Here are three things you need to know: 

1. Indoor air quality is not affected by candles.  

Candles are a beloved part of home décor and create a cozy atmosphere, so it’s important to understand why they don’t affect your air quality. Candles are non-toxic and noncarcinogenic. Scented or unscented, there is no evidence that daily exposure will affect a person negatively. According to the independent peer-reviewed study, Human health risk evaluation of selected VOC, SVOC and particulate emissions from scented candles, “candle emission testing was undertaken in environmentally controlled small and large emission chambers… conclud[ing] that under normal conditions of use, scented candles do not pose known health risks to the consumer.”   

Likewise, this same study also noted that indoor air quality changes can arise from a variety of sources including cooking, smoking inside, and even household plants. If you still have concerns, move your candle to a well-ventilated (but not drafty) area of your home and make sure keep the wick of each candle trimmed to ¼ inch.  

2. There is no difference between burning scented or unscented candles.  

Despite what you read in the media, there is no difference between burning a scented candle vs. an unscented candle. NCA members are committed to manufacturing candles with ingredients scientifically proven to be safe. Proven in another research study, it was found that, “typical fragranced candles emissions are below the most conservative safe limits set by regulatory authorities and safety organizations.” Confirming there should be no concern when lighting up your favorite scent. The fragrances approved for candle use – whether synthesized or “natural”- do not release toxic chemicals. 

Now you might ask, “well I heard one produces more soot than the other, what about that?” The answer stays the same. The oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot produced by a candle, but soot production really comes down to how you care for your candle. To reduce soot in any candle, ensure the flame is disturbed as little as possible (keep away from drafts and don’t move the candle while it is burning) and keep a proper wick length of ¼ of an inch.  

3. All candle waxes (paraffin, soy, palm, etc.) bought in the United States are clean and safe to use. 

There has been a lot of speculation on social media about candle waxes, with many promoting soy as a better wax. The good news is, all types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner. Paraffin, soy, coconut, palm, and beeswax along with gels or synthetic waxes, are all equal in how they burn and perform. Distinct types of waxes are chosen not due to their “cleanliness” or “naturalness” but due to their suitability for formulation.  

For example, paraffin wax is great for holding scent and providing a strong scent throw. Coconut, soy, and palm wax are known for a faster burn since their melting point is lower. Beeswax provides a subtle hint of honey to your fragrance and gel waxes are great to get creative with since they’re often transparent. Also, many candle manufacturers use a blend of waxes for superior performance and burning. 

Overall, candles have been a part of our lives through a variety of events and it’s important to remember that they are not only safe, but beneficial. Candles offer aromatherapy options, are a part of global traditions, add decor and enjoyment within the home, and as a light source when the power goes out. Now that you know the scientific truth about candles, you can feel confident for your health and safety lighting a candle, enjoying a fabulous scent and relaxing in the beautiful glow. 

For more information on candles, check out our FAQ page along with ours tips and tricks. 

The post Illuminating the Truth: Why Candles are Safe to Use  appeared first on National Candle Association.

Scents like lavender are known for their calming properties that help induce sleep and lower stress. Lemon is clarifying and aids with concentration. For a more holiday feel, you can use cinnamon or peppermint to bring warm scents into your home. Cinnamon promotes focus and decreases mental fog while peppermint heightens creativity and effective thinking.  

There are a variety of candle waxes to choose from whether you’re shopping for yourself or giving a candle as a gift. Paraffin is the most popular wax for good reason, as it holds fragrance extremely well.  Soy wax candles offer a slow burn, extending their burn time and beeswax naturally adds a sweet aroma to the candle scent as it burns. Regardless of which wax you pick; they are all safe to use, burn clean and have eco-friendly options. 

As it is the gift giving season, we are seeing lots of nostalgic smelling candles – from gingerbread to hot cocoa. Major scent trends this holiday season include food or brand specific scented candles. Whether it be an eggnog scented candle, or the pick of your favorite celebrity – buy candles to feel comfy, cozy, and nostalgic this holiday season.  

When it comes to décor, candles are a timeless holiday tradition. Grab a rainbow of colors for your Menorah, use traditional representative colors for Kwanza or branch out with some sturdy pillars for the Advent wreath. We are seeing lots of reds, greens and whites this season for home décor, which will match any decorations you already have. If you want to add greenery to bring the outdoors in, go for pine, balsam, and cedar – all are everlasting scents. Don’t forget you can utilize pillars, votives and tealight candles as part of your décor and include hurricanes or lanterns on your front porch to welcome visitors.  

As you decorate for the holidays and share time with your loved ones – use candles to relax, explore different waxes and scents, and give the gift that will keep giving past the holiday season.  

