Luxury candles versus cheap candles - what is the difference?
We all love candles, right? They create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere, they fill our homes with wonderful aromas, and they make great gifts for any occasion. But not all candles are created equal. In fact, there is a huge difference between cheap and expensive candles, and we are here to tell you why.
The danger of cheap candles
According to the data analysts Kantar, UK consumers spent £418m on scented candles between March 2021 and 2022. That's a lot of candles! But not all candles are created equal. Some of the cheaper ones may contain harmful ingredients, such as paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances and lead wicks, that can release toxic chemicals into the air when burned. These chemicals can cause headaches, nausea, asthma and allergies, and even increase the risk of cancer.
Cheap candles can also pose a fire hazard if not used properly. The UK Fire Service Resources website states that candles caused 1,032 fires in 2018, resulting in 22 deaths and over 650 injuries. Some of the common causes of candle fires are leaving them unattended, placing them near flammable materials, or using them in inappropriate containers.
Premium wax
First of all, let's talk about the wax. Cheap candles are usually made of paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax is cheap and easy to produce, but it has some drawbacks. It burns faster and produces more soot and smoke, which can stain your walls and furniture. It also releases harmful chemicals into the air, such as benzene and toluene, which can cause headaches, allergies, and respiratory problems.
Luxury candles, on the other hand, are usually made of soy wax, which is a natural and renewable resource derived from soybeans. Soy wax is eco-friendly and biodegradable, and it burns slower and cleaner than paraffin wax. It also holds fragrance better and releases it more evenly throughout the burn time. Soy wax candles are healthier for you and the environment, and they last longer too.
All about the scent
Another difference between cheap and expensive candles is the fragrance. Cheap candles often use synthetic fragrance oils that are diluted with alcohol or other additives. These fragrance oils can smell artificial and overpowering, and they can fade quickly or change over time. They can also trigger allergies or irritations for some people.
Luxurious candles use high-quality fragrance oils that are carefully selected and blended to create complex and balanced scents. These fragrance oils are pure and concentrated, and they retain their aroma for longer. They can also evoke emotions and memories, and create different moods depending on the occasion.
The scents of luxury candles can stimulate your senses and boost your energy. You can light a candle in your living room or office and feel more inspired and productive. You can also choose different scents depending on the season or the time of day.
Luxury containers
Finally, let's talk about the containers. Cheap candles often come in plastic or metal containers that are not very attractive or durable. They can melt or warp under high temperatures, or rust or corrode over time. They can also pose a fire hazard if they get too hot or catch fire.
Luxurious candles come in glass containers that are elegant and sturdy. They can withstand high temperatures and protect the wax from dust and debris. They can also be reused or recycled after the candle is finished, or repurposed as vases, jars, or decorative items.
Luxury candles in glass containers are the perfect way to add some charm and sophistication to your home. Whether you place them on your coffee table, mantel, nightstand, or bathroom counter, they will instantly elevate the mood and atmosphere. You can also mix and match different scents and sizes to create your own personalised candle collection.
Our luxury candles
As you can see, there is a big difference between cheap and luxurious candles, and you get what you pay for. At our Wax and Scents UK, we only sell soy wax scented candles with fragrance oils that are made in the UK. Our candles are hand-poured in small batches using natural ingredients that are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free . Our candles come in beautiful glass containers that are designed to enhance your home decor .
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about candles. If you want to try our amazing soy wax scented candles for yourself, visit our website today and browse our collection of delightful fragrances. You won't regret it!
Want to know more? Read our blog post on "Will soy candles melt during shipping".
