Don’t Shoot the Messenger: The Scary Truth About Candles (and What I Use Instead)
Okay, friends—don’t come for me. I love candles too. The flickering flame, the cozy vibes, the pretty aromas that fill the room… it feels like instant atmosphere, right? But here’s the hard truth: burning a candle for just two hours can be the same as smoking a pack of cigarettes. Yep. According to Dr. Andrew Sledd, an environmental toxicology specialist, candles release toxins you definitely don’t want in your lungs.
The Hidden Dangers of Candle Wicks
Here’s something I wish I had known sooner: about 40% of candles are made with wicks containing lead. And breathing in lead particles is a big no-no for your health (especially for little lungs in your home).
I had no idea my “cozy candle moments” were actually filling the air with toxins. Yikes.
My Wake-Up Call as a Mom
When I was a young stay-at-home homeschool mom, I lit candles every single morning to set the mood for our day. It felt nurturing and beautiful… but during that season, my kids had chronic lung issues.
I tried everything to help—doctor visits, natural remedies, you name it. It wasn’t until much later that I finally connected the dots: the candles I loved so much were actually tearing down our health.
And here’s the wild part: when I ditched the candles and switched to diffusers with clean essential oil blends, my kids’ lung issues literally cleared up overnight. Overnight!
Why I’ll Never Go Back
My heart sinks when I think about how long it took me to discover this. My intention was never to harm my family—I just wanted a peaceful, cozy home. But now that I know better, I’m committed to doing better.
Diffusers give me everything I wanted from candles—beautiful aroma, relaxing atmosphere, cozy vibes—without the toxins. It feels so good knowing I’m filling my home with something safe.
Make the Switch (and Fall in Love With It)
If you’ve been side-eyeing your candle stash after reading this, don’t panic. There’s such a simple swap that will change everything: start with the Simplified Essential Oil Blends.
👉 They’re easy to use.
👉 They smell amazing.
👉 And they’re 100% free from the junk hiding in most candles.
👉 They smell amazing.
👉 And they’re 100% free from the junk hiding in most candles.
This fall, I’m especially obsessed with the Pumpkin Spice and Cozy Chai blends—because we all deserve that seasonal vibe without the toxic trade-off.
