Soy Wax Candles

 A 2014 study in Evolutionary Psychology found that even looking at a recording of a hearth or campfire can induce physical and mental relaxation. Candle lite has a positive effect and can actually reduce stress. 

Candles are a surefire way to cozy up your evening, but are you breathing in toxins while you Netflix next to one for hours? Here's the scoop.

Paraffin wax was introduced in the 1850s. It was discovered by chemists who found a way to separate wax from petroleum oil. It was rapidly used for candles as it burns consistently and can be produced relatively cheap.

During refinement, the petroleum wax is bleached using industrial bleach, turning the dark wax into white.

Today, you can find petroleum-based paraffin wax in candles, wax paper, polishes, cosmetics, and electrical insulators, among other commercial items.

When you burn a paraffin candle, you release hydrocarbons — chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon — into the air. In particular, burning candles releases trace quantities of toluene and benzene.

We commonly use toluene in paint thinners and adhesives. Without proper ventilation, toluene exposure can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and skin. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion and anxiety.

Benzene is a gas emitted by forest fires, volcanoes, and burning coal or oil. We use benzene primarily in industrial and pharmaceutical settings, but the vast majority (90%) of all benzene exposure occurs as a consequence of smoking. Benzene is carcinogenic, having been found to increase the risk of leukemia and other blood cancers.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: “Long-term exposure to benzene can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells and damages the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells.”

The environmental impact of paraffin should also be noted. Crude oil, being the origin of paraffin wax, is considered highly unsustainable, being a non-renewable resource. It has also been the cause of many environmental calamities, in oil spills, damage of natural habitats and climate change.

In conclusion: buying more natural wax candles like soy, bees wax or coconut wax is a safer way to enjoy candles in your home. 

 Bourbon Pine ™ candles are paraffin-free, organic Soy Wax/coconut Wax blend. We are not using any chemical additives, phthalates, or animal products in our fragrances. Our fragrances are premium essential oils, cruelty free and 100% vegan. We source our ingredients responsibly and use only the safest products to make our candles. 

Our goal is to make a product that we ourself would have in our home that we know is safe around pets and children. 

All of our packaging is 100% recycled. We never use plastic to ship any of our products. Our labels, boxes and packing material is 100% recycled paper. 

PROPER CANDLE CARE: 

1- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch.

2- Use a wick dipper to keep the wax pool clear of debris at all times.

3- Do not place your candle next to anything that could catch fire.

4- Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours.

5- Never leave a candle unattended, and don’t burn it if you may fall asleep.

6- Instead of blowing a candle out or using a snuffer, use a wick dipper to gently submerge the wick in the wax pool. This method doesn’t generate any smoke or wax splatter.