What are good ingredients for a scented candle? 

Scented candles have become a ubiquitous presence in modern homes. They are not only a great way to enhance the ambiance of a space but also create a relaxing atmosphere. The secret behind a good scented candle lies in its ingredients. In this blog post, we will explore the ingredients that make up a good scented candle - and what to avoid. 

Wax

The wax is the main ingredient in a candle. It is what gives the candle its structure and allows it to burn. There are different types of wax used in candles, the four most popular being soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax. 

• Soy wax is a popular choice for scented candles because it is natural, sustainable, and burns cleanly.Has the longest burn time of the natural waxes, but less of a scent throw.
• Coconut wax is another good alternative, fast gaining popularity due its even burn and great scent throw. It can be very soft, especially in high temperatures, and is more expensive. 
• Beeswax is also a natural wax that burns cleanly and has a subtle honey scent. It has the longest burn time and good consistency, but is the priciest and less sustainable. 
• Paraffin wax is a synthetic wax made from petroleum. It is a less expensive option, but it is not eco-friendly and can emit harmful chemicals when burned.

When choosing a scented candle, look for natural waxes (soy, coconut, or beeswax) or a mix of them together. Avoid paraffin wax. 

Fragrance

The fragrance is what makes a scented candle special. It is what fills the air with a pleasant aroma when the candle is burning. Fragrances can be made from natural or synthetic ingredients:

• Essential Oils: 100% natural oils derived from plant extracts by steam distillation or cold press. Burning candles with essential oils can provide a variety of natural health benefits. However, they are the most expensive and emit a more subtle scent throw.
• Natural fragrance oils: Derived from plants, natural fragrance oils are blends of isolates that are derived through many of the exact same processes that are used to get essential oils. The difference is in whether you are extracting an entire compound (essential oil) or a single molecule (natural isolate). They are safe, cheaper than essential oils, provide a stronger scent throw, but are not 100% natural. 
• Synthetic fragrance oils: Created in a lab, these oils are made up of chemical compounds composed of aromatic raw materials. They can create scents to mimic natural scents, or completely artificial scents.

When choosing a scented candle, it is essential to look for one that uses essential oils or high-quality fragrance oils that are free from phthalates and other harmful chemicals. This ensures you can get real natural benefits and enjoyment from the scent, while being sustainable and chemical free. 

Wicks

The wick is the part of the candle that burns and provides the flame. It is important to choose a scented candle with a high-quality wick that is made from natural materials such as cotton, wood, or hemp. Synthetic wicks can release harmful chemicals when burned, which can affect air quality.

Colorants

Colorants are used to give the candle its color. They can be natural or synthetic. Natural colorants include plant extracts such as beet juice and turmeric. Synthetic colorants are created in a lab and can be harmful to the environment. It is best to choose a scented candle without any colorats, or atleast natural colorants to reduce your carbon footprint.

Additives

Additives are sometimes added to scented candles to improve their burning performance. For example, stearic acid can be added to increase the hardness of the wax and improve the fragrance throw. Vybar is another additive that is added to candles to increase their scent throw and reduce wax shrinkage. It is best to avoid additives, but many companies include them without disclosing the details.

Conclusion

A good scented candle should be made from high-quality ingredients that are eco-friendly and safe for your home. When choosing a scented candle, it is important to look for one that uses natural waxes, high-quality fragrance oils, and no or natural colorants. A good scented candle should also have a high-quality wick made from natural materials. 

It can be hard to know all the ingredients in a candle, as companies aren’t required by law to disclose.  As a result, many include cheaper ingredients to make the process less expensive and boost the scent. Look for brands that disclose their ingredients. 

Go Candles 

Looking for a candle that fits all these requirements? Check outGo Candles. Each candle is made with 100 natural ingredients including a mix of coconut and soy wax, essential and natural fragrance oils, and cotton wick, with no additives or coloring.