Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Clean-Burning Scented Candles


I love scented candles but stopped buying any some time ago after I read about the release of toxic substances into the air when burning; some are carcinogenic. Synthetic scents, lead in the wick, paraffin wax and other ingredients are to be avoided if you want your candles to burn "clean". Make sure you buy soy- or beeswax-based candles, scented with essential oils.
I found two wonderful options.
At Soaptopia, a wonderful place I told you about where everything is handmade and natural, they offer scented candles that are really exceptional: shea-butter based, they melt into a hot massage oil. So sensuous!
I also got a lavender & lemongrass one at Whole Foods. So fresh!

28 comments:

Laura in Paris said...

Soaptopia is indeed a fantastic place to find a fine gift, to replenish the senses, to get a treat (that won't make you gain wight!)

Anonymous said...

Salut bon blog ami. Il est agréable pour moi pouvoir te saluer.

Une embrassade, des saluts depuis le Chili.

sealaura said...

yum, thanks for the tip. had no idea. hope you and Benjy had a lovely holiday.

Annie said...

Well, I'm off to Whole Foods here in Houston. (I had to throw out a recent candle purchas...it burned black smoke like a smudge pot.) Thanks for the source!

Debra said...

I too love to burn candles, even during the summer. I will have to try these as I am headed to our Whole Foods later this week. Thank you for the good tip.

{Tara} said...

One of my favorite scent combinations! Lavender with anything, actually, is amazing!
Best,
Tara

Andrea Tachezy said...

Soaptopia looks really great!

Mary-Laure said...

WORLD IN A PAN - I was sure you'd love this store.

ANNIE - you were right to throw it away. Soot is very bad for the lungs.

TARA - I love lavender too, it's such a clean and fresh scent.

marie said...

i love the smell of lavender.. bu ive never been big on candles because if these reasons. maybe i can now :)

d. moll, l.ac. said...

I think Palm Wax burns clean too, at least it says so on the box and I got it at the herb store where they are pretty conscientious.... I love beeswax best, but the palm is cheaper.

Anonymous said...

oh yes...thanks also for the tip...had no idea...and i always burn candles! uuu now to find a good candle place...
nancyxx

J Elaine said...

Very helpful information as always. I wonder if my Diptyque candles burn clean? I love the woody scents of maquis, myrrhe and feu de bois. Of course, lavender is an all time favorite of mine.

Hey Harriet said...

Oh I didn't know that about scented candles. Thanks for the heads up!

Nikella said...

Thanks for the tip. I only use beewax or soycandles and am always on the lookout for them!

Piper said...

Gracias por la informacion!

No tenia ni idea de esto!

Yo suelo tener velas en casa encendidas!

Buscaré de las que tu dices, aunque esta tienda en españa no está, algun sitio tiene que tener velas de las buenas.

Saludos desde ibiza.

{Tara} said...

Hi again! Just wanted to let you know I tagged you on my blog today!
Best,
Tara

Mary-Laure said...

J ELAINE - you should definitely ask them.

D. MOLL - I'll check out Palm Wax - do they have it at Whole Foods?

PIPER - estoy segura que en España puedes encontrar velas "limpias"; despues me contas.

TARA - I love tags!

Gabbi said...

I haven't bought a candle in ages, but your post makes it quite appealing...

Adrianna Traxler said...

My mom is totally obsessed with candles and they are always lit. Thanks so much for the tip on the toxins being released. I'm totally buying those for her.

Kaitlynn said...

I too love scented candles... Colonial Candle is also nice place for buying candles with a wide range of related accessories...

d. moll, l.ac. said...

I don't know about WF, but I got 12 fair trade tea lights that claimed to be made in Indonesia where the workers were treated humanely, got got wages, healthcare, pregnanacy leave, vacation and retirement benefits. And all for just 5.70 Looks like it is distributed by Bright LIghts Candle Co. Tricky just buying candles......

Amber said...

Travel, dogs, vintage and european style bikes! Hello!? I feel ike I am looking in a mirror! Great to discover your blog.

Amber said...

Oh... AND a vegetarian!

Mary-Laure said...

AMBER - blogs are so wonderful in part because they allow us to meet twin spirits, I think.

Katherine said...

You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.

Alya said...

Oh my! I didn't know that some candles are harmful to our health. My favorites are by Dyptique and Laura Mercier. I don't know if they're clean burning.

MC said...

I love soy candles! I actually sell them through my home business! We have several types of soy candle and one that's actually edible, cherry flavored! It comes in a heart shaped tin, so cute!

But soy is so awesome, the wax doesn't burn and it's a great moisturizer! :)

Jessica Turnbow said...

I had no idea about candles emitting toxic chemicals, thanks so much for posting! I will have to alter my usual candle trips :)