Candles aren’t just an aromatic mood booster or a safety light in case of a house fire; they’re a champion vibe setter, a way to slow down and center oneself. It’s no wonder they’re such a popular gift item.
Candle science is the study of how candles burn and maintain their shape, and it’s more complicated than you might think. Every element of a candle — including wax, wick, fragrance and dye — impacts its burning behavior. Two candles that appear identical may actually be quite different depending on the brand, wax type, wick size and even the color.
The chemistry and physics at play when a candle burns are fascinating. It’s no surprise that scientists have been studying them for hundreds of years. Michael Faraday, for example, gave lectures that demonstrated multiple scientific principles through his careful observations of burning candles. And NASA took candle research to new heights in the 1990s, conducting space shuttle experiments on the behavior of candle flames.
The best nontoxic candles aren’t just made from clean ingredients, they’re also designed to burn safely and efficiently. Look for a brand that uses ethically sourced, plant-based materials and avoids toxins like phthalates, parabens and petroleum. Grow Fragrance is a good choice, with 100 percent plant-based home fragrances, and a line of candles featuring slow-burning coconut wax. Or try Heretic, which has been vetted through Credo Beauty’s Clean Standard rating system for transparency, safety and sustainability, as well as a mix of natural and synthetic fragrance ingredients.