Why Non-Toxic Soy Candles Are Worth the Switch
If you burn candles regularly, what's actually in them matters more than most people realize. The candle industry has historically operated with very little transparency- and the conventional candles filling most store shelves are made with ingredients you probably wouldn't choose if you knew they were there.
Here's what to know, and why making the switch to a non-toxic soy candle is one of the best upgrades you can make for your home.
What's Actually in a Conventional Candle
Most mass-market candles are made with paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. When burned, paraffin releases a range of compounds including toluene and benzene, both recognized as harmful to air quality with prolonged exposure.
Beyond the wax, conventional candles often contain:
Phthalate-filled fragrance oils: Chemical compounds used to make scent last longer that have been linked to hormone disruption.
Lead-core wicks: Less common now (whew) but still present in some imported candles. Unlike cotton-core wicks, these release lead particles when burned.
Artificial dyes and additives that serve no functional purpose and contribute to indoor air pollution.
None of these ingredients are required to be disclosed on candle packaging. You can burn a candle every day for years and have no idea what you're inhaling.
Why Soy Wax Is Different
Soy wax is derived from soybeans- a natural, renewable resource. It burns cleaner than paraffin, producing significantly less soot and fewer airborne toxins. It also burns cooler and slower, which means a longer burn time and more even scent throw throughout the life of the candle.
At DEHV, we use 100% non-GMO soy wax in our Concrete Collection and a luxury soy/coconut blend in our Woods Collection. Both are naturally derived, biodegradable, and free of the petroleum-based compounds found in conventional candles.
What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Candle
Not every candle that claims to be "clean" or "natural" actually is. Here's what to look for:
Non-GMO soy or coconut wax. Avoid paraffin entirely. Beeswax is also a clean option but less sustainable at scale.
Lead-free cotton wicks. Simple and essential. If a brand doesn't specify, ask.
Phthalate-free fragrance. This is the big one. Fragrance is often where hidden toxins live. Look for brands that explicitly state their blends are phthalate-free and IFRA-compliant.
No dyes, preservatives, or additives. A clean candle doesn't need them.
Transparency. Brands that care about what goes into their candles will tell you.
DEHV's Commitment to Clean
Every DEHV candle is formulated without phthalates, preservatives, additives, dyes, or harmful chemicals. Our fragrances are custom blended and fully compliant with IFRA standards- the international benchmark for fragrance safety. We also package everything in 100% biodegradable, compostable materials.
We've been recognized by major wellness publications like The Chalkboard in part because we don't cut corners on what goes inside the jar. A candle should make your home feel better, not compromise it.
Making the Switch
If you're ready to replace the conventional candles in your home with something cleaner, our Concrete Collection is the place to start. Eleven signature scents, each hand-poured in Los Angeles into a raw concrete vessel that becomes a planter after the last burn.
Shop the Concrete Collection →
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