We Asked Yankee Candle for More Information… Here’s What They Said
We weren’t satisfied with the information available on Yankee’s website, so we reached out to their customer support to get some more info. Here’s what we asked:
Can you give me some more information about your materials and ingredients? I’m having a hard time finding this information on your website. Can you tell me:
– What exactly is in your “Premium soy-wax blend” and “Soy wax blend”? About what percentage of the blend is soy and what other types of waxes are used?
– Can you confirm that all of your wicks are 100% cotton and completely free of lead and other heavy metals?
– What ingredients are used in your fragrance oils?
And here was their (non)reply:
Thank you for taking the time to contact Yankee Candle. We truly appreciate your interest in our products.
We are sorry for the inconvenience. For the soy-wax blend, it means that the soy wax was blended or made together with the other kind of wax or other ingredients in making a candle.
These are the benefits of having soy-wax blend:
If I can be of further assistance, please reply to this email directly so that we can see all previous replies.
Uuuhhh… Okay, thank you for answering exactly ZERO out of the three questions we asked. The last two questions weren’t acknowledged whatsoever, and their “answer” to the first question is basically a non-answer with bullet points that don’t make sense.
So essentially, not only is Yankee Candle not willing to share ingredient information on their website, but they’re also not willing to give more info when customers specifically ask for it. More red flags.
What Are Yankee Candles Actually Made Of?
When shopping for candles, there are three primary ingredients to consider:
So these are the three things we looked at to figure out whether or not Yankee’s candles are non-toxic.
According to Yankee Candle’s website, there are three main types of wax used for their candles:
The majority of their candles are made using the “Premium-grade paraffin wax,” which is our first indicator that Yankee candles are not good for you or your family.
Since it’s derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale, burning paraffin in your home is basically like burning fossil fuels inside. When burned, paraffin releases a group of chemicals with the acronym BTEX into the air. BTEX stands for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Together, these chemicals are carcinogenic and can cause nervous system damage, reproductive harm, and more.
Okay, so what about the “soy-wax blend” candles—those have to be better, right?
Not necessarily. Although it has its shortcomings, soy wax does burn cleaner than paraffin. However, our question here isn’t necessarily about the “soy” part of the wax, but rather about the “blend” part of the wax. WHAT exactly is the soy blended with, and how much of the wax is actually made with soy? Soy “blends” can include any number of *mystery* waxes, including paraffin, hydrogenated palm oil, rapeseed, sunflower, and more.
Since this isn’t something that’s regulated, it’s virtually impossible to know what’s actually in these blends. (We did reach out to ask Yankee Candle for more clarification… We’ll get to our conversation with them in just a minute.)
In general, whenever you see a candle that’s made out of a wax “blend,” you should be able to find out what exactly is in that blend (along with how much of each type, and how they were sourced). If the brand isn’t willing to be transparent about that, it’s a red flag.
Yankee Candle lists their wicks as being made from either “Cotton” or “100% natural fibers.”
Back in the day, cotton wicks often contained a lead core, which was used to help the wick to stand up straight and keep from falling into the liquid wax.
Of course, we all know by now how dangerous lead can be, especially for children. The good news is that since 2003, it’s been illegal to manufacture or sell lead-core wicks in the U.S. The risk isn’t completely gone since some manufacturers in places like Mexico and China have been found to still be using lead in their wicks, so it is still something to be aware of when candle shopping.
But most of Yankee candles are made in the U.S. and Europe, so lead wicks are not something you really have to worry about.
If you thought “wax blends” could be sneaky, wait until you hear about “fragrance.”
The scent is, of course, the core feature of a candle. From Balsam & Cedar and Pink Sands to Sage & Citrus and Clean Cotton, people love to fill their homes with these smells. But unfortunately, these fragrances are often made out of known toxins. Here are a few things you should know about fragrance ingredients before you buy your next candle (or bottle of perfume, or laundry detergent pods, or all-purpose cleaner, for that matter):
If you want to learn more about fragrances and some of the common toxic (and non-toxic) chemicals included on that loophole list, you can check out this article.
