What is the "fragrance" of scented candles, and is it harmful to the human body?

The United States "Temptation" magazine reported that fragrance is invisible, but its ability to improve human mood and the environment is powerful.

During the pandemic, millions of people sought solace in scented candles. This is the result of people's awareness of skin and self-management in the lockdown.

According to Kline & Company, sales of scented candles in the United States will reach nearly $4 billion in 2021, compared with about $3.7 billion in 2020. Sales of scented candles in the United States increased 17 percent last year over 2019.

Scented candle "purification" campaign

Lighting scented candles is becoming a new skincare trend in America. Just as people want to know what ingredients they're putting on their skin, research ingredient lists, reviews and influencer guides have "spilled over" into scented candles.

Consumers want to know what they're breathing. Some brands claim that soy-based scented candles are better for inhaling, while the raw material for most commercial candles is paraffin wax, which may pose a health risk because it is a by-product (processed product) of petroleum.

Many experts refute this claim. A dermatologist says paraffin candles, when used as directed, are not harmful when inhaled.

But according to data, sales of soy candles have increased by 180 percent in the past year, outpacing sales of scented candles with other ingredients.

Are soy candles really safer? "Soy or beeswax essential oil candles are all natural," is a common sentiment among customers.

"It's not clear that there really is a difference between paraffin and soy wax," said Katie Thomas, president of Konecranes Consumer Research Institute.

Kathy LaVanier, CEO of Candle manufacturer Renegade Candle Company and former president of the National Candle Association, believes neither wax poses a health risk. According to Ravanier, how "clean" a candle burns, that is, how fast it burns and the amount of visible soot it produces, is determined by the burning properties of the aromatic oils inside the candle.

According to chemist Marissa Plesia, "There is currently no research on how much smoke is inhaled from candles, and how much is excessive and harmful for humans is unknown."

So which candles are the cleanest?

There really is no such thing as a completely "clean" candle. But experts suggest that reducing the amount of time it takes to burn wax may help.

A candle burning too long is like an overheated car. The best burning time for candles is three to four hours.

According to a 2013 study, when the wax melts, it starts to burn faster and produces a large amount of soot, which is not suitable for human inhalation. Another 2001 report noted that scented candles produce more soot than unscented ones because of the way solid paraffin reacts with liquid aromatic oils (at room temperature).

The wick should also be trimmed regularly to reduce soot.

Instead of letting a candle burn all day, light a new one every few hours to maintain a steady burning rate.

Choose paraffin candles, or choose soy candles?

If the most important thing is fragrance, paraffin candle fragrance is better than soybean candle. Paraffin candles have a stronger scent and can make people more calm.

If you're looking for a plant-based base or want to support American agriculture, then soy candles are a good choice.

Matthew Malin, co-founder of skincare brand Malin + Goetz, says the brand's scented candles are (mostly) a blend of paraffin and soy wax, and the best-selling dark rum flavor is made with synthetic flavors.

"First of all, consumers buy scented candles based on scent," Marlin said, and the material of the candle may not be as important to them.