We've all been there. It's a Saturday afternoon, you have a few kid-free minutes and you decide to grab a latte from Starbucks and peruse the aisles of Target. You come to that adorably decorated end-cap stocked with cutely decorated candles filled with all your favorite scents. They're inexpensive, advertising they are a delightful soy-blend. They are even the most delightful shade of pink, perfect for Spring. You toss two or three in your cart. Who can resist?!?!? They're only $7.99 each. And this is where you unknowingly went wrong, so very wrong.
I know you've heard me say it again and again, but to put it plainly, I will die on the hill when it comes to telling all of you the reasons behind when it comes to penny-pinching, candles are not the place you should discount shop. Allow me to tell you a little bit about my arch nemesis: PARAFFIN.
Some of you remember going into a salon and after a manicure, dipping your hands in the warm pool of paraffin wax. It made your skin so soft and was very delightful. Little did you know what you were exposing yourself to. I've shared with you before about how some candle companies make soy-blend candles, which are in fact, not 100% soy, but mixed with paraffin to make the candles burn faster and you to purchase more. It's a rather clever marketing strategy, but also one that does not take into account your health at all.
Paraffin in dangerous. Don't believe me? Well check out this article:
Paraffin is made from petroleum oil, a known cancer-causing agent. Burning paraffin, even when mixed with soy wax, can cause birth defects, respiratory issues, kidney damage and headaches, just to name a few. Many of these issues are non-reversible and can cause life-altering and longterm damage. Places like Target, dollar stores and even some small business that purchase third party candles, sell these items to you as a consumer and don't think anything of it. You see an inexpensive candle that is cute and smells awesome and you put it right into your cart without giving it a second thought. Not to be dramatic (but I often have a flair for the dramatics), but you are literally paying for you and anyone that comes into your home to be exposed to harsh toxins and chemicals.
One of my most dear friends has a husband who has asthma. For years she tried different types of candles and wax melts, longing to fill her home with the scents of the season. Every time she brought home a new candle and lit it, he would immediately have breathing issues. It didn't matter where she bought it: Bath and Body Works, Target, Kroger, etc. They all made his breathing difficult. Although she's in the "Julia Fan Club" (a name I have given to those who support me through all my crazy ideas), she was hesitant for a long time to actually bring any of my candles into her home. I didn't pressure her and she eventually came to a candle making party. She took her amazing creation home and low-and-behold, her husband had zero breathing issues. Why? Because of the promise I made when I started this crazy journey. I will always bring you safe, paraffin and phthalate free candles that are non-toxic, but still delightful.
While this may seem like the desperate plea of a small business owner to get you to place an online order (FREE SHIPPING PEOPLE), the biggest takeaway I want to leave you with is this: PLEASE START READING LABELS. If you see something that says "blend" keep it on the end (cap)! This candle lady wants to keep you safe! We have since added a transparency page to our site, so you never have to question what is in our products. You can find that page here:
Sending love & light,
Julia
Julia,
Well now you have me going through my candles too and tossing them! I had no clue Bath and Body Works candles were that bad. Time to change up my buying preferances!
- Alexis M.
Hi Julia,
Wow I am now going to go through all my candles and just get rid of them Maybe make my mom go through hers too She gets them all from bath and body works or yanke candle Yikes. This post is great!
Great post Julia, since I read your last post I haven't lit my candle from Bath and Body Works. I like how your blog is organized and how engaged you are with your audience.
I was truly interested in your entire post, we typically have a scent in our home either from tarts or candle almost everyday but never have I considered the makeup of the wax in the candle my focus has always been on the strength of the scent. Now I need to look at the stock we have and show this to my wife so she understands too. I stand with the other comment tank you for spreading this kind of awareness. Are there any mass produced brands that follow a more health concieous model as you do? Shane W
Julia, I LOVE how much awareness you are spreading with your blog posts and your business in general! Coming from someone who is sensitive to a lot of scents, knowing where my headaches likely stem from is very intriguing.
How scary this is!! And to think of how common it is burning candles in homes. I think it's amazing you offer safe and honest alternatives and I LOVE your free shipping. It's a wonderful touch to your business! Truly!