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Candling Safely 

We all know candles should never be left unattended nor in reach of pets or children, but fire safety goes much deeper. Keep in mind that candles should never be burned past ¼” as this could cause your candle container to crack or break and don’t burn your candle for more than 4 hours. Longer burning times can lead to your overheating. 

Most importantly understand how to extinguish a candle. Should your flame get too high, NEVER pour water on your candle. Doing this essentially creates what we know as a grease fire, but with candle wax. Instead, if your flame gets too high, put the cover or lid to the candle on to extinguish the flame or use a candle snuffer.  

When to know if social media can be trusted 

For the most part, social media has our attention. We can share new hacks, trends, and spread viral videos easily. This doesn’t mean that everyone (including the person who created the post) is an expert. When sharing or watching videos about candles, you must keep in mind whether the person posting is a reliable source.  

Take note, if what you are watching seems dangerous, it probably is. For example, a recent viral video showed individuals driving with a lit candle in their car. NOTE: NCA advises individuals DO NOT do this under any circumstance. Keep in mind that there are candle experts out there (like NCA) and extend your research beyond the video. Finally, don’t try everything you see, use good judgement and know, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.  

Follow NCA to check out our latest candle safety and prevention information – as well as tons of other trends, tricks and tips to enjoy your candles.  

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Know your history 
We all know candles have been around for a long time, but maybe not how long. Evidence shows that ancient Egyptians used what we consider a wicked candle today as far back as 3000 BC. Since then, candles continued to progress. In middle age Europe, people could be found using beeswax, a much cleaner wax than the alternative at the time.  

When the 19^th century hit, that’s when candles took the form of what we see today. In the 1830’s, candles began to be mass produced, lowering their cost and making them more accessible to the average individual. Then in the 1850’s, paraffin wax was developed which has been the most common wax for more than a century. 

Once used solely as a source of light, candles are now used in many ways that bring joy to many across the globe.  

Know how to care for your candle 
Beside showing off your knowledge of candle history, share how to care for them. Hopefully, we all know to cut our wicks to ¼” before each use, keep your candle away from drafts, pets, and kids – but did you know there are other ways to care for your candles? 

One piece of information you may be interested in is what your candles throw is. This is how far your scent can reach – whether your candle is burning or not. Next time you light your candle or pass by it, take note of how strong the scent is as you move farther away. You can visit your manufacturers candle site for more information on specific fragrances and candle throw.  

If you want to get creative, there are plenty of ways to repurpose your candles. Reuse the candle wax you can’t burn by taking your left-over jar candle and placing it in your car cupholder. Then, as your car sits in the sun, the wax will naturally heat up and spread the scent throughout your vehicle. (Remember to never light a candle in your car though). Another idea is to take your old leftover candle wax, melt it down and use what you already have, to create a pillar candle. One way to do this is to glue a wick to a washed pringles can, pour your melted wax in, and once it sets – voila! A new pillar candle. Finally, you can also repurpose your jar itself by removing the wax and using the jar as an organizing tool, flowerpot or jewelry holder.  

Share World Candle Month with friends and family 
Now that you know your history, the basic tenets of care, and ways to reuse your candles – share what you know with who you know. World Candle Month is a way for candle lovers to get together and share what candles mean to them. The best way to Candle with Confidence is to share how you Candle with Confidence. 

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What is citronella? 

Citronella is an oil that is derived from drying a grassy plant called Cymbopogon Nardus or lemongrass. This oil has been used for over 60 years as an all-natural insect repellant for outdoor spaces. When infused into candle wax, the citronella scent works to repel and mask the scent of humans, deterring insects such as mosquitoes, black flies and ticks. It’s important to use layers of repellents for your space and on your person, as these pests can carry malaria, Lyme and other diseases.   

How to use citronella candles? 

For citronella candles to be effective they need to be used properly. These candles must be burned in and around the area you want to repel insects. Read the manufacturer recommendation, as one candle may not be enough to cover a large area, and you may want to use multiple. If you are trying to repel insects over a large area, you may want to invest in larger, bucket-style citronella candles. Likewise, citronella candles must stay burning for them to be effective at repelling insects Alternatively, if you aren’t a fan of the citronella scent you can opt for candles that are infused with other plant-based oils that add more depth to the scent while achieving the same results.  

What else can citronella candles do?  

Citronella candles now come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, scents and containers. By opting for a variation of citronella candles, you can open yourself up to a plethora of options. Whether it be adding decorative hurricanes, putting them in lanterns around your space, or getting creative different candle vessels – citronella candles can update your space, provide ambient light and fight off insects. 

The post A Citronella Summer appeared first on National Candle Association.

