Candles have been a source of light, warmth, and comfort for centuries. Whether it's the soft glow of a candlelit dinner or the soothing scent of a favourite fragrance, candles are deeply intertwined with creating cosy and welcoming environments.

However, as their popularity grows, so do concerns about their potential effects on health. Let’s explore the facts and address some of the most common questions surrounding candles.

The Ingredients Matter

Not all candles are created equal. Remember that.

The materials used in candle production—such as wax, wicks, and fragrance oils—play a significant role in their safety. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Wax Types

   • Paraffin Wax: Derived from petroleum, paraffin wax has been criticised for releasing trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene when burned. While the levels are minimal and generally not harmful in well-ventilated areas, it’s worth considering alternatives.
   • Soy Wax, Beeswax, and Coconut Wax: These are natural, renewable options that burn cleaner and produce less soot. They’re ideal for those looking to reduce their exposure to chemicals.

2. Wicks
   In the past, some wicks contained lead, which could emit toxic particles when burned. Thankfully, lead-core wicks have been banned in many countries, including the United States, since 2003. Most modern candles use cotton or wood wicks, which are safe and eco-friendly. Highland Home Fragrance uses 100% pure cotton wicks. 

3. Fragrances
   Synthetic fragrance oils can contain phthalates, which are linked to health concerns. However, many candles now contain phthalate-free options or use essential oils for natural scents. Always check the product label or ask your candle supplier about their ingredients. Highland Home Fragrances uses IFRA approved fragrances that are phthalate-free. 

Are Candle Emissions Harmful?

When a candle burns, it releases small amounts of soot and VOCs into the air. According to studies by reputable health organisations, the levels produced by burning candles are typically too low to pose a significant health risk. For comparison, the emissions from candles are far lower than those from common household activities like cooking or using a gas stove.

However, if you’re sensitive to smoke or have respiratory conditions like asthma, it’s a good idea to:

• Burn candles in well-ventilated spaces.
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting to minimise soot.
• Avoid burning candles for extended periods.

Tips for Safe Candle Use

• Choose High-Quality Candles: Opt for candles made from natural waxes, cotton or wood wicks, and non-toxic fragrances.
• Keep It Clean: Ensure the area around your candle is free from drafts, dust, or flammable objects.
• Practice Moderation: Use candles as a complement to your home atmosphere, not as a primary source of light.

The Bottom Line

Candles, when used responsibly, are unlikely to pose health risks for most people. By choosing candles made from high-quality, clean-burning materials and following proper safety precautions, you can enjoy their warmth and ambience without worry.

At Highland Home Fragrance we prioritise your health and home by crafting candles with natural coconut soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances, and lead-free wicks.

Explore our collection and experience the joy of candles that are as safe as they are beautiful.

Shop our scents today and bring the glow of peace of mind into your home.

In moments of loss and remembrance, a flickering flame can offer solace like no other. Remembrance candles, with their gentle glow and comforting presence, serve as powerful symbols of love, honor, and healing. 

Remembrance candles serve as poignant tributes to those we've lost, allowing us to honor their memory in a tangible and heartfelt way. Whether lit on anniversaries, birthdays, or special occasions, these candles serve as beacons of love, guiding us through moments of grief and remembrance.

Honoring Our Furry Friends:
Pets hold a special place in our hearts, bringing joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. When they depart, it's natural to want to honor their memory in a meaningful way. Pet loss memorials, often accompanied by remembrance candles, serve as touching tributes to our furry friends, acknowledging the profound impact they've had on our lives.

Creating Sacred Spaces:
In the midst of sorrow, remembrance candles create sacred spaces where we can reflect, remember, and find comfort. Their soft glow casts a warm embrace, enveloping us in a sense of peace and tranquility amidst life's storms. These sacred moments of reflection allow us to connect with our loved ones in spirit, fostering a sense of closeness that transcends the physical realm.

Healing Through Ritual:
Rituals have long been recognized as powerful tools for healing, providing structure and comfort in times of uncertainty. Lighting a remembrance candle becomes a sacred ritual—a tangible expression of love and remembrance that soothes the soul and nurtures the spirit. Through this simple act, we honor our loved ones and embark on a journey of healing and acceptance.

Embracing Hope:
Despite the darkness of grief, remembrance candles remind us that there is light and hope to be found amidst the shadows. Their gentle glow serves as a reminder that love endures beyond the boundaries of time and space, guiding us through the darkest of nights and illuminating the path towards healing and renewal.

