What Labels To Use For Candles?

Candle labels provide important information to help consumers make safe, informed purchasing decisions. The label displays details about a candle’s ingredients, size, burn time, vessel material, manufacturer, and any relevant warnings or care instructions.

Candle labels generally include a mix of practical facts, safety advisories, legal disclosures, and branding elements. Key details like fragrance, wax type, and burn time allow shoppers to find the right product for their needs. Safety warnings, manufacturer information, and directions for use help prevent misuse and promote proper handling. Appealing branding and design make a good first impression and aid product recognition.

While styles and specific content vary, candle labels aim to inform consumers while also representing the brand’s identity. This article will explore the typical components found on modern candle labels.

Ingredients

The main ingredients used in candle making include:

Paraffin Wax – This is the most commonly used candle wax today. It is inexpensive and easy to work with (source).

Soy Wax – Made from soybeans, this natural wax burns cleanly and is biodegradable. However, it can be more expensive and tricky to work with compared to paraffin (source).

Beeswax – Derived from honeycombs, beeswax has a pleasant natural honey aroma. It can be expensive but is appreciated by those looking for natural ingredients (source).

Coconut Wax – This natural vegetable wax comes from coconut oil. It holds fragrance well but can be prone to frosting (source).

Palm Wax – Derived from palm oil, this inexpensive natural wax has a high melting point. Environmental concerns exist around palm oil production (source).

Candle waxes are often blended to balance benefits like cost, performance, and natural origins. Wax choice depends on the desired qualities and price point.

Fragrance

The fragrance of a candle can come from either natural or synthetic sources. Natural fragrances like essential oils are derived from plants, fruits, and herbs. Synthetic fragrances are created in a lab to mimic natural scents or produce entirely new ones. Some candle makers prefer natural fragrances because they come from renewable resources and can provide therapeutic benefits. However, natural fragrances are often more expensive and don’t always burn as cleanly as synthetic ones.

No matter the source, it’s important to be aware that fragrances can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in some people. Common irritants include ingredients like phthalates, limonene, linalool, and eugenol. Reputable candle makers will list fragrance ingredients on their labels or website. Those with sensitivities should look for candles made with essential oils or labeled as fragrance-free. Testing fragrances first in a well-ventilated area is also recommended.

When labeling candle fragrances, descriptive names are preferred over generic ones like “floral” or “spice.” More specific names like “lemon verbena” or “pine forest” help convey the scent experience to customers. Listing the prominent fragrance notes also provides useful information. Additionally, labels should indicate if the fragrance comes from natural or synthetic sources so buyers can make informed choices.

Vessel Material

The most common materials used for candle vessels are glass, metal, and ceramic. Glass containers like jars and vases are popular choices because they allow the candle light to shine through and showcase the color and design of the candle. Glass also holds heat well to fully melt the wax (https://www.candlemakingsupplies.net/which-candle-jar-to-use-for-beginner-candle-makers).

Tin and aluminum metal containers are affordable, durable, and conduct heat evenly. Hammered metal vessels add visual interest. Stainless steel containers are also safe choices. Metal lids help extinguish flame and prevent excess sooting.

Ceramic vessels like bowls, mugs, and ramekins make attractive natural containers for soy or beeswax candles. Unglazed terracotta also absorbs fragrance well. Glazed ceramics should be tested for high temperatures first (https://www.lifenreflection.com/safe-candle-containers-for-candle-making/).

Burn Time

The burn time of a candle refers to how long it takes for the candle to completely burn from top to bottom. It is typically measured in hours and indicates the total amount of time that the candle can provide light and fragrance.

There are several factors that impact a candle’s burn time:

Wax Type

Different wax formulations and blends burn at different rates. Paraffin wax typically provides longer burn times of up to 12 hours for a 6 oz candle, while soy and vegetable waxes may burn for 6-8 hours per 6 oz.

Wick

Thicker wicks allow more wax to melt at one time, resulting in faster burn times. Most manufacturers adjust wick sizes to optimize burn time for each candle size.

Candle Size

In general, smaller candles like votives burn for around 7-9 hours per ounce of wax. Larger pillar candles may burn for 40-50 hours total (Citing: https://blog.bottlestore.com/calculating-your-candle-burn-time/).

Other factors like jar shape, wax additives, and room temperature can also influence burn time.

