Aromatherapy candles are made by mixing fragrances into melted wax, inserting a wick, and allowing it to cool and solidify, creating a scented candle that can be used in any household space.

Even when unlit, the wax slowly releases fragrance, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere when lit, making it an ideal choice for creating a romantic and cozy ambiance.

According to reports from the American magazine "Temptation", scent, though invisible, has a powerful ability to improve human emotions and environments. During the pandemic, millions of people turned to aromatherapy candles for solace, a result of heightened awareness of skincare and self-care during lockdowns.

According to forecasts by Kline & Company, sales of aromatherapy candles in the United States were expected to reach nearly $4 billion in 2021, up from approximately $3.7 billion in 2020. Sales of aromatherapy candles in the US increased by 17% in the past year compared to 2019.

The "purification" movement of aromatherapy candles is gaining momentum in the US. Just as people want to know what ingredients are in their skincare products, research into ingredient lists, reviews, and influencer guides has extended to aromatherapy candles.

Consumers want to know what they are inhaling. Some brands claim that soy-based aromatherapy candles are more suitable for inhalation, as most commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum processing, which may pose health risks.

Many experts refute this claim. A dermatologist stated that paraffin wax candles, when used as directed, pose no harm when inhaled.

However, data shows that sales of soy candles grew by 180% in the past year, surpassing sales of candles made from other ingredients.

Are soy candles safer? "The common perception among customers is that soy or beeswax candles are natural."

Katie Thomas, Director of the Cooney Consumer Research Institute, said, "It's not yet clear whether there is a real difference between paraffin and soy wax."

Kathy LaVanier, CEO of Renegade Candle Company and former chair of the National Candle Association, believes that neither wax poses a health risk. According to LaVanier, the "cleanliness" of candle burning, its burning rate, and the amount of visible soot produced are determined by the burning characteristics of the aromatic oils inside the candle.

According to chemist Marissa Priscilla, "There is currently no research indicating how much soot is inhaled from candles and how much is considered excessive and harmful to humans."

So, which candle burns the cleanest? There is no completely "clean" candle. However, experts suggest that reducing burning time may be beneficial.

Burning a candle for too long is like overheating a car. The optimal burning time for a candle is three to four hours.

According to a 2013 study, once wax is melted, it accelerates burning and produces a lot of soot, which is not suitable for inhalation. Another report from 2001 suggested that scented candles produce more soot than unscented ones because of the way solid paraffin reacts with liquid aromatic oils at room temperature.

Rather than letting a candle burn all day, it's better to light a new one every few hours to maintain a steady burning rate.

As the demand for aromatherapy candles grows, remember to burn them mindfully for a clean experience. Let the gentle glow of a scented candle elevate your space, embracing the soothing power of fragrance to uplift your spirits.