Understanding the composition of a candle: what lies behind the flame
What is a scented candle really made of?
At first glance, a candle seems simple: wax, a wick, and fragrance. However, its composition can vary considerably from one brand to another. Conventional candles still use paraffin wax , derived from petroleum, which is less environmentally friendly.
Today, healthier alternatives exist. At Aglaé, we've chosen soy wax , a plant-based, biodegradable, and renewable material, renowned for its clean and longer burn time . This makes all the difference between a conventional candle and a natural, non-toxic candle, carefully crafted and designed with your well-being in mind.
The wick, the fragrances and the dyes: quality above all
Beyond the wax, other elements can influence the quality of a candle:
- Scented candles may contain poorly formulated synthetic fragrances containing phthalates and CMR substances.
-poor quality dyes
-treated wicks or wicks with a metallic core (sometimes with lead , which is prohibited but still present in some non-compliant products).
The result: black smoke , residue , and possible respiratory irritation .
At Aglaé Bougie, we use only untreated, lead-free cotton wicks for a consistent flame and clean burning. Our fragrances are created in Grasse , the world capital of perfumery, and formulated without phthalates or CMR substances .
The result: a candle that diffuses a clean and elegant fragrance , without compromising on safety.
Which types of wax are the safest?
Fortunately, more natural and safer alternatives to paraffin wax exist. Among them:
- Soy wax , derived from plant matter and renowned for clean burning .
- Beeswax , used for centuries, is nourishing.
- Rapeseed or hemp wax, sustainable and local.
At Aglaé, we have chosen a carefully selected natural vegetable wax , to combine respect for health, olfactory quality and ecological commitment .
To better understand the differences, consult our guide on scented candle waxes and learn how to make the right choice.
| Criteria | Paraffin wax | Vegetable wax (soy, rapeseed, coconut) | Animal wax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Petroleum derivative | Plant source (oilseed plants) | Natural, produced by bees |
| Burning time | Short to medium | Longer (up to 30% longer) | Long |
| VOC emissions | Elevated (benzene, toluene, etc.) | Very weak to nonexistent | Very weak |
| Impact on health | Potentially toxic, irritant | Non-toxic if not assembled | Non-toxic |
| Environmental impact | Non-renewable, polluting | Biodegradable, renewable | Eco-friendly, but limited by production |
| Smell of wax | Masked or synthetic | Light but subtle | Sweet, sometimes dominant odor |
| Price | Inexpensive | Expensive | Very expensive |
What are the real health dangers of candles?
Are all candles toxic?
Not all candles have the same health impacts. The difference lies in their composition . A candle made from paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances containing phthalates and CMR substances can release undesirable substances when burned, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
What are the health effects?
Using conventional candles can sometimes cause respiratory discomfort in more sensitive individuals (children, asthmatics, allergy sufferers). But there's a simple solution: switch to candles with a clean composition .
This is precisely Aglaé's commitment: to offer candles that respect indoor air quality , free from phthalates and CMR substances , with untreated cotton wicks . Our candles are designed so you can enjoy a fragrant atmosphere with complete peace of mind.
Natural candle = safe candle?
Not necessarily. A poorly formulated natural candle or one containing low-quality essential oils can still release irritating substances . At Aglaé Bougie , each scented candle is carefully formulated for clean burning , with fragrances from Grasse that are free of phthalates and CMR substances, and vegetable waxes that are certified GMO-free.
At Aglaé , each scented candle is carefully formulated in our workshop in La Rochelle: vegetable wax, untreated cotton wick, fragrances from Grasse developed without controversial substances.
The result: an elegant, serene, and fragrant atmosphere.
How to choose a non-toxic candle
Criteria to monitor
To limit health risks , always check:
- the composition of the wax (avoid paraffin , prefer vegetable wax such as soy wax or beeswax ),
- the origin of the perfumes (preferably without phthalates or CMR substances),
- the wick (made of cotton , without a metal core),
- the absence of chemical dyes or controversial additives .