In times of loss and remembrance, the flickering flame of a remembrance candle offers more than just light—it offers hope, healing, and a profound sense of connection. As we honor the memories of our loved ones, let us embrace the healing power of these sacred symbols and find solace in their comforting glow.

You can find our remembrance candle here.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Do you smell it? That familiar scent that instantly transports you back to a cherished memory? For many of us, scent is intrinsically linked to nostalgia, and few things capture and evoke those nostalgic feelings quite like candles.

Lets explore the captivating connection between scent, candles, and the power they hold to whisk us away through time.

Before we delve into the nostalgic journey, let's uncover the science behind our sense of smell. Our olfactory system is directly connected to the brain's limbic system, which governs emotions and memories. When we inhale a scent, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters associated with pleasure, emotion, and memory, creating powerful associations that linger long after the scent has dissipated.

Whether it's the comforting aroma of fresh laundry, the crisp scent of a pine forest, or the delicate fragrance of a bouquet of roses, candles have the remarkable ability to encapsulate these scents and infuse them into our surroundings. With each flicker of the flame, they release a symphony of fragrances that weave seamlessly into the fabric of our memories.

While candles have the uncanny ability to evoke nostalgia, they also have the power to create new memories. Whether it's lighting a candle during a cosy night in with friends, setting the mood for a romantic dinner, or unwinding with a soothing scent after a long day, candles enrich our lives and leave an indelible mark on our experiences.

So, the next time you light a candle and inhale its intoxicating scent, remember that you're not just igniting wax and wick—you're igniting a journey through the senses, guided by the timeless power of scent and the comforting glow of candlelight.

If you're anything like me, you understand the sentimental value of a well-loved candle. With each flicker, it's as if cherished memories and the essence of heritage dance around the room. But what happens when the wick burns low, and the wax is all but gone?

Today, we'll explore how to breathe new life into your beloved amber candle jar, infusing it with fresh purpose while keeping the spirit of nostalgia alive.

1. Preserving Memories: Memory Jars Embrace the sentimental journey by transforming your amber candle jar into a memory jar. Fill it with small tokens, notes, or trinkets that evoke fond recollections. Whether it's ticket stubs from memorable outings or handwritten notes from loved ones, this unique keepsake will serve as a tangible reminder of cherished moments.

2. Nostalgic Décor: Terrariums Tap into your Scottish heritage by crafting a miniature landscape within your amber candle jar. Fill it with moss, stones, and tiny figurines reminiscent of the rugged Highlands. This whimsical terrarium will not only add a touch of nostalgia to your home but also serve as a conversation starter.

3. Functional Art: Candle Jar Planters Channel your inner green thumb by repurposing your amber candle jar into a charming planter. Choose succulents or small herbs to adorn your windowsill or workspace. Not only will this breathe new life into your space, but it will also honor the cycle of growth and renewal.

4. Sensory Delight: Potpourri Holders Infuse your home with the scents of Scotland by repurposing your candle jar into a potpourri holder. Fill it with dried flowers, herbs, and spices reminiscent of the Scottish countryside. Not only will this add a delightful fragrance to your space, but it will also invoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

5. Functional Elegance: Bathroom Storage Elevate your bathroom décor by repurposing your amber candle jar into stylish storage. Use it to house cotton balls, q-tips, or bath salts, adding a touch of elegance to your daily routine. With its warm amber hue, it will effortlessly complement any bathroom aesthetic.

6. Artistic Expression: DIY Candle Making Embrace your creative side by transforming your amber candle jar into a canvas for DIY candle making. Melt down leftover candle wax or explore new scents and colors to craft personalized candles. Not only will this extend the life of your jar, but it will also allow you to continue the tradition of candle making rooted in Scottish heritage.

7. Sentimental Keepsakes: Family Recipe Jars Pay homage to your Scottish roots by repurposing your amber candle jar into a vessel for treasured family recipes. Write down beloved recipes passed down through generations and store them in the jar for safekeeping. This culinary heirloom will serve as a tangible connection to your heritage, ready to be shared and cherished for years to come.

As we bid farewell to our amber candle's glowing flame, we embark on a journey of reinvention and creativity. By repurposing our candle jars, we not only breathe new life into everyday objects but also honor the memories, nostalgia, and Scottish heritage that inspired their creation. So, the next time you find yourself holding an empty amber candle jar, remember that the possibilities are endless - let your imagination soar and infuse each repurposed creation with the spirit of tradition and innovation