Are Wax Melts Less Toxic Than Candles?

ByMason Turner

Wax melts have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional candles. Wax melts are small blocks of wax mixed with fragrance oils and melted in an electric warmer to release aroma. According to Grandview Research, the global wax melts market size is expected to reach $5.19 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2030.

There is interest in comparing the toxicity of wax melts to candles, as some consumers have concerns about inhaling wax vapors and other chemicals released when burning a candle. The components used in candles versus wax melts can differ, which may impact safety.

The most common types of wax used for melts are soy, paraffin, and a soy-paraffin blend. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, while soy wax comes from soybeans and is often marketed as a more natural option. Both paraffin and soy wax melts utilize added fragrance oils and dye to scent and color the wax.

How Wax Melts Work

Wax melts are made of scented wax that is warmed to release fragrance. They are placed in a wax warmer, which is an electric device that gently heats the wax to a low temperature to slowly melt it. The melted wax then emanates fragrance into the surrounding air. Wax melts come in small chunks or shapes that provide a slow, controlled release of scent as the wax warms over several hours.

Unlike candles, wax melts do not have a wick that needs to be lit to release fragrance. The key difference is that wax melts utilize indirect heat to warm the wax, while candles apply direct heat to melt and burn the wax through an open flame. This results in some key differences:

wax melts may be safer than candles for people with respiratory issues like asthma since they don't require burning and release fewer air pollutants when heated.
Pros of wax melts:

  • Safer than open flames
  • Release scent more slowly and evenly
  • Reusable by re-melting until scent fades
  • Wide variety of shapes and forms

Cons of wax melts:

  • Require a wax warmer device
  • Scent is restricted to one area
  • No ambiance of a real flame

In summary, wax melts provide a flameless, reusable way to scent a space, but need electricity and don’t provide light. Candles can scent a larger area and offer ambiance, but burn down quickly and pose more of a fire hazard.

Toxicity of Candle Waxes

The most common types of waxes used in candles are paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is considered the most toxic option for candles. Studies have shown paraffin candles emit hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene and benzene when burned, which can be irritating to the lungs [1].

In comparison, natural waxes like soy, beeswax, and palm wax have been found to have lower emissions of VOCs and are considered less toxic options for candles [2]. Soy wax in particular has very low soot emissions when burned. Beeswax also does not release petroleum-based VOCs. Testing shows beeswax candles emit 60-80% less particulate matter than paraffin candles.

Overall, paraffin wax candles are the most toxic due to higher levels of VOC emissions. Natural waxes like soy, beeswax, and palm perform better in emission tests and are less irritating options for candlemaking.

Toxicity of Wax Melt Waxes

Wax melts are made from different types of waxes, which have varying levels of toxicity. The most common wax melt bases are:

In emissions testing by the EPA, soy wax melts released 82-96% less VOCs compared to paraffin wax. Beeswax performed even better. These studies indicate soy and beeswax melts are less toxic alternatives.

Fragrance Oils and Dyes

Fragrance oils are used in both candles and wax melts to provide scent. The main difference is that candles typically use a lower concentration of fragrance oil compared to wax melts. Candles may use 5-10% fragrance oil, while wax melts can use up to 30% fragrance oil to produce a stronger scent when melted (1).

There are concerns around the toxicity of some synthetic fragrance oils, as they can contain phthalates, parabens, and other chemicals. Exposure to these ingredients, especially at high concentrations, may pose health risks (2). Many manufacturers are moving towards using more natural plant-based essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance oils.

Dyes are also commonly added to candles and wax melts. There are concerns around some synthetic petroleum-based dyes. Natural dyes from botanical sources, minerals, and certified food grade dyes are considered less toxic options.

(1) https://theredheadriter.com/2012/03/the-truth-about-paraffin-wax-candles-are-they-toxic/

(2) https://collinacandleco.com/pages/faqs

Testing Methodologies

How candle emissions are tested and measured has evolved over the years as the industry has worked to standardize methods. Early studies in the 1990s and 2000s often used small chambers and unrealistic burning conditions that produced data that was not reflective of real-world usage. More recent testing relies on larger chambers, multiple replicates, and burning conditions that mimic typical consumer usage (F2326 Standard Test Method for Collection and Analysis of Emissions from Candles and Other Solid Objects Using a Large Volume Chamber).

Key variables between emission studies include the size of the test chamber, air exchange rate, number of replicates, washing of the chamber between tests, candle diameter, wick trimming, and more. The variability of methods is one reason older studies tend to show higher emission rates compared to newer studies. Standardization has improved, but there is still no globally mandated methodology.

Limitations to these lab studies include that they do not perfectly simulate real-world environments and can lack statistical power due to cost constraints on the number of replicates. Findings may also not be representative of all candle varieties on the market. There is also the question of whether certain compounds are harmful at the trace level concentrations detected.

Safety Tips

Here are some tips for safely enjoying wax melts and candles:

Ensure proper ventilation when burning wax melts or candles. Open windows or use fans to allow airflow and prevent buildup of particulates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) (1). Trim wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excess smoke and soot (2). Extinguish candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

Choose wax melts and candle waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut that studies show produce less soot and burn cleaner than paraffin varieties (1, 2). Opt for non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrances made from essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances which can contain harmful chemicals (2). Avoid dyes, especially ones with heavy metals like lead.

Always follow safety precautions like keeping away from flammables and not leaving unattended. Supervise children and pets around burning candles. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles for added safety.

Sources:

(1) https://nestingwithgrace.com/easiest-way-to-make-candles-non-toxic/

(2) https://mamainstincts.com/diy-beeswax-candles/

Conclusions

Based on the information presented, wax melts do appear to be less toxic than candles in certain situations. When burned, all candles release some level of soot and air pollutants. The wax, wick, and fragrance all contribute toxic substances when candles are lit. Wax melts, on the other hand, do not require burning and therefore do not release the same pollutants into the air.

Wax melts heated in an electric wax warmer produce significantly lower levels of airborne toxins compared to burning candles. For people with respiratory issues like asthma, wax melts may be a safer alternative. The warmer method also eliminates issues like black soot building up on walls or soft surfaces around candles. Additionally, wax melts may be preferable for small rooms where candle smoke can concentrate. Since wax melts don’t have a wick, there is no concern over wick height impacting how clean a wax melt burns.

However, wax melts still contain synthetic fragrance oils and dyes that can have their own toxicity concerns. Proper ventilation and limited exposure time are recommended with both candles and wax melts. Those with scent sensitivities may want to avoid highly fragranced products entirely. Overall, wax melts appear to have some safety advantages but are not completely risk-free. Care should still be taken when using them in small, enclosed spaces or for extended periods.

References

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