How to recognize a quality candle?

On the market, not all candles are equal and do not have the same quality. Thus, some are not ecological, others contain synthetic fragrances or have an unsuitable wick. To help you in your choice, we give you some tips to recognize a quality candle. This way, you can fully enjoy its light, warmth, and scent.

To discover | Our range of handmade and natural candles

The type of wax used

Wax forms the base of a candle. Its role is important because it feeds the flame once lit. It ensures slow and steady combustion.

There are 3 main types of wax: vegetable, animal, and mineral. Each has different characteristics. But which one to choose?

• Vegetable wax

As the name suggests, this wax is plant-based. It often comes from rapeseed, soy, sunflower, or coconut. They can be used pure or combined, such as soy/coconut wax, for example.

Vegetable waxes are a good alternative to paraffin. They are 100% natural, sustainable, and ecological. Because they do not release toxic substances, they respect your home and your health.

Finally, they do not alter fragrances and perfectly release scents into the air. Thanks to their low melting point, they burn slowly and offer a long-lasting combustion that lasts several hours.

To create our handmade candles, we have chosen to work with coconut/soy vegetable wax. It is one of the best for making quality scented candles.

• Animal wax

This refers to beeswax (yellow or white). Of natural origin, it is often used for making molded and/or hand-sculpted candles. Indeed, it allows for precise, detailed, and meticulous work.

Its flame is particularly bright and does not produce smoke. However, this wax is not odorless and already has a slight scent. Additionally, it is not vegan and often more expensive than other types of wax.

• Mineral wax

Mineral wax or "paraffin" is petroleum-based. It is obtained after refining crude oil. Needless to say, it is not ecological at all! Moreover, it produces toxic emissions when it burns.

Unfortunately, this is a wax still often found in low-quality candles. Besides being easy to work with, it is inexpensive for manufacturers.

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The origin of the fragrance

In the case of a scented candle, you should look into the origin of the fragrance. Is it natural or synthetic? Is it obtained from chemical molecules or essential oils?

If you want to buy a quality candle, favor naturally derived fragrances. These come from essential oils, absolutes, or aromatic extracts.

Some candles are even made from Grasse perfumes. This is the case for our artisanal candles whose fragrances are created by master perfumers from Grasse.

Discover | Our range of artisanal and natural candles

The composition

A candle mainly contains wax. But it can also contain additives or other chemical compounds. Check that it is guaranteed free of CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic substances) and phthalates.

The quality of the wick

Also consider the quality of the wick. If the wax is important, the wick of a candle is just as important! Once lit, it conducts heat to the wax to allow the start of combustion.

The wick is most often braided. In this case, choose a cotton wick rather than a synthetic material. Also favor a round braid which ensures a long and stable burn.

Finally, there are pre-waxed wicks that light more quickly. Make sure it is vegetable wax and not paraffin.

The olfactory pyramid

A quality candle is also recognized by the complexity of its fragrance. The olfactory pyramid allows you to know the top, heart, and base notes. All the fragrances should create harmony between the different olfactory families: woody, floral, citrus, oriental…

Thus, the scent released by the candle will be neither too light nor too strong. It should never overwhelm the air or be cloying with an overly present or "chemical" smell.

The absence of black smoke

Normally, a quality candle does not emit black smoke. You should also not find soot particles. Otherwise, it is very likely a paraffin or low-quality candle.

The container and packaging

If possible, choose a candle presented in a recyclable container: glass jar, metal box… Also avoid unnecessary plastic packaging and wrappings.