Live Refreshed: 5 Non Toxic Candle Picks

Photo: William Sonoma

Burning candles are such a simple way to refresh your life, and a simple reminder to be more mindful.  As a downside - many of them are actually toxic.  

Scented candles often have paraffin wax in them (check the labels!), which creates extremely toxic pollutants.  Relaxing in pollution doesn't sound attractive.  South Carolina State University published this research on candles:

"The paraffin candles we tested released unwanted chemicals into the air.  For a person who lights a candle every day for years of just uses them frequently, inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks like cancer, common allergies and even asthma. said Massoudi a chemistry professor in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences." 

Yuck!  Luckily, there's a few great alternatives.  

Beeswax candles are my new obsession, because they actually release negative ions - which means they are actually GOOD for the air and help clean and refresh the air in your apartment and homes.  Plus, you don't have to give up yummy smells, just look for ones that are scented with essential oils.  

Here are my favorite healthy candles for you to try: 

William Sonoma's lovely pink grapefruit (Hello Spring scents!) natural essential oils candle.  Plus it's only $15.96

The Smoke Ash candle from Baxter is to lust after.  It's meant to be a men's candle, but girl's, we'll enjoy it's yummy scent just as much. It's a soy candle, healthy for the environment, and healthy for our souls.  

Mrs. Meyer's soy candles are perfect if you are an avid candle burner - they are $9.99 and still healthy (soy) so you won't feel guilty splurging on all of her refreshing Spring scents, like the Geranium one pictured here.  Plus, how cute are the containers?!

Well, I had to picture this one for kicks.  A cannabis scented BEESWAX (yay for beeswax!) candle.  Better to light a candle than to smoke it! Plus your actually making the world healthier by indulging! Malin+Goetz also has some flavors on Amazon such as mojito, or dark rum.  

One of my favorite online places to shop is Nordstroms - free shipping and free returns. They have this lovely Malie candle that has a 100% cotton wick (always look for cotton wicks!), and completely soy, petroleum free candle.  Drift peacefully into the Hawaiian State of mind!

Have you tried any beeswax or soy candles? I want to try them to!  Leave a comment to give me the details, and let's start a discussion!