Are Scented Candles Toxic?

The great debate! Before I started the research phase for our candle business I had heard a lot about the dangers of paraffin candles and, honestly? I still bought Yankee candles and Bath and Bodyworks HAPPILY. I wasn't all that concerned.. until I took some pictures off the wall and realised every inch of my living room had a layer of soot.

Now, listen.. I'm not saying paraffin is the devil. Truthfully, from my research, I believe that this is mostly marketing for soy products. It's a bit like saying using vaseline is like using petrol for cars on your face. Of course it isn't. ALSO, petroleum is a natural substance, so all the nonsense you read about 'naturally derived' is a bit bonkers too but there's definitely something to the performance of a candle depending on the wax/wick.

You are less likely to have soot come from a soy/coconut candle that is appropriately wicked but you also need to be burning correctly to avoid these things too. Burning for only 4 hours at a time, trimming the wick so that the flame isn't too large/wax isn't burning too hot. A candle is basically fire in a jar so it's unreasonable to expect no smoke/soot at all but it can be minimised with proper care and when you buy from a reputable maker.

There's no scientific evidence that paraffin candles are less healthy than any others. Some very expensive brands use paraffin because it provides a better hot throw (smell when burning) for a lower price. We use Coconut/Soy because they burn for longer, the burn is cleaner, you will experience less smoke/soot with our cotton wicked candles but also because research shows it's what the customer wants. We're also looking in to using a paraffin blend for refills and as and when we do, we will talk more about the differences but in the meantime, if you have some beloved old paraffin candles you're been scared out of using.. just burn them.

It's a myth that was created by the crunchy 90s brands.