Candles are a great decorative and practical addition to your home for their elegance and great scent. If you’re on a budget, buying quality decent-sized candles is a difficult task, and even when you find one that’s cheap, it’s usually made with a lot of chemicals. Follow these tips to make your own natural, safe candles at home for an affordable price.  

What products to avoid in candles  

Commercial candles found in specialty stores typically contain paraffin. Paraffin is a waste product of petroleum and a known carcinogen when burned. The soot and fumes released are comparable to a diesel engine and are as dangerous as secondhand smoke.  

Another major problem with conventional candles is the lead found in the wick. Wicks should be made of cotton or pure paper, but a study done found that 30 percent of US candles were still releasing dangerous amounts of lead into the air.  

There are more toxic chemicals to list off, especially when it comes to added synthetic fragrance, but the point is that these candles are not healthy for the environment—or for us.  

Soy 

Now sold in bulk packs, soy wax is a cheap alternative. Soy wax is a processed form of soybean oil, making it 100 percent natural and safe to burn. A huge advantage to soy is its sustainability, because it is a renewable resource. In addition, the US is the leading source of soy bean growth in Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois. So, by buying soy wax you are supporting the local economy.  

Beeswax 

With a slow burn time and natural honey aroma, beeswax is a natural product that makes great candles. If you’re looking to improve your home’s air quality, look no further because beeswax emits negative ions that clean the surrounding air. Beeswax also produces a brighter flame and is hypoallergenic.  

Coconut wax  

Coconut wax is a natural alternative that holds scent well. Adding essential oils to beeswax and soy wax to give them scent sometimes doesn’t result in the desired scent strength. This is the priciest wax on the list, but it is noted for its sustainability and great adhesion to glass when melted.  

The wick  

Use 100 percent cotton or paper wicks for the brightest and safest burn. 

Making or purchasing naturally sourced candles benefits you, the environment, and your wallet.   

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