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A little mood lighting is always a good idea—except when it gives off potentially toxic fumes. If you haven’t already added candles to your list of household items to swap out for more natural options, now’s the time. Here’s why: Most candles are commonly made with paraffin wax. When burned, this ingredient creates the compounds benzene and toluene, which the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports “can cause toxicity throughout the body, specifically affecting the pulmonary system, central and peripheral nervous system, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, dermal, and hematological systems.” So what’s a candle lover to do? Opt out of buying conventional candles and choose cleaner alternatives. Keep reading, because we’ve rounded up our favorite picks to help you get the glow you’re after.
How to Make a DIY Scented Candle
Just when you thought we were done sharing new ways to use coconut oil, here come candles. Use this base recipe to experiment with adding your favorite essential oils for a totally custom scent.
Materials
8 ounces beeswax
⅓ to ½ cup of coconut oil
50 to 75 drops essential oil
Thermometer
Wick
12-ounce heat-resistant glass jar
Pencil or chopstick
Instructions
Melt wax in a double-boiler over medium heat, checking the temperature with the thermometer until it reaches between 145°F to 150°F. Off heat, allow the temperature to continue rising to 170°F. Blend in coconut oil until fully melted. Stir in essential oils, starting with about 50 drops, and working up to 75 drops depending on the desired scent. Cool wax to 160°F.
While the wax cools, tie one end of the wick to a pencil or chopstick and cut the wick long enough to hang straight and taut, ending with ¼-inch remaining above the bottom of the jar after resting the pencil across the rim.
Once the wax has cooled, slowly pour it into the jar, readjusting the wick to stay centered. Allow wax to dry for 1 to 2 days, then cut the wick to ½-inch and burn.
Top Candles Brands
Be warned that once you learn more about some of our favorite candle brands, you might develop a minor obsession with them.
Pure Plant Home
Pure Plant Home is known for using plant-derived essential oils extracted from citrus fruits or distilled from herbs and flowers in its line of candles that can either relax or rejuvenate depending on your mood.
SOL
Sustained Organic Living (also known as SOL) is an organic and fair trade lifestyle company that’s on a mission to bring organic cotton to the mainstream. Whether it’s candles, eye pillows, or back pillows, this brand works to be completely transparent in all areas of the business.
rareEARTH Naturals
rareEARTH Naturals is committed to sourcing the very best essential oils for its sprays, diffusers, and candles. That means traveling to India, Bulgaria, or anywhere else they can find ingredients that meet their high standards.
Best Candles
Don’t miss this lineup of candles that’ll naturally infuse your home with the perfect mood lighting.
Pure Plant Home Coconut Wax Candle Jar, Bergamot & Lime
This candle has an extra refreshing scent thanks to Italian bergamot and cold-pressed Persian limes. The jar has a burn time of approximately 24 hours, and is made with an unbleached cotton wick. It’s also free of petrochemicals.
SOL Meditation Candle
Whenever you need a few minutes of calm, light a meditation candle to help you ease into a more relaxed state of mind. Frankincense and myrrh essential oils will set the mood and provide a soothing scent to enjoy while you meditate.
rareEARTH Naturals Dream Spa Candle
Make your home feel like a spa with this dreamy candle filled with scents of lavender and clary sage. The candle itself is made with U.S.-farmed beeswax, pure essential oils, and cotton wicks.
Gift Ideas From Thrive Market
For birthdays, dinner parties, holidays, or just because, picking out the perfect gift can send just the right message to someone you love.
Gifts Mom Will Love
Shower mom with the gifts she deserves (and will absolutely love). Choose from face scrubs, candles, even chocolate truffles to show her how much you care.
3-Ingredient Scented Candles
If you’re someone who loves a good DIY project—especially for gifting—give this 3-ingredient scented candle a try. Just pick up coconut oil, soy wax beads, and tea lights to get started.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Don’t leave Mother’s Day to the last minute! These gift ideas can be ordered in advance so you don’t miss the chance to say “I love you.”