Natural Scented Candles - Vegan, Sustainable & High-Quality
A scented candle consists of wax, fragrance, and a wick. A lit wick melts the wax, and the heat causes the fragrance to evaporate and spread into the room air. Simple enough. However, the diffusion and quality of the scent crucially depend on the quality of the wax and the fragrance used. Cheap candles are usually made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum production, and use synthetic aromas and fragrances, which are very inexpensive to produce industrially. High-quality organic scented candles, on the other hand, are made from plant-based waxes and preferably use essential oils for scenting.
The Quality of the Wax is Crucial
Most candles are made from paraffin. This inexpensive raw material has a negative ecological footprint, harms the environment, and thus also ourselves. Additionally, paraffin burns relatively quickly, can produce unpleasant soot, and may release concerning substances such as alkanes, alkenes, toluene, or benzene into the surroundings. A somewhat better alternative is stearin candles. Stearin wax has the advantage of burning longer than paraffin candles and producing less soot. Unfortunately, most stearin candles are made from palm oil, which often comes from non-sustainable plantations that destroy rainforests. Inferior waxes also impair the quality of the fragrance and reduce its diffusion.
The natural, vegan, and sustainable alternative is pure soy wax and rapeseed wax. These waxes are purely plant-based, renewable, and 100% biodegradable. They are derived from the oils of soybeans and rapeseed. Besides the ecological benefits, these waxes also offer practical advantages.
- Soy wax candles melt about 30%-50% slower than paraffin candles of comparable size.
- Due to the lower melting point, the scent spreads more evenly than with industrial candles.
- Also, soy wax is completely odorless, allowing the valuable fragrance additives to come through optimally.
Rapeseed wax has similarly beneficial properties as soy wax but, due to its softer texture, can only be poured into glass containers without additives. Additionally, rapeseed wax has a very subtle natural scent, which is either hardly noticeable or can complement the actual fragrance. From a sustainability perspective, rapeseed wax is even the better alternative since rapeseed is grown in Europe, resulting in shorter transport routes. Soy is mainly grown in the USA, Brazil, and Argentina. Responsible brands ensure that only soy from non-GMO cultivation and sustainably managed farms is used.
Beeswax is another ecological and sustainable alternative. It is an animal product and, due to its relatively strong natural honey scent, price, and complex processing, is mostly used in DIY projects or as a niche product for enthusiasts.
The Fragrance Makes the Difference
Fragrances can basically be divided into two categories: synthetic fragrances made in the lab and natural fragrances derived from plant materials, such as essential oils. Cheap synthetic fragrance oils smell overpowering, lack depth and complexity, and can cause headaches. High-quality synthetic fragrance oils can sometimes be an alternative for premium scented candles. However, most brands of plant-based scented candles prefer natural fragrances. Essential oils are essentially plant extracts. They are obtained by steam distillation, extraction, or pressing from various plant parts (flowers, bark, leaves, or fruits). Essential oils have a particularly strong effect through their scent. The positive effects of essential oils on humans are undisputed among scientists and naturopaths alike. Fine, high-quality scents and precious aromas can positively influence our emotional balance, help us relax and recharge, relieve ailments, transport us to mysterious worlds, and enhance our overall well-being. Last but not least, high-quality, exquisite fragrances create a wonderful room atmosphere.
So Many Scents!
Just like with perfumes, there is something for everyone with scented candles. Warm, elegant, and opulent like sandalwood and patchouli, fresh like bergamot, mandarin, or grapefruit, floral notes of lily of the valley, violet, and rose, or oriental moods of vetiver, amber, and vanilla – candle perfumers create pleasant, surprising, and functional room fragrances for a perfect feel-good atmosphere. Natural and high-quality scented candles enhance the mood in any room, whether living, dining, or bedroom.
Practical Tips for Scented Candles
Proper candle care ensures the best quality and extends the burn time of a scented candle.
- Trim the wick of your candle to about 5 mm before each lighting or after the candle has cooled.
- Please dispose of the trimmed wick pieces in the trash; do not leave wick remnants in the candle glass.
- Before lighting, make sure the wick is standing straight.
- For even burning, the wax should melt to the edge of the container each time you burn it to avoid tunneling.
- Place the soy wax scented candle on a flat surface and protect it from drafts.
- Let a candle burn for at least 1.5 hours to fill a medium-sized room with fragrance.
- As a rule of thumb, a 200 ml organic soy wax candle has a burn time of about 40 to 50 hours.
For a special scent experience or even more coziness, you can arrange several scented candles on a tray or distribute them around the room. When the candle is used up, feel free to reuse the glass. Clean it, and you have a jam jar, pencil holder, or whatever you want!
To sum up: There is nothing better than relaxing in a cozy atmosphere with your favorite scent!