Size

Candles come in a variety of standard sizes. Some common sizes include:

• Votive – 1-2 inches high, 1.5-2 inches diameter
• Tealight – 0.75-1 inch high, 1-1.5 inches diameter
• Pillar – 2-4 inches high, 2-4 inches diameter
• Taper – 6-12 inches high, 0.5-1 inch diameter
• Jar candle – 3-4 inches high, 3-4 inches diameter

Larger candles like pillars and jars tend to have longer burn times since they contain more wax. Smaller candles like votives and tealights burn more quickly. Selecting the right size candle for your needs is important – a too large candle may be overpowering while a too small candle may not last long enough.

According to Creative Candles, each taper candle requires 27 dips to reach the ideal width of 7/8 inch diameter. Therefore, longer tapers require more wax and burn slower than shorter tapers (source).

Warnings

Candles can pose safety hazards if not used properly, so it’s important to include warning labels on all candle packaging. Some key warnings to include are:

Keep candles away from children and pets. Young children should not be left unattended around burning candles. Pets may knock over candles and start fires.Candle warning labels often say “Keep out of reach of children and pets” to alert consumers.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Don’t go to sleep or leave the house with candles still burning. Always blow them out first to prevent accidental fires. Warnings such as “Never leave burning candle unattended” should be displayed.

Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, books, and furniture. Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface clear from overhead objects. Warn consumers to keep candles away from things that can catch fire.

Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid high flames. Long wicks can create tall, sooty flames that produce more soot. Trimming wicks helps prevent this.

Always use a heat-safe candleholder. Avoid placing candles directly on surfaces like wood tables. Use a properly sized holder made of non-flammable material.

Stop burning a candle once 1⁄2 inch of wax remains. The container can get too hot as the candle burns lower. Warn consumers to discontinue use before reaching the bottom.

Manufacturer

Some of the most popular and reputable candle brands include Yankee Candle, Boy Smells, Otherland, and Diptyque. Yankee Candle is one of the largest candle manufacturers in the world and is headquartered in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. The company was started in 1969 and offers a wide variety of candle scents and vessels. Boy Smells is a trendy candle brand founded in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, California. They are known for their unique and sophisticated scents. Otherland is another popular brand founded in 2016 in New York City and offers custom, artistic candles. Lastly, Diptyque is a luxury candle brand from Paris, France that was founded in 1961 and is renowned for their high-quality, long-lasting scented candles.

Care Instructions

Properly caring for your candles is important to ensure they burn evenly, last as long as possible, and remain safe. Here are some tips for storing and maintaining candles:

Store candles in a cool, dry place when not in use. Heat and humidity can damage candles and cause them to lose fragrance. Keep them in a closet, cabinet, or drawer away from direct sunlight or temperature extremes. According to Yankee Candle, you should store candles in temperatures between 59-68°F.

Keep the wick trimmed to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Use wick trimmers or nail clippers to trim the wick, which allows for a proper melt pool and reduces excess smoking from a long wick (Yankee Candle).

Allow the wax pool to form completely across the top of the candle before extinguishing it. This helps prevent tunneling, where wax melts unevenly. Let the candle burn for at least 4 hours the first time so the entire top liquifies.

Clean the candle holder if significant wax buildup occurs. Gently scrape off any excess wax on the side with a plastic spatula or credit card. This can help the candle burn more evenly.

When a candle is halfway used up, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it overnight. Then take it out and peel off the top layer of frozen wax before lighting it again. This helps refresh the fragrance.

When the candle will no longer light or the wax pool won’t melt all the way across, it’s time to retire the candle. Extinguish it and properly dispose of it.

Other Information

In addition to the mandatory information required on candle labels, you can also include other details that may be useful for consumers. Here are some additional label elements to consider:

Date Made – Include the month and year the candle was manufactured so customers know how fresh it is. For example: Made January 2023.

Gift Messaging – Many candlemakers offer custom gift messaging on labels, which is a great option if the candle will be given as a gift. This provides a place for a personalized note.

Recycling – You can include an icon or text indicating if the candle vessel is recyclable and providing any special instructions. For example: Glass jar – Recyclable.

Inspirational Quotes – A short inspirational quote or poem can be a nice design element on a candle label. Just keep it brief.

Decorative Elements – Candle labels allow room for creative flourishes like floral designs, decorative borders, or other aesthetically pleasing touches. Just ensure required info is still clear.

While not mandatory, these extra label details can enhance the candle and convey helpful information to those receiving it as a gift. Prioritize required content first before embellishing.