Feature Photo by The Recycled Candle Company
Over the past few months, I’ve reflected much about my weekly routine and tried to embrace as many new healthy habits as possible. For Christmas, I received several scented candles and during the new year, I’ve started bringing aromatherapy into my daily life and now, lighting up my favourite scented candle at the end of day has officially become one of my favourite activities!
There’s nothing as grounding as filling up your home with some balanced scents after a busy day, and what could be more relaxing than soaking in a candlelit bath? To celebrate the virtues of candles, I’ve done a bit of research for this year’s World Candle Day, and wanted to share with you the do’s and don’ts of sustainable candles and celebrate some of my favourite brand recommendations too.
About World Candle Day
Candles have a rich history dating back 5,000 years, originating from early civilisations who crafted them from wax derived from plants and insects. Throughout history, different cultures developed their own methods of candle-making, from the Romans dipping papyrus or beeswax in melted tallow to the popularity of beeswax candles in medieval Europe. Before the advent of gas and electric lighting, candles, along with firelight and oil lamps, illuminated homes and were integral to religious ceremonies.
Even in modern times, candles continue to hold a special significance, symbolising joy and serving as a ritual for creating ambiance. In 2020, the Association of European Candle Makers (AECM), Latin American Candle Manufacturers Association, and EECMA (the European Candle Manufacturers Association) established World Candle Day on March 1st, aiming to celebrate the universal appeal of candles. While this observance has been relatively low-key, there’s an opportunity to broaden its recognition and appreciation this year.
Candles aren’t just reserved for Christmas or the winter season; World Candle Day encourages their year-round use to enhance various atmospheres, from cosy evenings to festive occasions. They can be creatively displayed in a multitude of settings, whether as elegant table centrepiece’s, bedside accents, or event decorations. With an array of colours and scents available, candles possess the remarkable ability to evoke memories and elevate everyday experiences.
The Benefits Of Candles
While candles create a warm and cosy ambience, they offer numerous benefits too. They can boost productivity, aid in relaxation, provide psychological advantages, and make for very thoughtful gifts.
Candles have always been a source of relaxation and comfort, offering a warm glow and calming scents that promote a sense of peace and well-being. In this article, I will delve into the many advantages of using candles to enhance your mental and physical health, along with tips on maximising your candle-lighting experience.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
The gentle flicker of a candle flame is known to calm the mind and body, lowering stress and anxiety levels. Scented candles can further induce feelings of tranquillity, making them ideal for meditation or yoga practices.
Candles are scientifically proven to soothe us. Scented candles have been used for centuries in all manner of rituals as they promote healing, enhance meditation and cleanse energies. The gentle, mesmerising quality of their light makes them a perfect aid for any relaxation routine.
Our sense of smell is powerful, influencing memory and mood. Scented candles can boost energy, relieve stress, and enhance mental clarity. They’re even used in talking therapy to access the unconscious mind. Research by Keville and Green (2009) suggests that scented candles and oils can improve psychological wellbeing, including reducing feelings of fear and anxiety, and lifting mood. Understanding the effects of different scents allows for mood control through candle selection. Here are some scented candles that support anxiety or stress relief:
- lavender – relaxes instantly both mind and body
- clary sage – lifts mood
- cinnamon – makes you feel refreshed
- orange – reduces stress
- lemon – improves mood
- apple – controls anxiety
- peppermint – wakes up your mind and enhances focus
- frankincense – helps battle anxiety and gives great stress relief
- sandalwood – relaxes and calms body and mind
- vanilla – increases happiness levels, uplifts your mood and stimulates feelings of relaxation and joy
Better Sleep
Candles’ soothing effects can aid in improving sleep quality. The soft candlelight helps relax both mind and body, facilitating falling asleep and staying asleep. Remember to blow out your candle before drifting off to sleep though!
Creating a Relaxing Ambiance
Candles can transform any space into a cosy and welcoming environment, perfect for bedrooms or living rooms. Whether it’s a dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day, candles can set the mood and foster relaxation.
Air Quality Enhancement
Certain candles, like beeswax or soy wax ones, can purify the air by emitting negative ions when burned. These ions help eliminate pollutants and allergens, benefiting individuals with allergies or sensitivities.
Home Decor Enhancement
Apart from their functional advantages, candles serve as stylish decor elements, adding ambience to your living space. Whether you prefer a modern or vintage look, candles come in various designs to complement any decor style.
