Clean Home Fragrances: Drift's Non-Toxic Home Candles
by Amanda Talarick | 12/17/2024
Not all home candles are made equal — and we’re not just talking about their pleasant scents. Only a select few incorporate natural ingredients that help you achieve a natural and healthy home environment. And since candles are meant to be burned, it’s critical to purchase and use non-toxic home candles to ensure the health of your loved ones.
The guide below explores the concept of non-toxic home candles to help you find more eco-friendly and sustainable fragrance solutions for your living space. Our discussion also includes defining non-toxic and listing out the ingredients you should avoid when shopping for your next home fragrance. Scentscape your home with clean, premium fragrances found in Drift’s signature non-toxic home candles.
What Does it Mean to be Non-Toxic?
Defining the term “non-toxic” can be tricky, especially since it’s more about what’s not in a particular product or substance than what appears on the ingredients list. This term isn’t legally recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The only legislation associated with non-toxic claims is the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which only identifies toxic industrial chemicals.
However, within the larger health and beauty industry, non-toxic is often used to describe products that are guaranteed to not be harmful or poisonous. The term “toxic-free” carries a similar connotation based on the definition established by the Toxic Free Foundation. Non-toxic and toxic-free products are — generally speaking — safe, natural, and eco-friendly.
Home Candle Ingredients to Avoid
Prioritizing your family’s health and fostering a sustainable home environment can prove challenging. Yet, when it comes to non-toxic home candles, they don’t have to be. Avoid the following ingredients to create a healthier living space for your loved ones:
- Paraffin: This petroleum-based product contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and can release acetaldehyde, acetone, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and other harsh chemicals.
- Lead wicks: Did you know that many older candles used lead in their wicks? Before the early 2000s, lead was used to create a stiffer wick. However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has banned lead wicks since 2003 due to the potential for lead poisoning.
- Artificial dyes: Colorful candles make a great conversation starter and can contribute to your decor, but artificial dyes do more harm than good. Ensure the non-toxic candles you buy don’t include any artificial dyes.
- Synthetic fragrances: Counterpart to artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances help candle brands achieve a particular scent. However, they’re not necessarily a healthy ingredient if you’re looking for a non-toxic solution.
Maintaining a clean and healthy home requires knowing what’s in your home candles. The next time you’re shopping for a signature scent to create a personalized ambiance, consider non-toxic home candles.
What to Look For in Non-Toxic Home Candles For Your Family
The type of wax, wick, and fragrance used in a candle makes a significant difference in whether or not it’s categorized as non-toxic. Most non-toxic home candles are also biodegradable. Several companies also go one step further by using recyclable or eco-friendly packaging materials that offer additional environmental benefits.
Wax Type
The specific wax — or wax blend — used to create a candle significantly impacts whether or not it’s non-toxic. Many commercially available candles feature synthetic waxes that may contain harmful chemicals. The best non-toxic candles feature one or more of the following wax types:
- Soy
- Beeswax
- Coconut
- Apricot
- Vegetable
Soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are among the most common non-toxic waxes available. These waxes may be used alone or in a blend.
Fragrance Type
Synthetic fragrances can contain harsh chemicals that do more harm than good, especially in candle form. Look for home candles that incorporate clean essential or fragrance oils or a mix of both. Opting for a natural fragrance doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your chosen scent, as many non-toxic fragrances are just as pleasant.
The best way to determine what types of fragrance or essential oils are used is to look at the ingredients list. For example, Drift’s Scented Candles are made from pure fragrance and essential oils, soy wax, and coconut wax. If you don’t see fragrance or essential oils listed, the candle may or may not be non-toxic.
Wick Type
As we mentioned previously, candles used to incorporate lead wicks, but nowadays, most wicks are made from wood, paper, or cotton. These materials are non-toxic and lead-free. Cotton is one of the most popular wick types because it allows for a clean, consistent, and prolonged burn.
Sustainable Scents: How Drift Home Candles Are Different
Drift Scented Candles incorporate clean fragrance oils and a coconut and soy wax blend that’s 100% non-toxic. The cotton core wick burns cleanly, infusing your home with luxury fragrances. Select from premium scents that include the following:
Unlit, Drift home candles emit passive scent for up to 60 days. Our 10-ounce candles feature 45 hours of burn time. The sleek and modern design also makes it easy to move the candle around your home, placing it in bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms as you desire.
Explore Drift Non-Toxic Home Candles For Healthy Living Spaces
Treat your family to the best non-toxic home candles with Drift’s signature scents designed for modern living spaces. Made from premium ingredients and featuring truly deluxe scents that give your home an upscale feeling, our Scented Candles make the perfect addition to any room in your house. Explore more Drift products for your home and sign up for our mailing list for exclusive alerts on exciting new products.