Everything You Need to Know About Handmade Candles

Handmade candles are attracting more and more people with their authenticity, unique scents, and exceptional quality. Unlike industrial candles, they are handmade, using carefully selected and often natural ingredients. But what makes these candles so special? In this article, discover everything you need to know about handmade candles and why they delight lovers of authentic and responsible products.

What is a handmade candle?

A handcrafted candle is a candle made by hand, usually in small batches, by a passionate artisan. It is distinguished by its quality, natural ingredients, and unique craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced candles, each handcrafted candle is often the result of careful attention and a meticulous selection of raw materials.

The characteristics of a handmade candle

1. Natural ingredients : Often, handmade candles use natural waxes (soy, coconut, beeswax) and essential oils or fragrances without chemical additives.
   
   
2. Careful finishing : Each candle is poured, finished and decorated by hand, guaranteeing quality and a unique aesthetic.
   
   
3. Environmentally Friendly : Handmade candle makers often favor environmentally friendly ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
   
   
4. Ethical Manufacturing : Each candle is hand-poured and finished, ensuring unique quality and aesthetics, often with recyclable or reusable containers and packaging.

Why choose a handmade candle?

Choosing a handmade candle means choosing a quality product, but also supporting artisans and ethical production. Here are the main reasons to choose handmade candles:

1. Better indoor air quality
   Handmade candles are generally made with natural ingredients that emit fewer harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional candles, which can contain petroleum derivatives and release toxins, handmade candles contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
   
   
2. Unique and customizable scents
   Handmade candles offer a wide variety of authentic fragrances. Additionally, many artisan candle makers offer custom creations, allowing you to choose unique scents to create an ambiance tailored to your tastes.
   
   
3. An ecological commitment
   By choosing a handmade candle, you're supporting environmentally friendly practices. Artisans are often mindful of the raw materials they use, favoring biodegradable vegetable waxes and recyclable or reusable packaging.
   
   
4. An ecological product with rapeseed wax
   Rapeseed wax is an excellent eco-friendly alternative. Produced in Europe, it reduces the carbon footprint because it doesn't require long transportation routes or deforestation, unlike soy wax.
   
   
5. Perfumes from Grasse, safe for your health
   Candle makers often choose Grasse fragrances that are free of CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic Substances) and phthalates. These high-end fragrances, which pose no health risks, guarantee a pleasant and non-toxic olfactory experience.
   
   
6. Support for local artisans
   By purchasing handmade candles, you support local producers who are committed to quality and respect for the environment, favoring short supply chains and quality raw materials.

How is a handmade candle made?

Making a handmade candle is a meticulous process that requires patience, precision, and expertise. Here are the main steps in creating a handmade candle:

1. Choice of wax

Craftsmen select high-quality, often natural, waxes to ensure clean combustion and good fragrance diffusion. Popular waxes include:

Choice of wax: rapeseed wax as first choice

Environmentally conscious craftsmen favor rapeseed wax for its eco-friendly qualities and slow combustion. Here's an overview of the most commonly used waxes:

• Rapeseed wax : A plant-based, biodegradable wax produced in Europe that minimizes the ecological footprint. It ensures a smooth and even burn.

• Soy wax : Although common, it is less favorable from an ecological point of view, as its production often involves remote plantations and sometimes deforestation practices.

• Coconut wax : A creamy wax that promotes good diffusion of fragrances, but remains less ecological than rapeseed wax due to the long journeys required for its transport.

2. Perfume selection: fragrances from Grasse, without CMR or phthalates

Fragrance is one of the most important steps in creating handmade candles. Artisans often opt for fragrances from Grasse, known for their high quality and formulation without hazardous substances . These fragrances are carefully selected to withstand heat, providing a pleasant and long-lasting diffusion, while preserving the health of the users.

• CMR-free fragrances : The fragrances chosen are free from carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances, to guarantee non-harmful olfactory diffusion.

• Phthalate-free : Phthalate-free fragrances are safe for health and burn without toxic fumes.

3. Casting and finishing

The wax and fragrance are carefully blended before being poured into containers or molds. Each candle is then finished by hand, often decorated with dried flowers or natural dyes for a unique aesthetic.

What are the advantages of handmade candles over industrial candles?

Handmade candles differ from industrial candles in several ways and offer considerable advantages:

• Ingredient Quality : Industrial candles often use cheap paraffin waxes, while handmade candles favor vegetable waxes and natural fragrances.
  
  
• Burn Time : Handmade candles burn slower, providing a longer burn time and consistent fragrance release.
  
  
• Unique Design : Each handcrafted candle is different. You are purchasing a unique, handmade product that will enhance your home.

How to choose the right handmade candle?

To choose the right handmade candle, take a few essential elements into account:

• Wax : Choose candles made from natural waxes, such as rapeseed, soy or coconut wax.
  
  
• Check the quality of the perfume : Grasse perfumes without CMR or phthalates are ideal for ensuring a healthy and pleasant diffusion.
  
  
• Packaging : Choose candles sold in recycled glass containers or biodegradable packaging, which is environmentally friendly.
  
  
• Choose a local artisan : By buying locally, you reduce the carbon footprint of your purchase and support small producers.

Handmade candles: much more than just decoration

Handmade candles are much more than just a decorative item. They represent expertise, an ecological commitment, and a quest for well-being. Whether to create a soothing ambiance or to offer a unique gift, handmade candles meet the expectations of consumers concerned about the quality and environmental impact of their choices.

Choosing a handcrafted candle made with rapeseed wax and scented with fragrances from Grasse that are CMR- and phthalate-free is a great way to enjoy a product that's eco-friendly, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. By supporting local artisans, you promote responsible products and help preserve unique expertise.