Everything You Need to Know About Handmade Candles

Handmade candles are increasingly appealing to people due to their authenticity, unique scents, and exceptional quality. Unlike industrial candles, they are handmade, with 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 are a delight for lovers of authentic and responsible products.

What is a handmade candle?

A craft candle is a candle made by hand, usually in small batches, by a passionate craftsman. It is distinguished by its quality, its natural ingredients, and its unique know-how. Unlike mass-produced candles, each craft candle is often the result of special attention and a careful choice 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 : Artisan candle makers often favor environmentally friendly ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
   
   
4. Ethical manufacturing : Each candle is poured and finished by hand, 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 typically made with natural ingredients that emit fewer harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional candles that 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 scents. In addition, many artisans offer custom creations, allowing you to choose unique scents for an ambiance that suits your tastes.
   
   
3. An ecological commitment
   By choosing a handmade candle, you support practices that respect nature. Artisans are often attentive to 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 ecological alternative par excellence. Produced in Europe, it allows a reduction in the carbon footprint, because it does not require long transport or deforestation, unlike soy wax.
   
   
5. Perfumes from Grasse, without health risks
   Candle artisans often choose fragrances from Grasse without CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic substances) or phthalates. These high-end fragrances, without health risks, guarantee a pleasant and non-toxic olfactory experience.
   
   
6. Support for local artisans
   By purchasing artisanal candles, you support local producers who are committed to quality and respect for the environment, by favoring short circuits and quality raw materials.

How is a handmade candle made?

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

1. Choice of wax

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

Choice of wax: rapeseed wax as first choice

Environmentally conscious craftsmen favor rapeseed wax for its ecological qualities and slow combustion. Here is an overview of the most commonly used waxes:

• Rapeseed wax : A vegetable wax, biodegradable and produced in Europe, which minimizes the ecological footprint. It ensures a soft and uniform combustion.

• 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 resist heat, offering a pleasant and long-lasting diffusion, while preserving the health of users.

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

• Phthalate-free : Phthalate-free fragrances are healthy and burn without toxic fumes.

3. Casting and finishing

The wax and fragrance are carefully mixed 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 compared to 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 artisanal candles favor vegetable waxes and natural fragrances.
  
  
• Burn Time : Handmade candles burn slower, providing a longer burn time and consistent fragrance delivery.
  
  
• Unique design : Each handmade candle is different. You are buying a unique, handmade product that will enhance your interior.

How to choose the right handmade candle?

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

• 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 guaranteeing healthy and pleasant diffusion.
  
  
• Packaging : Choose candles sold in recycled glass containers or biodegradable packaging, which respect the environment.
  
  
• 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 object. They represent know-how, an ecological commitment and a quest for well-being. Whether to create a soothing atmosphere 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 handmade candle made with rapeseed wax and scented with fragrances from Grasse without CMR or phthalates is an excellent way to enjoy a product that is both ecological, healthy and aesthetically pleasing. By supporting local artisans, you promote responsible products and help preserve unique know-how.