Do you look at how candles are made before choosing them? If not then perhaps you will after reading all about the benefits of burning natural wax candles and not any others. I know it has opened my eyes so I wanted to share this with you to see if it helps you see things differently too!
Why would I want to choose a natural wax candle?
I am always searching for eco-friendly, sustainable swaps to make at home and – having done some of my own research – I was not surprised when The Independent reported in 2019 that the paraffin wax used in many mass-produced candles “can release cancer-causing chemicals that can also be harmful in people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.”
When you think about it, why would you want to release toxic chemicals into your home using not only potentially carcinogenic paraffin but also burning metal in the wick?
I only ever burn natural wax candles inside my home, and the good news is that there are now plenty out there – in fact, if you start off with a candle-making kit you can even get started on making your own!
What are the different types of natural wax?
The most commonly used type of natural wax used in candles is soy wax. It’s a great choice as it tends to have a long burn time, helping your candles keep going. Whilst paraffin wax candles can often have strong scents if you look for potent essential oils combined with soy wax you’ll often find they can easily scent a room for hours.
Other types of natural wax you might spot in candles include beeswax (which can have a delicious honey aroma but wouldn’t be appropriate for many vegans), and coconut wax (which is usually the most environmentally friendly in production but can increase the cost).
Are natural wax candles more expensive?
The honest answer is that yes, natural wax candles do tend to be more expensive than those made from paraffin wax, due to the quality of the raw materials. Nearly all cheap and/or factory-made candles will be made from paraffin wax and so will have the issues around air quality I have described above.
I have made the conscious choice that all the candles sold at Seekology are made from natural wax. Most of them are made from soy wax here is a full selection of our candles.
A beautiful candle like this luxury three-wick Bamboo & White grapefruit option from Jenny Betts London costs £45 but if you burn it for just 10 minutes per day it will last for a whole year.
When it comes to candles, you really do get what you pay for – but what price your health?!
How should I choose a natural wax candle?
Here are my three top tips for what to consider when you’re choosing a candle:
- Firstly, look at the ingredients and information on the website you are buying from, or on the candle’s packaging if you are buying in a shop. If it doesn’t say that it is made from natural wax, it almost certainly is not.
- Secondly, think about the smell; essential oils can provide wonderful fragrances. Try something with a fresh, citrusy aroma, like this Happiness Candle by Elm Rd, to invigorate and uplift, or a candle with a moody oud fragrance for the evening such as the Velvet Peony & Oud Soy Wax Candle by Interlude.
- Thirdly, consider the look of the candle – especially if you are buying it as a gift. Would the recipient like the classic aesthetic of Jenny Betts London or the contemporary look of a Perfect Chaos copper vessel? If you are really looking for a candle with the wow factor, I recommend the Naked Bust Candle by Interlude, which has been flying off our shelves, both online and in our shop in Richmond.
How should I burn a natural wax candle?
It’s important that you always burn your candle for a longer period of time for its first burn (typically over an hour). Bizarrely, the candle has a “memory”, and by melting the wax right to the edge of the vessel you will ensure that it continues to burn evenly going forward.
About Seekology
Rebecca Saunders is the Founder + CEO of Seekology, the place to shop independent beauty + wellbeing brands. Selling a curated range of over 70 natural wax candles – plus hundreds of others from skincare to stationery – Seekology is the place to discover all sorts of products for a healthy and balanced life.