Of course, just like anything else, you need to make sure to do your research about the right scents to make sure your candle helps you achieve the mood you were after. Different fragrances can influence the mind and body differently, so be sure to experiment with a variety of scents – whether floral, citrus, or woody – to discover your favourites. Furthermore, to enhance your candle-lit ambience, it’s also crucial to select a candle that fits the space you intend to use it in. A candle that’s too small might not emit enough scent or light, while a candle that’s too large could be overpowering.
Whatever candle size and scents you choose to go for, always prioritise safety by following proper candle care practices. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting, place the candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
The Different Types Of Wax
From warm pumpkin to clean and crisp linen, the selection of delightfully scented candles is vast. However, not all candles are crafted from the same wax type, even if they look so similar to one another. Like fragrances, candles can be made from various wax materials, whether commercially produced or handmade.
synthetic sources
Synthetic wax is primarily made of synthetic materials such as petroleum-based hydrocarbons, for example paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It is a white, odourless, and tasteless solid wax that is typically used in candles, cosmetics, and other products.
Stearin, otherwise known as stearic acid, another form of wax, is usually added to paraffin wax to help the wax to harden and make it more opaque, shinier or more glossy. Stearin also helps the paraffin burn slower; it was first discovered in the early 1800’s and is derived usually from tallow (animal fat) but in some cases from vegetable fats.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin is by far the most frequently used candle wax on a worldwide basis today. Paraffin wax, a cost-effective option, is commonly used in candles due to its ability to retain high levels of fragrance and colour. It is available in different melting points, making it suitable for a wide range of candle types, from containers to pillars.
Despite its versatility, paraffin wax has several disadvantages; it is not the most environmentally friendly option and some people are concerned about the environmental impact of using paraffin wax, as it is a petroleum-based product. Paraffin wax can also produce soot when burned, which can discolour walls and furniture. Some people also find that candles made from paraffin wax have a less natural scent than candles made from other types of wax.
Gel Wax
Gel wax is made from mineral oil and polymer resins. It’s semi-transparent and produces a unique effect when burning.
Gel wax offers versatility in candle design as it can be tinted, layered with materials like glitter or dried flowers, and has a longer burn time than traditional waxes. However, working with gel wax requires careful attention to its lower melting point, necessitating the use of specialised equipment and proper wick placement for even burning.
natural sources
Natural waxes are derived from plant sources such as palm, coconut, rapeseed, and soy. These waxes are renewable and biodegradable, making them a more eco-friendly option than traditional paraffin wax.
Vegetable wax candles also burn cleanly and slowly, and they have a natural scent that can add a unique aroma to the candle. Additionally, vegetable waxes have a high melting point, which means they can hold more fragrance and provide a longer burn time than other waxes. One of the main drawbacks of using vegetable waxes for candles however, is that they can be more expensive than traditional paraffin wax.
Additionally, some vegetable waxes, such as palm wax, have come under scrutiny for their impact on deforestation and habitat destruction. It is important to ensure that the vegetable wax you choose is sustainably sourced.
Beeswax
Beeswax, one of the oldest candle wax forms, is an environmentally friendly choice derived from bees during honey production. It It is a golden yellow colour and emits a subtle sweet, natural honey-like scent when burned, adding a pleasant aroma to the environment without the need for artificial fragrances. Beeswax candles emit negative ions when burned, which can help to neutralise pollutants and allergens in the air, promoting a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.
Beeswax candles are also slow burning, so they can last for a long time. Beeswax is a harder, denser wax commonly used in blends for container candles or unscented pillars, however, they are not seen as vegan friendly.
Soy Wax
Soy wax, a moderately priced option, burns slowly and offers good value. Made from soybeans, it is considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. It burns cleaner and produces less soot than paraffin wax, leading to a healthier indoor air quality. However, concerns have arisen regarding deforestation, fertilisers, and pesticides used in the soybean production process too.
Soy wax can be challenging to work with due to its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, causing shrinkage and ‘frosting’ with white spots. Furthermore, soy wax can be softer and more prone to melting in warm temperatures, requiring careful storage and handling to maintain its quality.
