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Candles are all about setting that cozy vibe, right? But, heads up—not all candles are winners! Those buys from big stores might look tempting, but they come with some serious downsides. Loaded with unhealthy cancer-causing chemicals and hormone disruptors, they're not the best choice. So, why not try something better for you and the planet?
Understand the Hazards
Why Steer Clear of Big Box Candles?
Sure, those big box candles don't break the bank, but they're hiding some unpleasant surprises. Many are made of paraffin wax, basically a petroleum product—not eco-friendly! When you light them up, they release chemicals like benzene and toluene (known carcinogens!). Breathing these in can be harmful, especially for kids and pets. And those synthetic scents or "fragrance grade oils"? They can mess with hormones. So, isn’t it time to think twice? Choosing candles without these harmful ingredients means protecting your loved ones and our planet. It’s about safer, more inviting spaces.
The Health Effects of Traditional Candles
Paraffin and artificial scents release VOCs and soot, triggering respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. Over time, they could even disrupt hormones. There are a whole host of issues that come with traditional candles:
Carcinogens: These are materials known or thought to cause cancer.
Mutagens: Materials that change a cell's DNA, harming the cell and causing diseases like cancer.
Reproductive toxins: Toxins that adversely affect reproductive organs and increase the risk of birth defects.
Organ toxins: These are toxins that can cause adverse effects or disease within specific bodily organs.
Acute toxins: Toxins that can cause adverse effects from a single exposure. Generally, this would be accidental exposure like spillage or ingestion.
Choose Safer Candle Alternatives
Why Go Chemical-Free?
Making the switch to clean candles comes with loads of perks for both you and the earth! Natural wax candles like soy or beeswax burn cleaner and emit less soot— Plus, they often use clean fragrance oils and essential oils for a fresh, natural scent. Beyond health benefits, they bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your everyday life.
How to Discover Better Candle Options
Looking to shake things up with healthier candles? Here’s what to look for:
Opt for soy, coconut, or beeswax candles for a cleaner burn.
Choose scents infused with essential oils or clean fragrance oils, avoiding synthetic alternatives. Keep it natural!
Pick candles with cotton or wood wicks to avoid harmful metals.
Support eco-friendly practices with reusable or recyclable packaging.
At Extralit, we only use sustainable, and all natural soy coconut wax, cotton wicks, and certified clean fragrance oils that do not contain phthalates, mutagens, carcinogens, or hormone-disrupting chemicals. You can feel safe with us.
