natural scented candles

Healthier ingredients

Scented candles made from natural ingredients, or paraffin-free scented candles, are composed of vegetable waxes like the natural soy wax scented candle, or animal waxes like the natural beeswax scented candles. They do not contain kerosene, a mineral oil obtained from a petroleum refining process, or extracted from lignite, shale or peat, so they are scented candles without petroleum by-products. Mineral-oil-free scented candles, on the other hand, contain no petroleum by-products whatsoever.

Candles made from non-toxic, biodegradable natural waxes, often referred to by the general public as “scented candles free from substances harmful to health”, are above all more respectful of animals and the environment. Naturally scented vegan candles, on the other hand, use no animal wax. Generally speaking, these non-animal-tested scented candles prefer waxes such as soy, coconut, sunflower, rapeseed and rice bran, avoiding the use of palm- or carnauba-derived waxes to be palm-wax-free natural candles.

Less chemicals

Conventional candles may contain phthalates, solvents used to solubilize fragrance ingredients, and more rarely parabens, which are preservatives used in cosmetics.

Highly regulated with regard to the use of ingredients hazardous to health, scented candles without recognized carcinogenic substances are the only ones authorized for sale. Consumers must remain vigilant in buying candles that comply with current regulations, with legal notices and pictograms compulsorily affixed to the packaging.

By choosing a paraben-free scented candle or a phthalate-free scented candle, the risks of inhaling substances hazardous to health are reduced. It wouldn't be right to talk about scented candles without volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or scented candles without air pollutants, or even scented candles without chemical residues, because the simple act of lighting a candle results in the diffusion of odorous and non-odorous molecules into the air. This is the very principle of candles! Wax is first and foremost a fuel that helps diffuse volatile scent molecules.

Fragrances from essential oils

Natural fragrance candles are often created by incorporating essential oils into the waxes. These fragrant ingredients, extracted from various plants, can be used to pleasantly perfume a room, to enjoy natural atmospheres with the scent of lavender, rosemary, or citrus, for example.

A scented candle without synthetic fragrances, scented candles without synthetic additives are rather rare, thanks to the addition of a few synthetic compounds to reduce the production of black smoke, and to offer a multitude of refined fragrant atmospheres. Synthetic compounds are not synonymous with toxicity: many fragrance molecules are obtained through environmentally-friendly synthesis (green chemistry) or biotechnology, sometimes avoiding the need to transport plants or natural extracts produced in distant countries.

This is the case with the BASILISCA scented candle from ODORE SCOLA, a plant-based candle that combines citrus and natural basil, with a hint of musk to ensure a pleasant scent, with good staying power, taking us back to those long Mediterranean summer days.

Cleaner burning

Kerosene candles, or mineral wax candles, are the most economical on the market, produced from a non-renewable natural resource. The terminology Bougies Parfumées Naturelles (natural scented candles), while not to be used in this specific case, can nevertheless seem very ambiguous, as petroleum is indeed a natural resource.

Clean-burning scented candles are designed to burn without producing soot or toxic fumes, thus preserving air quality as much as possible. However, as explained above, burning a scented candle inevitably rhymes with releasing volatiles into the air.

What ingredients are used in natural scented candles?

Natural scented candles are distinguished by their carefully selected ingredients. They are made from natural beeswax, natural soy wax or other vegetable waxes. These ingredients enable us to produce environmentally-friendly scented candles.

Pesticide-free and GMO-free scented candles guarantee that the raw materials used have not been treated with chemicals or genetically modified organisms. Furthermore, heavy-metal-free scented candles do not use wicks containing harmful elements such as lead. Used as a stiffening agent to hold the wick out of the molten wax, lead can be emitted in particulate form into the air and then deposited on interior surfaces.

Are there any allergy risks with natural scented candles?

In the field of fragrances, the risk of allergy, or the presence of allergens, refers to dermosensitizing ingredients, i.e. those that can cause skin allergies. In the case of candles, as the product is not intended for the body, the regulations applied are not cosmetic but relate to the scenting of ambient air. The presence of an allergen is of no concern to the consumer, who will not put the candle in direct contact with his or her skin.

Allergen-free scented candles, also known as non-irritating scented candles, may therefore exist, but what would be the point of depriving oneself of quality scented ingredients with skin allergens only when one knows the application of room candles?

What's the difference between natural and organic scented candles?

The difference between natural and organic scented candles lies mainly in the certification of ingredients. An organic scented candle must contain at least 95% organically grown ingredients, and comply with strict standards. On the other hand, a natural artisanal scented candle may contain natural ingredients, but is not required to be certified organic.

Biodiversity-friendly scented candles ensure the use of ingredients that do not disrupt ecosystems, while scented candles that comply with ecological standards guarantee an Eco-friendly manufacturing process, from the harvesting of raw materials to distribution.

Finally, zero-waste scented candles are particularly appreciated for their recyclable packaging and low environmental impact. A scented candle without plastic packaging considerably reduces waste production.

For more informations to scented candles, click on the links below:

Our Christmas candle sets, Vegetable wax scented candles, Scented candles made in France.