A Candle Ingredients List: Know Exactly What's In Your Candle

There’s nothing better than a cozy night in, lounging in your pajamas with your favorite scented candle lit… but have you ever stopped to wonder what’s in your go-to candle? 

In this article, we’re going to break down some of the best and worst candle ingredients, so that you know what to look for and what to avoid to keep you and the earth safe. 

Why Are Candle Ingredients Important?

Candle ingredients are crucial for a few reasons. First and foremost, some scented candles contain ingredients that can be harmful to your health (more on that later!). There are also certain ingredients that can have a negative environmental impact. 

Outside of health and environmental concerns, the type and quality of ingredients in your candles can affect how long they burn, the quality of the burn, and the safety of the candle. For all these reasons and more, it’s always a good idea to take a close look at the ingredients in your scented candles before you bring them home.

What Candle Ingredients Should You Avoid?

Before we get to the best ingredients, we have to break down the top three ingredients you should avoid when buying scented candles: parabens, animal byproducts, and paraffin wax. 

Parabens

Simply put, parabens are synthetic chemicals used in scented candles as preservatives. They can extend the shelf life of candles and protect them from harmful bacteria growth. Although they are effective preservatives, parabens can be potentially harmful. 

There are concerns regarding the use of parabens because certain studies suggest that they act as endocrine disruptors. Given that the balance of hormones in human beings is so delicate, exposure to chemicals like parabens may cause reproductive issues and increase cancer risk. 

Thanks to growing awareness about the danger of parabens, several scented candles (including all of our Snif scented candles) are clearly labeled as paraben-free. 

Animal Byproducts

In the past, candle wax was often made from animal byproducts like beeswax and tallow (animal fat). Fat from animals like pigs, sheep, and even oxen was used to make candles in Europe and America, but it’s very rare to find candles nowadays that are still made from animal fat. 

That said, many candles are still made using beeswax. Although beeswax is one of the safest waxes to burn, it tends not to retain fragrances as well as other types of wax and is one of the most expensive types of wax used to make candles. 

Paraffin Wax

Conversely, paraffin wax is one of the most affordable waxes used to make candles, but it has a high safety and environmental cost. 

Paraffin wax is made from crude oil byproducts. Although paraffin wax candles may appear to burn well, they release harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene. These chemicals have been linked to illnesses like respiratory irritation, allergies, and, in the most extreme cases, cancer. 

It’s also worth noting that, along with potentially being harmful for you, paraffin wax candles are harmful for the environment as well. They are made from the byproduct of gasoline, and the process of making gasoline, in and of itself, has severe negative impacts. Also, unlike other natural waxes, paraffin wax isn’t biodegradable. 

What Candle Ingredients Are Best?

Now that you know what ingredients to steer clear of, it’s time to dive into the best ingredients used to make scented candles (spoiler alert: all of our candles at Snif contain these three ingredients). 

Soy or Vegetable Wax

When it comes to wax, look for scented candles that are made with soy or vegetable wax. These types of wax contain no harmful chemicals, hold fragrance well, and offer a clean burn, even for extended periods of time. 

At Snif, all of our candles are made from a premium soy wax blend that promises a long-lasting scent experience that’s both good for you and the planet. 

Cotton Wicks

Another thing to look out for when you’re candle shopping is the material the wick is made from. Cotton wicks are known for burning clearly, with a steady and consistent flame. This allows for a pleasant visual experience and, just as importantly, helps prevent tunneling in your candle. 

Wooden wicks, on the other hand, often lead to tunneling, which can reduce the lifespan of your candle. 

Non-Toxic Fragrances

It’s also important to make sure your candles contain non-toxic fragrances. Much like parabens, some candles contain fragrance oils with phthalates, another group of chemicals that are endocrine disruptors. 

Unfortunately, you can absorb them through inhalation, so it’s always best to opt for candles that are labeled non-toxic or phthalate-free. 

Vegan Ingredients

Another sign that you’ve found a high-quality, sustainably-made candle is if it contains vegan ingredients. This means that no animal products or byproducts were used to make the candle. Generally speaking, vegan candles burn better and cleaner and are sustainably made. 

Another added benefit of vegan candles is that they are less likely to trigger allergies and tend to last longer. 

High-Quality Burns

When shopping for scented candles, check the ingredient list before you make your purchase. Although choosing the strongest-smelling candle or the candle with the prettiest packaging can be tempting, the ingredients used to make it are just as important as its smell and visual appeal. 

By steering clear of parabens, animal byproducts, and paraffin wax, you can make sure you’re getting a high-quality, non-toxic candle every time — like ours here at Snif. 

Made with a premium soy wax blend and cotton wicks, you can burn our candles for hours without worrying about your health or the health of the planet!

Sources:

Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system | NIH 

(PDF) Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry: An overview of the impacts and source management EEEE Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry | Research Gate

Phthalates Toxicity - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf

Soybean Candles for Healthy Life and Well Being | SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY