete ingredient transparency means they provide a comprehensive list of what goes into their candles. Knowing every ingredient empowers you to make informed choices about the products you use, granting you peace of mind when enjoying their candles.
4. They're dedicated to crafting candles devoid of parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins.
5. An extra plus! Grow's candles are designed to be refillable, offering the flexibility to change scents according to your mood. With various scent options available as inserts, you can savor new scents without needing to purchase an entirely new candle!

You May Also Like: Eco-Friendly, Refillable Candles Actually Exist!

Here Are Their Best Selling, Eco-Friendly & Toxin Free Candles For Spring:

Wildflower Rain

There's something magical about the way the rain smells during springtime. Think of a blooming garden on a rainy day. It's a fresh, scent that's hard to describe. That's why I was so excited to try this Wildflower Rain candle. It captures the freshness of spring rain and the sweetness of honeysuckles, waterlily, and lilac.

Shop Wildflower Rain Candle Here

Lavender Blossom

If you're looking for a calming scent to help you unwind after a long day, look no further than this Lavender Blossom candle. This fragrance combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweet fragrance of peony and citrus. It's the perfect way to set a calming atmosphere in any room and will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Shop Lavender Blossom Here

Blondewood

If you're looking for a warm and vanilla fragrance, Blondewood is the perfect choice. It mixes sandalwood, shea butter and vanilla bean for a cozy and comforting aroma that will fill your home with a sense of serenity. It's the perfect place to start because of its versatility.

Shop Blondewood Here

Bamboo

For a fresh scent, Bamboo is the way to go. This fragrance combines the crisp scent of bamboo with the citrusy notes, pink peppercorn and the delicate aroma of green foliage. It's perfect for creating a spa-like experience in any room, and it's the ideal scent for those who prefer a stronger fragrance.

Shop Bamboo Here

And a cool last detail- all of their packaging is recyclable or biodegradable, so you can feel good about your purchase from start to finish! it's truly nice to have a candle that not only fills the air with the delightful essence of spring but also ensures the safety of my family, friends, and pets.

With these non-toxic candles, I've found a sense of comfort in my space, knowing that they effectively eliminate odors without releasing harmful chemicals into the air. I encourage you to give these candles a try for yourself – it's a simple and effortless way to make a non-toxic swap this spring.

Your home will thank you!