Why Non-Toxic Ingredients Matter: A Healthier Approach to Self-Care for You and Your Family
February is the season of self-love and caring well for yourself. Self-care is the way to nurture your body and mind through the little actions you take towards yourself. This looks different for everyone as we are all unique humans, but it’s the choices you can make towards bringing kindness to yourself.
This can include taking a break during the day and going for a walk, finding a few seconds to take some deep breaths and pause, or even lighting a candle that makes you feel good inside.
Everyday products that you put in your house impact your well-being. It’s impactful because you breathe it in, it makes you feel a certain way, and it gives off some type of energy or vibe. Non-toxic candles are a simple and easy way to create a healthier home environment. They allow your environment to smell good and at the same time provide you with a sense of safety in knowing that what you and your family are breathing in does not have toxins that can be harmful.
According to The Guardian, consumers should be aware of 5 groups of chemicals in your products. Of the 5, phthalates are the main ones that can typically be found in candles, particularly those candles that may be over the counter or that are not consciously made with organic, earth-safe ingredients.
The Hidden Dangers of Conventional Candles
When you go to the store, many candles that are sold there carry the appeal of being affordable, convenient, and can use marketing as a way to make them sound appealing. Many of these candles, however contain paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and chemical dyes. These ingredients release into the air toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, which can contribute to headaches, respiratory issues, and hormone disruption.
In 2009, researchers at South Carolina State University found that burning paraffin candles releases harmful chemicals into the air. Their research found that chemicals that were released caused potential health problems such as asthma, allergies, and even cancer. Chemicals that you need to look out for include toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are known carcinogens.
Candles that are made from soy wax did not show the same pattern of releasing these chemicals in the air. Such important factors to consider if you’ve been burning candles and have experienced symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, loss of coordination, memory loss, and/or appetite loss.
Why Non-Toxic Ingredients Matter for Self-Care
When we say that a candle is truly non-toxic, what it means is that it is made with natural waxes (soy, coconut, beeswax) the wicks do not contain lead (lead-free cotton, or wood wicks) and the fragrance passes test that are made with essential oils and have been made free of any known chemicals. Candle Science is a trusted source that talks here more about the importance of safe fragrance oils.
According to Candle Science this is what they put to the test to steer clear of with their fragrance oils.
“✖ Carcinogens: When confirmed, these are materials known to cause cancer.
✖ Mutagens: Materials that change the DNA of a cell, harming the cell and causing diseases like cancer.
✖ Reproductive toxins: Toxins that adversely affect reproductive organs and increase the risk of birth defects.
✖ Organ toxins: These are toxins that cause adverse effects or disease within specific bodily organs.
✖ Acute toxins: Toxins that cause adverse effects from a single exposure. Generally, this would be accidental exposure like spillage or ingestion.”
Why does this all matter when it comes to self-care? Breathing in clean, natural scents that you trust and know are safe can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance your mental well-being. Did you know smelling peppermint can rejuvenate you and help you find energy and focus? These herbs and fragrances when smelled can send signals to your body to help support what you might be needing in that moment.
Choosing the Right Non-Toxic Candles
So what is it that you need to keep an eye out for as a conscious consumer?
Clear descriptions on the label or from the maker about what ingredients are used, where is their trusted sources from, and an understanding as to what wax and wicks and fragrances were used
“Fragrance” that is labeled without clear transparency
Paraffin wax blends or anytime the candle labels a “blend” without clearly saying free of paraffin
Know the maker versus a candle at a big box store where you don’t know how it was made without clarity
The Self-Care Ritual: How to Incorporate Non-Toxic Candles Into Your Daily Life
Here are some quick ideas to try:
Light your candle in mindfulness practices such as creating a ritual before you journal or while you are doing yoga
Have a candlelit if you have an altar or prayer practice where you then blow out the candle once your prayer or meditation is complete
Create a calming nighttime routine with soothing candles for a bath before you snuggle up to sleep
Light a candle before dinner or when you are hosting people over to enhance connection with loved ones
Self-care is not just about relaxation (though it can enhance a relaxed state). It’s about making choices that support long-term health. This means being a conscious consumer and know what products you are supporting.
Make a bold decision to swap out toxic candles for non-toxic alternatives as a simple and meaningful step towards well-being.
Explore out collection of non-toxic candles and elevate your self-care ritual today!
