Why You Should Care About Candle Ingredients
At Sugarspell, we believe that what you bring into your home matters—especially when it comes to candles. They can be the perfect way to set the mood and make a space feel more comforting, but many contain unwanted chemicals that definitely weren’t invited to the party. That’s why we’re committed to crafting our candles with better-for-you ingredients: 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free, Prop 65-compliant fragrance oils. Here’s why we made that choice—and why we think you should too.
The Scoop on Soy Wax vs. Paraffin
Paraffin wax is extremely common in the candle industry, but it’s not exactly a clean or eco-friendly choice. It’s a byproduct of petroleum (yep, the same stuff used to fuel your car), which means it’s not renewable or biodegradable. When paraffin candles burn, they can release soot and potentially harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene—things you’d probably rather not breathe in while binge-watching your favorite show or enjoying a relaxing bath.
Soy wax, on the other hand, is plant-based, renewable, and biodegradable. It burns cleaner and longer than paraffin, with minimal soot and smoke. Plus, soy supports local farmers (it’s made from soybeans) and we’re all for that! Some conventional candles that you’ll find in shops use soy blends, and often, paraffin is in the blend. Be sure to look for 100% soy wax—and rest assured that you’ll never find paraffin in Sugarspell candles.
Wait, Why is My Candle Turning Yellow? And is That Frosting?
If you’ve ever noticed a subtle yellow tint or a white, crystal-like pattern on a soy candle, don’t worry—it’s totally normal! These little quirks are just part of the charm of using natural wax. The yellowing can happen when the candle is exposed to light and air, or if the scent is high in vanillin, which gives it such a delicious vanilla scent. Frosting (also called crystallization) is a natural occurrence that can happen as the soy wax molecules rearrange themselves over time.
Many conventional candle brands “fix” this with chemical additives (like UV inhibitors) and dyes that mask the imperfections, but those additives can release toxins when burned. At Sugarspell, we skip the chemicals and embrace the natural beauty of soy wax. If you’ve had your candle for a while and notice it start to turn a little yellow or develop a top that looks a little frosted, don’t worry—it likely hasn’t gone bad. That said, since our candles are made of natural materials, we recommend burning them within a year of purchase. (This will also help to ensure you get maximum scent throw.)
Cotton Wicks for a Cleaner Burn
Our candles use cotton wicks with no lead or metal cores. Why? Because cotton wicks provide a steady, even flame and a cleaner burn. They’re better for your indoor air quality and ensure your candle experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Fragrance Oils You Can Feel Good About
Not all fragrance oils are created equal. Some candles on the market use synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates or other harmful chemicals, which can release into your home’s air as the candle burns. At Sugarspell, our fragrance oils are always phthalate-free, California Prop 65 compliant, vegan, and cruelty-free. That means you can enjoy your favorite scents—whether it’s fresh-baked cookies, breezy beach days, or comforting vanilla—without worrying about sneaky hidden consequences.
We also go a step further: our fragrances meet the safety standards set by RIFM (the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and IFRA (the International Fragrance Association). That means they’ve been rigorously tested and evaluated for safety—so you can feel confident about what you’re breathing in. These organizations help ensure that the ingredients used in fragrance products meet strict health and safety guidelines, and we’re proud to use materials that are held to that standard.
Do We Have You Convinced?
We stand by the high-quality ingredients used in our candles because we know they’re more than just home décor—they’re little time machines that can transport you to your happiest memories. We also really care about health and want you to be able to enjoy our candles stress-free. By choosing soy wax, cotton wicks, and high quality fragrance oils, you’re getting a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable way to enjoy your favorite scents.
So next time you light up a Sugarspell candle, know that you’re not just filling the room with an amazing scent—you’re also making a choice that’s kinder to you, your home, and the planet.