What do aromatherapy candles do?

Aromatherapy candles are specially designed candles that are infused with essential oils to release pleasant fragrances when burned. These candles are used as a part of aromatherapy, a holistic healing approach that utilizes the aromatic properties of essential oils to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Read our blog for more information on how aromatherapy candles can support your well-being.

Why is the first burn of a candle so important?

The first burn of a candle is important because it helps establish an even wax pool, preventing tunneling and memory rings. It maximizes scent throw and performance by distributing fragrance oils evenly. Following proper instructions ensures a clean, even burn and longer overall burn time.

Why don’t you use soy wax?

We get asked this quite a lot, because soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin wax, it’s marketed as a sustainable, renewable resource, un-reliant on fossil fuels.  Soy grown on an industrial scale has a multitude of negative environmental consequences, firstly soy wax causes deforestation, which involves the clearing of trees and other vegetation from a piece of land in order to make the land more suitable for growing soybeans. the problem with this is the habitats of many animal and plant species are destroyed in the process. It also causes soil erosion, greenhouse gas emissions and low water quality. This doesn’t mean you have to stop buying soy candles, If you do want to continue to purchase them, please be sure your candle is ethically sourced, which means that it was obtained in a way that is both responsible and sustainable.

Do you make paraffin candles?

The majority of candles produced today are made from paraffin, which is a byproduct of petroleum. To create paraffin wax the petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized. this already sounds pretty disgusting, but did you know when a paraffin candle is burned, the wax can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air you are breathing including acetone, benzene, and toluene, which are known carcinogens, not only that these VOC’s can cause allergies, asthma, and attacks. A study by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit.

Do you use beeswax in your candles?

Beeswax is definitely more sustainable the soy wax, however, we don’t use beeswax as it’s not suitable for vegans.

Why do you use coconut wax?

We use coconut wax because they are more sustainable than soy wax, they don’t require a lot of pesticides, they are usually grown by smaller, less intensive farms, meaning that fewer trees and land is destroyed and there are fewer negative social impacts, even better, coconuts are grown without pesticides and all of the coconut can be used, making it one of the most sustainable waxes to use.

Should I be worried about zinc in my wicks?

Yes, you should be concerned about lead wicks in candles. Lead wicks were commonly used in candles in the past because lead provides stability and rigidity to the wick. However, it has been well-established that burning candles with lead wicks can release lead particles into the air, which can be inhaled and pose health risks.

Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time and cause various health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and other serious health issues.

To ensure your safety, it is recommended to avoid using candles with lead wicks. When purchasing candles, look for labels that specifically state they are lead-free. Many countries have regulations in place to restrict or prohibit the use of lead wicks in candles, but it’s always a good idea to check the product labeling or contact the manufacturer for confirmation.

Opt for candles made with natural materials like Joanne Duke Candles, we use cotton and paper wicks. By being mindful of the type of candles you use, you can minimise the potential risks associated with lead exposure.

What is in your wicks?

We don’t just care where our wax comes from, we care about the wicks too. We use a wick made from cotton with a paper filament, we never use wicks with a zinc or tin filament. because these metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned, wicks with zinc and tin cores may also be releasing small amounts of lead particles into the air.

How do you fragrance your candles?

We only use pure essential oil in our candles. Essential oils have natural properties that can be beneficial to your mind and body. We absolutely never use synthetic fragrances because they can give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include formaldehyde and petroleum distillates. These chemicals can contribute to a range of health problems including headaches, dizziness and allergy symptoms, and even more serious issues like cancer.

Do you use a lot of packaging

We use just the right amount of packaging to get your candle to you safely. We think about the environmental impact of everything we use and make sure we use recycled and biodegradable whenever possible. The boxes used are FCS (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which means they meet the highest environmental and social standards. The packing peanuts inside your parcel are also biodegradable they are made from natural, nontoxic sources, such as wheat and corn starch. They dissolve in water and can also be thrown into compost piles.

Why do some candles tunnel?

Candles can tunnel when they are not burned properly initially, have an incorrect wick size, are of poor quality, or are exposed to drafts. To prevent tunneling, ensure a full melt pool forms during the first burn, trim the wick before each use, avoid drafts, and choose high-quality candles.

Take a look at our aromatherapy candles, there’s one for every mood…