1. Paint or Draw
   Decorating candle jars is a great DIY activity, especially if you decide to write a special message for someone or create a one of a kind gift. You can use paint, markers, or paint pens to customize your candle jar designs. If you’re personalizing a gift or making a home decor statement, you can use a Cricut to create a new label. If you need to remove the label here are a few tips:

• Use warm water and soap – just be sure to not get the candle wet
• Use a hair dryer to warm the label making it easier to peel off
• Use a bit of mayonnaise or a dab of alcohol on a paper towel to gently remove the adhesive residue

2. Crochet a Candle Cozy
Create a fun candle cozy that can be used over and over again. You can braid or crochet it together to fit your specific candle jar. You can purchase a cord at a local craft store or from an online vendor. Why not kick it up a notch and dip dye your candle cozy? It will add personality and style to your candle display. Below are the ones we dip dyed recently. These make for a great home decor enhancement to any candle.

3. Repurpose Your Candle Jar
If you have an empty candle jar laying around, don’t throw it away. Repurposing your candle containers is the perfect way to keep enjoying them after the wax is burned away. Here are a few ideas to get you started after the vessel has been fully cleaned:

• Sponge/kitchen scrub holder: reuse colorful containers to store kitchen cleaners like dish scrubbers and sponges
• Flower vase: add some fresh spring flowers
• Makeup brush holder: hold your go-to make up brushes in a really cute and accessible way
• Kitchen storage: store everyday essentials like coffee beans, quinoa, rice, or nuts
• Pencil/pen holder: give your pens a sleep place to live in a chic vessel
• Travel jewelry tin: take your jewelry with you in style by reusing your tins as a home for your rings and things when you travel
• Piggy bank: store your coins in a candle jar

4. Create a Candle Wall Sconce
Transform your candle into a wall sconce by attaching a metal or wood frame to your candle vessel, and then hanging it on the wall using a hook or nail. This will create a cozy and decorative ambiance in any room.

5. Make Your Own Wax Melts
If you have leftover wax from previous candle-making projects, don’t let it go to waste. Get creative and make your own wax melts by melting the wax and pouring it into small silicone molds (candy molds you can buy online are a great option). Once hardened, pop the wax melts out of the molds and place them in a wax warmer for a lovely scent. Or put them in a gift bag for bringing as a host gift.

6. Use Your Candle as a Wax Seal for Crafts
Use your candle as a wax seal for various crafts, such as sealing the edges of a ribbon or fabric to prevent fraying. You can also use the wax to seal a small bottle or jar for a homemade gift. This will add a personal touch to your craft projects.

7. Make Floating Candles
Use mason jars and tea lights to create gorgeous home decor pieces using dyes, fruits, spices, and botanicals. Floating candles make eye-catching centerpieces and are a low-cost way to frequently update your candle decor for each season. See how to make floating candles here:

8. Create a Candle Lantern
Create a beautiful and unique candle lantern by attaching a metal or glass frame around your candle. You can use wire or hot glue to attach the frame to the candle vessel, and then hang the lantern from a hook or tree branch for a welcoming outdoor ambiance.

9. Make Stunning Ice Lanterns
Ice lanterns make beautiful containers to light up outdoor space for weddings, events, or home entries. Learn how to make them using items you may already have on hand:

10. Transfer a Photo onto Your Candle Vessel
Customizing a candle with a special photo is an excellent way to turn an ordinary candle into a heartfelt keepsake. Photo transfer candles make great gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, birthdays, and many other holidays. This simple DIY activity can even be done by children with some adult help. Watch how to create a photo transfer candle:

The post <strong>Top Ten DIY Trends for Candles</strong> appeared first on National Candle Association.

Vintage Vibes
People are loving the mid-century aesthetics right now, especially when it comes to home furnishing. The younger generations are gravitating towards by gone eras that have fresh appeal and “new” options. Perhaps seeking to understand the past or being enamored by something so different than what they are accustomed to plays a part in this new trend appeal. Vintage items are unique and offer a timeless sense of identity to a room, especially when paired with the magic of candles. Keep your eyes out for vintage candle holders that reflect your tastes and provide a distinctive touch to your décor this year. You can get creative and group several items together or simply find that one fantastic piece you love.

A hunt for the “New”
Hunting for vintage furnishing items is a trend we are backing up. Gen Z and millennials are rummaging through antique shops, flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales for the perfect find that offers something “new“ to their décor while connecting to the vintage trend in their home. The time spent in the thrift store or antique shop hunt becomes a social experience enjoyed with friends. The trill of “the hunt”! It’s a match made in heaven when you’ve found that perfect 1950’s vintage candle holder to go with your wood-scented fall candle that results in a moody illumination to your space. Alternatively, vintage candle holders can be found in the digital space through eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace so the options are endless.

