Lifestyle

Are Scented Candles Bad For You? Here’s Why You May Want To Rethink Buying That Candle (According To Aproko Doctor)

Literally everything these days has side effects (cries in disbelief)

• written by Joy Onu
• 2 min read
• 17 Apr, 2024

There’s a whole rave for scented candles going around these days, there must be something in the water, because i was also thinking about how to zhuzh my space up with those aesthetically looking fancy candles, but turns out, Aproko Doctor was just around the corner like he always is! (In a good way, of course.)

Burning scented candles isn’t just about aesthetics, it does have some pretty calming effects if you pick the right one, but if you happen to pick the wrong one, you’re in for some nasty headaches and the inhalation of nasty chemicals released from the chemicals. 

According to Aproko Doctor’s new video, candles with chemicals such as parasynthetic wax or other chemical ingredients are definitely a no-no. To put it simply, he explains that “When they burn, they emit a chemical known as Alkane, Alkane is found in the exhaust of your car, so basically putting a candle with such chemicals is basically putting a car at the door of your home.” 

If you love scented candles way too much, don’t worry, because there’s a loophole for you. If you’re going to purchase scented candles, the rule of thumb is to go for candles with natural ingredients as opposed to those with chemicals in them. Ingredients such as Beeswax and Soywax are often regarded as non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, so the next time you’re out shopping for scented candles, make sure to be more conscious of the ingredients used in making the candle.

Stepping away from the Aproko nuggets we’ve received today. There’s also another type of candle known as paraffin which is also considered toxic, and known to be the worst type of scented candles out there. However, there are a few reports that say these candles don’t pose serious health risks, as long as you burn them in well ventilated rooms and for a duration less than four hours.

To be on the safe side, I think it's safe to say that we should be avoiding scented candles of the toxic variety. As long as you burn non-toxic candles, in a well ventilated space, and in moderation, you should still be able to enjoy the bliss that comes with having scented candles, and your aesthetic can also remain intact.

We’ll leave you with the ever loving words of Aproko Doctor himself, “My dear, protect your lungs and don’t use aesthetics to cause problems for yourself.”