Coco Apricot Crème Scented Candles
I love burning candles and until recently, I thought all candles were made the same. I was wrong. As I started researching the components of a candle, I realized that if I wanted to make and burn candles, I needed to be thoughtful about what goes in them. My goal was to source a cleaner, longer-lasting wax to burn, "clean" fragrance oils and natural untreated wicks. The end result is candles made from coconut apricot wax with fragrance oils that are "clean" and wooden wicks. What does all that mean? I've broken down the components below and why I've chosen them.
Coco Apricot Wax (aka Ceda Serica by Calwax)
Coco Apricot wax is gluten-free, toxin-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free (Leap Bunny Certified). The entire blend utilizes only FDA-approved waxes made in the USA. It is made from a proprietary blend of coconut and apricot waxes with a minuscule amount of FDA food-grade paraffin for body and stability. This wax does NOT contain soy.
I chose this wax over all the other waxes because it did not contain soy. I've noticed that when burning soy candles, my nose gets stuffed up which makes me wonder if it's the soy wax or the combination of soy and fragrance oil, but I didn't want to risk it and went with a soy-free wax. Coco Apricot wax also burns cleaner and exhibits an evenness of burn and wax consumption.
I chose this wax over all the other waxes because it did not contain soy. I've noticed that when burning soy candles, my nose gets stuffed up which makes me wonder if it's the soy wax or the combination of soy and fragrance oil, but I didn't want to risk it and went with a soy-free wax. Coco Apricot wax also burns cleaner and exhibits an evenness of burn and wax consumption.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are a blend of natural essential oils and synthetic aroma chemicals. What? Chemicals? Yes, unfortunately essential oils are not available for every scent and aroma chemicals are used to create those scents. An example is Vanillin. Vanillin is used in fragrance oils when the scent of vanilla is required. It can be a naturally occurring ingredient, as its formed on the outside of the vanilla bean, however most Vanillin is synthetically produced. My goal is to source fragrance oils with very low percentage of Vanillin and most of my candles have 0% Vanillin. However, in order for scent throw and stability, fragrance oils are used to scent candles.
Phthalates, another chemical used in fragrance oils, known as DEP (Diethyl Phthalate), are solvents used to extend the aromatic strength of the candle fragrance oil. DEP has been found to be non-toxic in skin products and candles if used at safe levels, but to be safe, all my fragrance oils are 100% phthalate-free.
The fragrance oils I source are cruelty-free, Prop 65 Ingredients Free, carcinogen-free, vegan, phthalate-free, paraben-free, mutagen-free and skin safe.
Phthalates, another chemical used in fragrance oils, known as DEP (Diethyl Phthalate), are solvents used to extend the aromatic strength of the candle fragrance oil. DEP has been found to be non-toxic in skin products and candles if used at safe levels, but to be safe, all my fragrance oils are 100% phthalate-free.
The fragrance oils I source are cruelty-free, Prop 65 Ingredients Free, carcinogen-free, vegan, phthalate-free, paraben-free, mutagen-free and skin safe.
Wooden Wicks
The natural crackling wooden wicks are sourced from FSC-certified mills. I chose wooden wicks because of the soft crackling sound that resembles having a mini campfire or fireplace in your space. It adds character as well as a sensory bonus. Not only is fragrance unlocked by the flame, but the flame interacts with the molecules of the wood and it creates a truly unique experience, all of which adds to the allure of lighting a wooden wick candle.
Wooden wicks are aesthetically pleasing, but they also make your candle last longer. Wooden wicks heat the wax evenly when burning, allowing for a perfect burn every time.
Wooden wicks are aesthetically pleasing, but they also make your candle last longer. Wooden wicks heat the wax evenly when burning, allowing for a perfect burn every time.
Candle Care & Tips
- Always keep your wood wick trimmed to (1/8 to 1/4) of an inch to ensure optimal burn time and flame height. Before relighting your candle, simply clip or pinch the burned portion of the wick, taking care not to get any ash into the wax. Only trim wicks on a thoroughly cooled candle. If needed, trim it using a Wick Trimmer for a clean, even cut. Trimming prevents a faster rate of fuel consumption, helps control fragrance throw, minimizes soot and black smoke, and promotes an even burn pool. Make sure to keep your trimmings away from the burning candle as these may reignite. When you first light the candle, the flame may flicker as the wick absorbs the initial wax load, its 'fuel.' If it continues to dance or appears unstable after about five minutes, consider another trim.
- Dedicate time for the first burn (2-3 hours). Allowing a full melt pool to form, reaching (or almost reaching) the edge of the vessel, prevents tunneling and ensures optimal performance. It's normal to have a slight ridge of wax around the edge after around 3 hours. With coconut wax blends, the melt pool will catch up to the edges as the candle gets lower with subsequent burns. Do not burn your candle longer than 4 hours at a time.
- Do not leave your candle UNATTENDED
• Keep on a level + heat resistant surface
• Never burn more than 4 hours at a time
• Always keep your wick trimmed
• Keep out of reach of children + pets
• Keep away from anything flammable
• Keep away from draft + ceiling fan
Enjoy the cozy ambiance of your wood wick scented candle!