Its versatility allows for easy cleanup with soap and water, simplifying the process of spills or accidents. However, soy wax can be more expensive than paraffin wax, potentially increasing the cost of candle production. It may also have a slightly shorter burn time compared to paraffin wax, although this can vary depending on the specific formulation of the wax. Additionally, it may not hold fragrances as well, which can be an advantage or disadvantage based on personal preference.
rapeseed wax
Rapeseed wax, derived from the oil of rapeseed plants, presents both advantages and disadvantages in candle making. On the positive side, it is a renewable resource, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based waxes. Additionally, rapeseed wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax, emitting fewer toxins and pollutants into the air. Its ability to hold and release fragrance effectively makes it suitable for scented candles, and its smooth texture enhances the aesthetic appeal of finished products. However, rapeseed wax tends to be softer than some other waxes, making it susceptible to melting in warmer temperatures and potentially limiting its availability in certain regions.
While rapeseed wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, it may have a slightly higher melting point compared to soy wax, necessitating careful temperature control during candle making. Despite its clean burning properties, improper wick selection or burning conditions can lead to sooting. Furthermore, rapeseed wax may be less familiar or readily accessible compared to more common waxes like soy or paraffin, resulting in higher costs or difficulty in sourcing. Overall, rapeseed wax offers candle makers an eco-friendly option with good fragrance throw and smooth texture, but it requires careful handling due to its softness and may not be as widely available as other wax types.
Coconut Wax
Harvested from coconuts, this newer wax variety is sourced from a high-yield, sustainable crop. Coconut wax is favoured for its ability to retain fragrance and colour, offering a clean burn with minimal soot production. Coconut wax is the priciest option among candle waxes, likely due to its lesser-known status in the market. Here’s to hoping prices go down as its popularity increases!
recycled candle wax
Recycled candle wax presents a sustainable solution for reducing waste and promoting environmental conservation in candle making. By repurposing discarded wax from used candles, it minimizes the need for new raw materials and contributes to a circular economy.
Despite potential variations in quality and challenges in sourcing consistent supplies, recycled wax offers cost-effectiveness and the opportunity for candle makers to create unique blends with distinct visual effects. However, the process of cleaning and filtering recycled wax to remove impurities can be labour-intensive and time-consuming, requiring careful attention to ensure the quality and safety of the finished candles.
BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
Celebrate the fifth World Candle Day by sharing your experience and tips on how to use candles throughout the year to create an enjoyable atmosphere inside your home and outdoors. Post pictures of how you use candles on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or Facebook, and use the hashtag: #worldcandleday. Your posts are bound to get lots of engagement when shared at the right time!
Of course, just like always, I’ve done my research on some of the best independent brands that have sustainability at their core. Here are some of my personal favourites:
JUNGLE CULTURE
This brand’s candle collection specialises in selling coconut shell candles sourced ethically from Vietnam, using sustainable ingredients only. Jungle Culture repurposes reclaimed coconut shells as the candle base, filling them with vegan-friendly soy wax that is naturally scented with the same coconut oils extracted from the shells.
These zero-waste candles tend to create a serene ambience with a soothing aroma for your home. Plus, each eco-wax coconut candle comes in an organic cotton gift bag, making it an ideal sustainable gift for both men and women. This one is for the coconut aroma lovers!
NATURAL COLLECTION
Since 1999, Natural Collection has been a champion of sustainable production, ethical innovation, and green initiatives. Their product line is a conscientiously crafted collection that underscores the significance of consumer choice, emphasising that our purchasing decisions hold immense power and responsibility in shaping the world.
The Natural Collection range is created in harmony with the environment, utilising nature’s benefits without depleting its resources.
The company is committed to responsible manufacturing, and sourcing environmentally friendly organic and recycled materials while also prioritising recyclability and biodegradability. Moreover, all the smaller brands they carry offer a diverse range of ethically produced fragrances – cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, made in the UK, or supporting charitable causes.
While their selection is very thoughtfully curated, these are my favourites:
- The Great Indian Caravan Moroccan Style Scented Candles: A fair trade scented soy wax candle made with traditional techniques in India. With a choice of four gorgeous aromas you’ll find something to suit your taste, and the coloured glass containers with a Moroccan feel will brighten up any room in your home. Each coloured jar has a unique scent, and you can choose from: Red Namaste – Neroli & Basil, Blue Kamasutra – White Musk, Green Yoga – Mountain Breeze, Yellow Om Shanti – Nag Champa and Turquoise Karma – Jasmine & Honeysuckle.
Once you’ve used up the candle, the beautiful and decorative pot holds a multitude of reuses!
- The Dalit Handmade Karan lavender candle, a handcrafted piece from the Dharavi slums of Mumbai. The clay pots and candle holders used by the brand help assist street children and the Dalit community in India by supporting local charities. Resembling the clay jars carried by Indian women returning from the well, these charming clay pots are filled with luxuriously lavender-scented beeswax. Plus, the Karan candles are sure to bring instant ambience to any space.