Discover a refillable scented candle at Aglaé, designed without compromise between aesthetics, safety and air quality.
Useful labels and information
Pay attention to certain information on the packaging:
- “ 100% vegetable wax ” or “ paraffin-free wax ”
- “ without CMR ” (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic)
- “ Phthalate-free perfume ”
- “ Made in France ”: a guarantee of traceability and safety.
What substances can be released by a candle?
Paraffin and VOCs
Paraffin wax , still used in many conventional candles, is derived from petroleum. When it burns, it can release small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to making indoor air feel heavy, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
At Aglaé , we have made the choice to completely exclude paraffin: our candles are made from natural vegetable wax , such as soy, to guarantee a clean combustion that respects indoor air .
Smoke, soot, and uneven combustion
A poorly trimmed wick or a candle that burns too short can cause a little black smoke and soot residue. These problems are easy to avoid: simply trim the cotton wick regularly to 5 mm and let the candle burn long enough for the wax to melt evenly.
That's why all our Aglaé candles are equipped with untreated cotton wicks , selected for a stable flame and a serene experience.
Fragrances and colors: quality makes the difference
Most commercially sold candles still use synthetic fragrances containing phthalates and CMR substances or chemical dyes which, once heated, can become irritating.
At Aglaé, we work with a perfumer from Grasse to develop 100% of our fragrances without phthalates or CMR substances .
The result: a scented candle that diffuses a refined fragrance while respecting your health and your home.
| Component | Type used | Potentially toxic substances | Health risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin wax (mineral) | Benzene, toluene, acrolein, formaldehyde | VOCs, respiratory irritation, cancer |
| Vegetable wax (soy, rapeseed…) | None (if pure, without additives) | Safe | |
| Beeswax | None | Safe | |
| Scent | Synthetic fragrance | Phthalates, synthetic musks, CMR compounds | Allergies, hormonal imbalances, indoor air pollution |
| Raw essential oil | Some allergens (limonene, linalool…) | Skin reactions, irritation | |
| Natural, allergen-free fragrance (designed for candles) | None (if rigorously formulated) | Moderate use recommended | |
| Wick | Wick with a lead core (prohibited but still found) | Lead | Neurotoxicity, lead pollution |
| Cotton or untreated wood wick | None | Safe | |
| Treated or perfumed wick | Chemical residues, glues, solvents | Harmful emissions from combustion |
How to reduce the risks when burning a candle?
Ventilate and choose the right room
Even with a high-quality candle , some precautions are necessary:
- Ventilate the room regularly before, during and after use.
- Avoid burning a candle in an enclosed space or a child's bedroom .
- Never place a candle in a draft , this promotes uneven and more polluting combustion .
Burning under good conditions
- Cut the cotton wick to 5 mm before each use (with a suitable wick cutter ).
- Use a candle snuffer to avoid blowing on the flame and to limit soot emissions ( candle snuffer ).
- Allow the wax to burn evenly to the edges of the pot (approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on the size) to avoid hollows.
Use in moderation and with responsibility
Avoid burning multiple candles at once , especially in a small space . Moderate use , along with good ventilation , is the key to a safe and enjoyable fragrance experience.
Sustainable alternatives to toxic candles
Opt for a natural and French candle
The best alternative remains the natural candle made from vegetable wax (such as soy wax ), combined with fragrances from Grasse that are free of phthalates and CMR substances . These candles, like those offered by Aglaé , provide a clean burn and a unique olfactory ambiance without polluting the indoor air.
Making your own homemade candle
For DIY enthusiasts, it is possible to create your own non-toxic candle with the Aglaé DIY kit , which contains all the essential elements: vegetable wax , perfumes from Grasse without phthalates or CMR , cotton wick and manufacturing advice .
Recharge rather than throw away
Also consider refilling your candles : an eco-friendly and economical way to extend the life of your scented candles while reducing waste .
