The scent shouldn’t be the only consideration when picking a candle so let’s talk wax. Since the 1860s, candles have largely been made from paraffin wax which is derived from petroleum. When burned, it has dark soot that is known to stain walls and lead to respiratory problems. Yikes. Not only is paraffin wax unhealthy and a non-renewable resource, but it also burns about 30 to 50 percent faster.

These are just some of the reasons why we only use 100% soy wax. How could you not love soy? It’s a renewable resource, biodegradable, non-toxic, chemical-free, and it burns slower so you get more value from your purchase. As an added bonus, if you avoid using animal products, soy is the perfect wax. While some candles use beeswax from the hives of bees or tallow from the fat of animals, soy candles are 100% vegan and do not use any animal products in their production.

So when you buy soy wax candles, not only are you burning a healthier, cleaner candle but you also get the warm fuzzies knowing you’re supporting soybean farmers and that no living creature was harmed so your room can smell nice.

Not all wicks are created equal and some can just be bad for your health. Depending on where they come from, it’s common for candles to use wicks with zinc or lead cores which produce pollutants when burned. While the U.S. has banned the use of lead wicks, the same can’t be said for other countries.

For a healthy and clean burn, we use 100% cotton wicks that produce zero pollutants. Better for your lungs and better for the air. And if you want the most efficient burn possible while also avoiding burning residue on the vessel, keep your wicks trimmed to around ¼ inch.

Following the pattern of our other ingredients, we only use high-quality fragrance oils that are free of phthalates, parabens, and other chemicals. Why are those things bad? First, let’s talk about what they are. Phthalate is a chemical used to make the fragrance stronger while parabens are preservatives. Once inhaled, both of these chemicals are known to aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. Because of this, commercial manufacturers have begun opting for more natural ingredients, but not all have. Rest assured, we fully vet all fragrance oils so we’re only using those that are free of anything that could be harmful.

One of the greatest impacts candles have on our environment are the vessel they come in. Most go un-recycled and into landfills. Because of this, we wanted to provide high-quality vessel options that might convince someone to keep them around if they choose not to recycle. From our matte black glass to our ceramic vessels each has a unique style that would work just as well for a potted plant or a penny jar as they do for the candles.