RENTRAYAGE
Rentrayage was established with the vision of reimagining and revitalizing existing materials, turning discarded items into fresh beauty, value, shapes, and styles. The term Rentrayage, derived from French, means to repair and restore to a complete state. This brand breathes new life into old garments, vintage fabrics, and surplus materials, crafting them into innovative new products. It’s not just about sewing pieces together in a new way; it signifies a shift in mindset and the adoption of inventive techniques. Committed to sustainability, this small business is dedicated to enhancing and refining their upcycling processes continually.
Whether it’s fashion items or home décor, this brand excels in promoting product sustainability. Their Black Pillars Beeswax Candles are my absolute favourite, handmade in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains, NY.
GREEN TULIP
Green Tulip is a UK-based brand launched back in 2007 to offer customers ethical products which are not only beautiful but also kinder to people and our planet. On this online shop, they have over 120 amazing ethical brands and over 1K products to choose from! Green Tulip always shares lots of information about these brands, their story and what makes them so special and ethical.
This company is a real gifts specialist and also has a wide variety of candles to choose from. Here are my favourite from their curated selection:
- Aery’s Before Sleep Aromatherapy Candle: Ideal for a peaceful night’s sleep, this candle is crafted to create a serene atmosphere in your space. The calming mix of lavender, eucalyptus, and cedar are complemented by hints of bergamot, coriander, and orange, perfect for unwinding and destressing at the end of a hectic day. You can enjoy approximately 45 hours of burn time from this 200g candle.
- The Handmade Soap Company: All the Handmade Soap Company’s products are hand-made in Ireland using 100% natural soy wax and scented with essential oils sourced from producers committed to using ethical means of extracting their products. This lemongrass and cedarwood candle has an uplifting fragrance of oriental lemongrass and earthy cedarwood combined with warming May Chang, a lemon fragrance with fruity and spicy undertones, and has an approximate burn time of 40 hours.
- The Recycled Candle Company’s Winter Spice Candle Tin: The delightful mix of sweet orange, comforting spices, fresh florals, and a touch of gentle pine creates a candle that feels like a warm winter embrace. With approximately 30-40 hours of burning time, this candle is crafted from 100% recycled candle wax, preventing 40 tonnes of waste wax from ending up in landfills annually. It is scented with sustainably sourced essential oils and handmade in Lancashire by a team of multi-award-winning candle artisans.
- The Botanical Candle Company’s The Florist Candle: The delightful fragrance of a florist shop is beautifully embodied in this generously sized soy wax candle. This aluminium tin candle is crafted from sustainably sourced plant wax for clean burning and features a distinct and captivating scent meticulously blended by hand with pure essential oils. Each piece is meticulously handmade at a charming studio nestled in the heart of Dorset.
- Green Tulip’s Rose Geranium Votive: The company has also made their own home scents collection, following the stocked brand’s sustainability values, of course. This little votive candle is scented with uplifting and balancing rose geranium fragrance oil, offering a beautiful light floral aroma. Although small, it has an impressive burn time of up to 30 hours!
FLORA ANIMALIA
Flora Animalia, an integrative design studio based in LA, focuses on crafting high-quality gardening apparel and accessories that are both practical and sustainable, made in-house for added authenticity. The studio prioritises environmentally conscious material sourcing and upholds fair labour practices. While the production costs for ethically made items are higher compared to mass-produced alternatives, Flora Animalia believes it’s a worthwhile investment in both people and the environment.
With most of the brand’s selection focusing on clothing, they have a few home accessories gems, such as their Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle and Climbing Tuscan Rosemary Candle, two great ethical candle choices.
ST. EVAL
St. Eval excels in creating candles, home fragrances, and body care products through sustainable methods at their farm in North Cornwall, UK. With over 28 years of experience, the company has honed the craft of candle making, combining traditional artisan techniques with modern methods to produce delightful scents influenced by their natural environment.
Each product is inspired by the picturesque Cornish coast and countryside, aiming to enhance well-being with a focus on people and the planet. From the majestic Atlantic waves to the vibrant gorse bushes along the coastal paths and the colourful meadows of wildflowers, every creation reflects the beauty of nature. The best part is that they offer a 10% off the first order when you sign up to their newsletter.
My personal favourite is their Orange and Cinnamon scented tealights which smell absolutely divine – these are especially great for cold winter evenings.
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