The Organic Candle Debate: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to making conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle, the allure of organic products often leads us to question the items we use in our everyday lives. Candles, those cozy sources of light and ambiance, are no exception to this trend. The term "organic" has gained immense popularity, symbolizing purity and eco-friendliness. But, is there really such a thing as an organic candle?

Understanding the Organic Label 

The term "organic" typically refers to products that are made without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms. It's a term commonly associated with food and personal care products. However, the concept becomes somewhat convoluted when applied to candles. 

Candles are primarily composed of wax, which can be derived from various sources such as soy, coconut, beeswax, paraffin, or palm. While some waxes, like soy and beeswax, can be considered more natural than others, the term "organic" doesn't quite translate in the same way it does for food. Unlike fruits or vegetables, waxes undergo a refining process that involves purification and modification, making it difficult to label them as purely organic.

The Complexity of Candle Ingredients 

Another challenge lies in the additives used to create scented and colored candles. Essential oils, fragrances, and dyes are often integrated to enhance the aesthetic and aromatic qualities of candles. These additives can vary greatly in terms of their origins and levels of naturalness. While some manufacturers use essential oils extracted from organic plant sources, others employ synthetic fragrances that might not align with organic principles.

Mountain City Candles uses only phthalate free fragrance oils in our candles.  Essenital oils don't bond well with wax so you end up with an oily candle that doesn't have much scent when lit.

The Environmental Impact

Considering the environmental impact is crucial when discussing organic candles. Some wax sources, like soy and beeswax, are more environmentally friendly than others. Palm wax, for instance, can be linked to deforestation concerns. The carbon footprint of transportation, refining, and production processes also contribute to the overall eco-friendliness of a candle, regardless of whether it's labeled as organic or not.

Making Informed Choices

Rather than getting caught up in the label "organic," it's essential to make informed decisions when purchasing candles. Look for candles that prioritize natural, sustainable ingredients and responsible production processes. Opt for brands that transparently communicate their sourcing methods, wax types, and additives.

Seriously, is there a true organic candle?  

The short answer is no, it's not likely.  Let's look at some popular wax types. 

• Coconut Wax

• Very few coconut waxes are certified organic.  They would have to be 100% Hydrogenated coconut oil, but it is simply not a stable enough wax to use alone as a candle..  It has a melt point of 90 degrees, so it's really, really soft and nearly impossible to ship.  Chandlers who use this wax are either using it as a softener for their pillar candles, or they are blending it with another type of wax, rendering it inorganic.  

• Beeswax

• This is the closest wax to organic, but honey bees can travel more than 8 miles away from their hive.  The chances of those bees only being exposed to organic plants is slim to none.  A recent study of pesticides in beeswax showed 98% of samples were contaminated with miticides. 
  

• Soy Wax

• Only a tiny percentage of US soybean production is organic.  Regardless, in order to create a solid wax from soybean oil, the oil must undergo a chemical change, which prevents the "organic" certification. 
  

• Paraffin Wax

• No.  Paraffin wax is a byprodut of petroleum and has a naturally low melting point.  Stearic acid is added to increase the melt point.  There is even a recommended limit for paraffin wax fume exposure for workers who create the wax.

I suppose someone could grow coconuts without pesticides, fertilizers, and GMO's.  The coconut meat would need pressed without using chemical solvents, hydrogenated, and only a 100% organic wick (cotton?) could be used.  And if the "organic" label is that important to you, then by all means, search that dude out.  But realistically, a true organic candle simply does not exist. 

In Conclusion 

While the term "organic" may not directly apply to candles in the same way it does to food, the underlying principles of sustainability and conscious consumption still hold value. When selecting candles, focus on their ingredients, sourcing, and overall environmental impact. The goal is to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your space while minimizing harm to the planet – a goal that transcends labels and buzzwords. 

Mountain City Candles are made using only 100% soy wax and phthalate free fragrance oils.  Our wax is sourced from farms in the USA, and our fragrances adhere to strict IFRA standards.  The products at Mountain City Candles are a sustainable, healthy option for all candle lovers.