One of the biggest objections we hear to natural and non-toxic candles comes down to a matter of pricing. We’re not going to be elitist and pretend that a $35 candle isn’t a luxury item.Â
It’s a considerable investment when you remember that it would be easy enough to pick up a cheap paraffin candle for under $10. Our view is that you should either choose a non-toxic candle or find another way to make your home smell beautiful. There is simply no sense in risking your health for a cheap candle.
We’ve written about the risks associated with toxic candle ingredients in the past. You don’t have to live with someone with allergies to be at risk when introducing these compounds into your home.
Choosing non-toxic candles is certainly a luxury, but if you decide you do want to prioritise this indulgence, then there are a few reasons that your candle is absolutely worth the money. It’s not just about the value you derive from the candle, but also about the candle’s wider impact on the planet.
Longer burn time
If you look at the value of your candle based on how long it will last, you’ll get more value from the more expensive candle than the cheap one. Paraffin candles burn hot and fast, so you won’t enjoy the same burn time from a candle of the same size made from coconut wax.
Hard paraffin wax used for taper candles will last longer than soft paraffin wax that is used to jar or tin candles, but both will burn hotter and faster than coconut wax. Coconut wax is a superior choice for candles as it has a lower melting point, so it will last for longer.
Better fragrance spread
One reason that we love coconut wax for our candles is that it helps to spread the fragrance around your home more effectively than paraffin.Â
Poorly-refined paraffin can have an oily smell, which needs to be masked with excessive amounts of synthetic fragrance. Coconut wax doesn’t have this issue as it smells delicious on its own.
Many people find synthetic fragrances to be very overpowering and they are also linked to migraines and more health issues.Â
Reusable glass jars
When your luxury candle reaches the end of its life, you don’t have to throw it away. We offer refills for our Kaia vessel, so you can save money on your next candle purchase.Â
You can also repurpose the jar when you’re done and you’ll have a lovely storage container for things like makeup or hair accessories. This helps to increase the lifelong value of your purchase, as it can find a new lease of life once you are done with the candle.Â
Environmental impact
We can’t ignore the environmental impact of our choices. It’s easy enough to forget that some choices are worse for the environment than others, simply because the cost isn’t passed on to the consumer. But materials like paraffin wax and soy wax have an impact on the wider environment – and this something we can ignore forever.Â
Whether you pay this cost directly, or it’s passed on to your children and grandchildren in the form of environmental damage, someone is going to have to pay eventually. If you want to make eco-friendly choices that are considerate to the wider environment, then all-natural and non-toxic candles are the way to go.
Coconut wax is derived from a high yield crop that doesn’t have to be chopped down in order to harvest it. This means it’s more sustainable than options like soy wax and even beeswax.Â
| Why Non-Toxic Coconut Wax Candles Are Worth It | Coconut Wax (Non-Toxic) | Paraffin Wax (Cheap Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
|
Burn Time Value for money based on hours of use |
Burns slower and cooler, lasting much longer | Burns fast and hot, short lifespan |
|
Fragrance Quality Effectiveness and safety of scent |
Superior scent throw, naturally pleasant aroma | Often masked with strong synthetic fragrance, can trigger migraines |
|
Jar Reusability Post-use sustainability |
Glass jars are refillable or reusable | Often single-use and not reusable |
|
Environmental Impact Sustainability of materials |
Made from sustainable, high-yield coconut crops | Byproduct of petrochemical industry, high environmental cost |
|
Health & Safety Impact on indoor air quality |
Free from VOCs, safe for pets and people | Emits VOCs and may contain endocrine disruptors |
|
Alternative Scents When on a budget |
Worth the investment if you choose to indulge | Better to skip entirely and opt for essential oil diffusers or stovetop potpourri |
Safer for your home
There are many reasons that you should be wary about burning toxic candles in your home. From the poor air quality complaints linked to paraffin wax, to the endocrine disruptors present in synthetic perfume. If protecting your family and your pets from harm is important to you, then non-toxic candles should be non-negotiable.Â
And if there are times in your life when this is not within your budget, then we would recommend no candles over the alternative of a cheap candle.
You can fragrance your home naturally by adding essential oils into your cleaning routine. You could also try adding a pot of water to the stove and filling this with essential oils, herbs and spices to make an all-natural stove top potpourri.
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