Whether it’s to accent your carved pumpkins, Thanksgiving dinner table or holiday decorations, why not add a vintage touch from the past to your candle display? As you transform your house with seasonal décor, make certain you do not place candles next to flammable materials. NCA encourages everyone to practice safety tips when burning candles, no matter the occasion. For additional information on candles and fire safety, visit our Fire Safety page.

Happy fragrant fall!

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This year’s theme is Lighten the Mood, and it urges us to take a moment, relax, and make things a bit lighter with candles. By doing this, we can be more present and embrace the good vibes candles create.  Here are a few ways candles can create and improve the mood:

Well-being/Self-care
It’s important to take time for yourself and de-stress. Whether you’re taking a bath, reading your current book, or just being in silence – be sure to light a candle. It’ll help set the mood of relaxation and activate your senses in a positive way. Grab your favorite scented candle that invokes good memories or makes you happy. It’ll help transport you to a brighter place in your mind.

Events
Whether it’s a romantic date, a wedding, or hosting a celebration – candles enhance the mood by adding a glow to the atmosphere. With the lights dim and candles lit, the ambiance switches to a mood that makes everyone feel beautiful and at peace. This is the magic of candles and the influence they can have on our attitudes or current state of mind.

Home
Candles make great decorative accessories. If you’re having guests over, candles offer an extra layer of welcoming-vibes cueing your guests to figuratively “kick off their shoes”. Candles provide a welcoming glow and scent that makes everyone feel at home. Additionally, scented candles can help mask any undesired cooking or household smells.

Make sure to celebrate World Candle Month this September by lightening the mood in a creative and safe manner. NCA encourages everyone to practice candle safety when burning candles. For additional information on candles and fire safety, visit our Fire Safety page.

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Our elite line-up of candle industry speakers include:

Dr. Greg Adamson, SVP, Global Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety Fragrance & Beauty at Givaudan

Sarah Atwood, Product Specialist, Wax at Sonneborn A HollyFrontier Brand

Madeleine Bliss, Marketing Director, Consumer Fragrance Global Air Care Marketing Lead at Symrise Scent & Care North America

Kevin Croy, Sales Director at Herrhammer GmbH Spezialmaschinen

Peter Glessner, Head of Research and Development at Wedo Wicks Germany

Kevin Harvey, Color Technologist at JAFE Decorating

Tyler McIntyre, Senior Manager, Technology at Sonneborn A HollyFrontier Brand

Jamie Mendler, Fragrance Development Director at Symrise Scent & Care North America

Marty Paisner, Senior Scientist at Vanderbilt Chemicals

Steven West, Sales Manager at Wedo Wicks Germany

WCC is proud to include The Luminaria Project which strives to leave a legacy on each of the cities hosting the WCC by offering the strength and generosity that radiates from the international candle community. As part of this year’s initiative to make a lasting difference, we are amplifying our efforts to collect as many donations as possible, individually and by companies, all united for this philanthropic cause.

A ceremony to present donations and honor the Youth Empowerment Project will be held the evening of Tuesday, May 17.  This year, $10 of each World Candle Congress registration will go towards supporting this unbelievable organization.

So, if you haven’t registered, there is still time to secure your place at the 2022 WCC. Remember, conference registration includes access to all conference sessions, admission to the expo hall and access to evening receptions, breakfasts, breaks, lunch, the closing social event and the ASTM session. Also, there is an Expo Only registration which include admission to the Expo Hall only. Visit candles.org for more information and to register.

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A new year also brings new trends. Consider incorporating the following candle ideas into your Valentine’s Day plans:  

• Taper Candles / Candle Sticks – Taper candles or candle sticks are coming back in a big way. The color, scent and size of the candles can easily set the ambiance for any occasion. Pink, red and white taper candles are the perfect pairing for a romantic Valentine’s Day at home or simply adding elegance to a weeknight meal. Don’t forget to pair your candles with the perfect holder. Consider looking at resale or thrift stores for some vintage candle sticks at a great price.
• Candle Crafts – Check out NCA’s site on Pinterest or any crafting site online for great ideas on candle crafts.  There are plenty of options to do with kids, a get-together with friends or make a special gift for your sweetie that will light their heart on fire.
• New Scents– A new year means new candle scents. 2022 trending fragrances include Palo Santo, Gardenia, Teakwood and Leather – distinct aromas that stimulate relaxion and add ambiance. 

While candles are the perfect addition for a romantic evening, it is essential to keep safety in mind. NCA wants to remind everyone to practice safety by not leaving candles unattended and ensuring candles are kept away from pets and children. For more information on candle safety, visit our Fire Safety page.

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