What's Really in a Candle?

Ever wondered what goes into making a candle? We break down the ingredients and why choosing a naturally formulated option is better for you and the environment.

The Wax, The Wick and the Wicked

Candles. We all love them, right? But have you ever stopped to wonder what's really in those delightful little waxy wonders? Let’s dive into the mystery of candle ingredients and uncover the truth behind what makes them burn so brightly.

Wax: The Heart of the Candle

Paraffin Wax: The Common Culprit

Most candles you find on the market are made from paraffin wax. It’s cheap, easy to work with, and holds fragrance well. But here’s the kicker – paraffin is a by product of petroleum. Yep, the same stuff that fuels your car. Burning paraffin can release harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene into your home. Yikes!

Soy Wax: A Natural Alternative

Enter soy wax, a friendly alternative. Made from soybean oil, soy wax is biodegradable and renewable. It burns cleaner and longer than paraffin, making it a popular choice for those looking to go green. Unfortunately there is concern over soy or soy based products due to mass farming of the plant in areas the plant is not native to. This also in turn affects agricultural changes in the countries it is being overproduced in, leaving farmers to move crops or change what or how their farming altogether. There is action in moderating these changes but it is slow.

Beeswax: Nature’s Gift

Beeswax candles have been around for centuries. This natural wax, produced by bees, burns cleanly and even purifies the air by releasing negative ions. These claims are yet to be studied in quantitative environments to show solid data but small individual cases have shown the burnt wax helps bind dust and pollen particles giving the effect of air purification. Plus, it has a natural honey scent that’s hard to beat.

Coconut Wax: Enter a New Era

LTS Botanical uses Coconut Wax in their candles and wax melts and is in the process of phasing out Soy Wax altogether. Coconut Wax is a bright white odourless wax cold pressed coconut oil. It used to be mixed with Soy Wax but is now formulated to be made without it. The wax is considered as one of the best and healthiest types of wax to use in candle making as the wax produces next to no soot compared to other waxes and is absolutely delightful to work with. LTS Botanical sources their coconut wax from local suppliers who are under the ECOCERT umbrella where coconut farms are monitored for safety and ethical farming.

There are other waxes out there like olive wax so the technology into plant based waxes is growing!

Wicks: The Candle’s Backbone

Cotton Wicks: The Standard

Most candles use cotton wicks. They’re effective and generally safe, but it’s important to look for those that are free from lead or other metals. Yep, some wicks can contain metals that release toxins when burned. No thanks!

Wood Wicks: A Good Choice

Wood wicks are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They crackle like a mini fireplace and add a rustic charm to your candle. Plus, they’re usually made from sustainable sources. Wood wicks usually produce a more steady and even burn compared to cotton wicks and are also more forgiving if you happen to place the wrong sized wick or if you pour an inconsistent fragrance load into your candle.

Fragrances: To Scent or Not to Scent

Synthetic Fragrances: The Hidden Dangers

Sure, that pumpkin spice candle smells amazing, but synthetic fragrances can be a hidden danger. Many contain phthalates, chemicals that can cause respiratory issues and disrupt hormones. It’s like the dark side of the force – smells good, but can be bad for you.

Essential Oils: The Natural Choice

If you’re looking for a safer alternative, essential oils are your best bet. Derived from plants, these oils provide a natural scent without the nasty chemicals. Plus, they can offer therapeutic benefits like relaxation and stress relief.
Just make sure you understand the oil you are using! Essential Oils are volatile oils which are flammable oils so you must know and understand the potency of the oil to understand how much should be used in your candle.

LTS Botanical fragrances are derived from essential oils formulated to be burnt safely.

All the Colours of the Rainbow

Synthetic Dyes: The Colourful Concern

Brightly coloured candles are fun, but those vibrant hues often come from synthetic dyes. These can release harmful chemicals when burned. It’s like adding a splash of toxins to your cosy evening.
LTS Botanical uses plant based colourants in their candles and uses a very minor amount.

Why Natural Options Are Better

Choosing natural candle ingredients isn’t just a trend – it’s a smart move for your health and the planet.
Natural waxes like soy, coconut and beeswax burn cleaner, produce less soot, and are renewable. Essential oils offer a safe and pleasant aroma that avoids harmful chemicals. Plus, you get to support sustainable practices. Win-win, right?