Best Candles for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
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Having asthma and allergies can be debilitating in a lot of ways; sometimes it is just not being able to enjoy the scent of a candle at your friend’s house.
However, if you enjoy using candles, there are options for those who have asthma and allergies. The only downside is you may not be able to get them from the dollar store.
As long ago as 1890, researchers have known that paraffin wax (petroleum based) candles can be bad for your health.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: 5 Best Candles for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
- Things to consider when purchasing allergy and asthma friendly candles
- 1. Pet House Candle in 15 Fragrances
- 4. Bluecorn Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Tea Lights
- 2. AIRA Soy Candles Hand-poured 100% Soy Candle Wax
- 3. La Jolie Muse Scented Candles 100% Soy Wax
- 5. 100% Beeswax Pillar Candles Hand Rolled Natural and Lovely Honey Scent 100% Handmade
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison: 5 Best Candles for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
Things to consider when purchasing allergy and asthma friendly candles
Avoid Paraffin Wax Candles
In a study done by 1890 Research & Extension Program at SC State University, researchers found that burning paraffin wax candles can emit chemicals, much the same as burning petroleum in cars can pollute the air.
Unfortunately, Paraffin wax candles are the cheapest candles you can get; upgrading to soy or beeswax may cost you a pretty penny.
Choose Candles made up of 100% Soy or 100% beeswax
Both soy and beeswax candles burn cleaner than paraffin wax and emit less smoke and soot. Soy is generally better than beeswax considering many beeswax candles will be mixed with some paraffin wax.
However, 100 percent beeswax will burn cleaner as well. If you opt for soy candles, make sure they are 100 percent soy and not a soy and paraffin blend.
Material used to make wick of the candle
Be conscious of what the wick is made from. Some candle wicks are made of chemically grown cotton, and some candles have wicks with a wire core.
Wire core wicks are the worst since many of them contain lead. When possible go with natural cotton wicks.
Scents
To make a scented candle, makers use either essential oils and plant-based extracts or chemical fragrance. Use candles with essential oils over chemical fragrances, which are derived from petroleum and animal sources.
However, be wary of manufacturers that combine essential oils with synthetic fragrances. Also, if you have a sensitivity to a certain plant or scent, avoid getting a candle in the scent even if it is derived using essential oils.
Still unsure what to order if you just love the cozy flame from candles but don’t want to flare up your asthma and allergies? Here are some of the best asthma and allergy friendly candles you can order online.
1. Pet House Candle in 15 Fragrances
Pet House is marketed to people with pets looking for an odor reducing candle. They are 100% soy candles with a 100% cotton wick, which is coated in beeswax. It comes in many different scents, and has good reviews.
Buyers are genuinely impressed by how well it helps eliminate odors. According to the Pet House website, they only use essential oils in their candles.
They are 100 percent natural and allergen free making these candles ideal for people with allergies, and, as the founders point out, perfectly safe for pets as well.
Pros
- Odor reducing
- 100% cotton wick coated in beeswax
- 100% soy
- Only essential oils used as fragrance
- Variety of scents
Cons
- Some scents might be too strong for asthmatics
Verdict
These candles claim to be great for allergies; however, some scents might be too strong depending on a person’s sensitivities. Pet House Candles are all natural and are odor neutralizing, which is great for those who have pets or other odors lingering in their house.
4. Bluecorn Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Tea Lights
Bluecorn makes their candles with 100% beeswax and 100% natural cotton wicks. The candles are scent free, which is what can greatly contribute to asthma attacks; however, they will have a slight scent of honey.
The tea lights have a 5 to 6 hour burn life. Bluecorn also makes candles that are larger than tea light size.
Pros
- 100% beeswax
- Unscented except the slight scent of natural honey
- 100% cotton wick
- Handmade
Cons
- Wax may not be totally used by the end of the wick
Verdict
Bluecorn candles are well made and have a good reputation. Dedicated to 100% natural materials that burn clean, these candles are great for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
There doesn’t seem to be many cons to this brand other than the occasional picky consumer complaining about having a little leftover wax after burning the entire wick.
2. AIRA Soy Candles Hand-poured 100% Soy Candle Wax
This candle promises everything. Organic, vegan, natural and kosher, according to AIRA. With some good reviews online, AIRA seems to be delivering on their rather lengthy product description. They are made with 100% soy and have a 100% cotton wick.
These candles come in different scents and are stored in a mason type jar. They will burn for 110 hours all together. They are scented with therapeutic grade essential oils.
Pros
- 100% soy
- Therapeutic grade essential oils used for scent
- 100% cotton wick
- Organic, vegan and kosher
- Decent price
Cons
- Wick is too long and needing trimmed after each burn
Verdict
Made with only essential oils, the Aira candles are clean burning and long lasting. The only complaint seems to be the long wick. Also depending on what triggers your allergies or asthma some of the scents might be a bit too strong.
3. La Jolie Muse Scented Candles 100% Soy Wax
La Jolie Muse uses 100% soy wax for a clean burning candle. Although they do not have the lofty description AIRA candles do, they are naturally made with recyclable containers. They also come in a nice gift box.
However, they are scented with synthetic fragrances mixed with some essential oils.
La Jolie Muse candles don’t seem to have as good reviews as the other candles discussed here. Complaints are contradictory either complaining that the scent is overwhelmingly strong or it barely smells at all.
This may depend on the scent bought. Scents include plumeria (which seems to be unpleasant to many)and jasmine.
Pros
- 100% soy wax
- 100% cotton wick
- Recyclable container
- Nice gift packaging
Cons
- Synthetic fragrance
- Scent is either too strong, or not strong enough
Verdict
With gift packaging, La Jolie Muse candles may be nice for a gift; however, maybe don’t gift it to an asthmatic. With mixed reviews about the scent being too strong, these candles may not be suitable to those with severe allergies and asthma.
The use of synthetic fragrances also means they are less suitable for those with allergies and asthma.
5. 100% Beeswax Pillar Candles Hand Rolled Natural and Lovely Honey Scent 100% Handmade
Much like the Bluecorn candles, these 100% beeswax candles also have a 100% natural cotton wick. They are bigger than tea light candles and are 4 inches high with a diameter of 2 inches.
They are hand rolled and have a nice honeycomb texture to them. Much like the Bluecorn candles, these ones have a slight honey smell to them.
Pros
- Look nice with honeycomb texture
- Slight scent of honey
- 100 percent beeswax
- 100 percent cotton wick
- Hand rolled when ordered
Cons
- NA
Verdict
There seems to be no cons to this type of candle. They are handmade, and, in fact state on Amazon, that they are made fresh to order within two days of ordering. The honeycomb pattern is a nice touch.
Conclusion
While all of these are handmade candles made with natural materials, some are more suitable for those with allergies and asthma.
For those who absolutely can’t handle scented candles, 100% Beeswax Pillar Candles are the best to go with. They are handmade when ordered and have a beautiful honeycomb texture to them.
With no fragrance added, they are perfect for those with scent sensitivities. They are also made with 100% beeswax and 100% cotton wicks.
However, for those with minor allergies that don’t mind some scents, The next best option would be the Pet House Candles. With a variety of scents, you are bound to find one you enjoy and don’t have a reaction to. They also are odor neutralizing and made with all natural materials.