Dogs are generally curious as humans are. Its not unusual to see them get involved in things around the home, particularly if they smell something interesting. One item that is known to attract a dogs attention is a Yankee Candle. This article will outline the risks of Yankee Candles being ingested by dogs, and what you should do in the event that your pet gets too close. 1. Do Yankee Candles Have Toxins? Many people are wondering if the candle that they light at home poses any dangers. Yankee Candles are well known for their high-quality ingredients, vibrant colors, and strong aromas. Candle makers arent required to disclose the components of their candles. Theres no reason to think that Yankee candles may contain harmful chemicals. 2. Yankee Candles Possibility for Toxins The presence of poisonous substances has been documented in a range of household items, including scented candles, in recent years according to various media reports. They blame burning aromatic oils, paraffin wax, and lead-contaminated wicks for the problem. Consumers can look at the information from the Environmental Protection Agency, National Candle Association, and Yankee Candle Company to determine whether they have to be concerned about the possibility of toxic substances being released by lighting a Yankee Candle. 3. Information on Yankee Candles Yankee Candle Company doesnt list the ingredients in the candles since they arent required to by law. Certain customers might be able to benefit from having the basics of Yankee Candle Companys candles. Lead wicks are not utilized by them. They all have wicks that are secure because theyre all made of pure cotton. The candles are fragranced with aroma extracts and real essential oils. It was confirmed through a direct phone call to the business Yankee uses refined paraffin wax in their candles. What Candles are safe for dogs? There are lots of candles to choose from, and it can be hard to know which ones are safe for your dog. Yankee candles are pet-safe. These candles are made from natural ingredients and are pet-friendly. What Scents Are Toxic For Dogs? Yankee candles are one of the most poisonous scents for dogs. Other scents that are harmful to canines include lavender, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus. What is the primary ingredient Of Yankee Candles, And Is it safe? Yankee candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a petroleum-based product. Pets shouldnt take in paraffin-based substances. If your dog is exposed to paraffin wax, it might cause upset stomachs or other stomach issues. Its true Do dogs get allergic to essential oils used in candles? There are numerous opinions on the issue of whether Yankee candles are safe for use with dogs. Some believe that the essential oils present in the candles can be harmful to dogs, however, others say that theyve used them around their dogs for years without any issues. Whats the truth? As it turns out, there is no clear answer. Each dog reacts differently to essential oils. Some dogs may tolerate essential oils perfectly but others may have allergic reactions. Yankee candles can be dangerous for dogs, so it is recommended to stay clear of offering them Yankee candles. Are Dogs at risk from Incense? There is much debate over the safety of burning incense around dogs. Although some believe it is perfectly fine to burn incense around dogs, others believe that it can be harmful to their health. So, what is the truth? Theres no clear answer. A few studies have revealed that incense can release harmful chemicals into the air, which are breathed in by both humans and animals. However other studies havent found any evidence that suggests that incense is harmful to dogs. Ultimately, the decision of burning incense on your dogs paws is entirely yours to make. If you are concerned about the potential risks and dangers, its wise to steer clear of burning incense. However, if you are not concerned, then go ahead and have a blast with your preferred scent! What kind of wax does Yankee Candle use? According to the Yankee Candle website, the wax used in their candles is a “blend made up of paraffin and vegetable oils that are natural.” Its not specifically stated the extent to which this wax is safe for dogs, but it is generally accepted that paraffin wax isnt dangerous for animals. Are paraffin wax and its products safe? Paraffin can be found in both solid and liquid forms. Paraffin is mostly used to make petroleum jelly. Solid paraffin is used by candlemakers. While paraffin isnt as harmful as other food items, however, it is still eaten. Yankee Candles – Do they contain essential oils? Yankee Candles are a great option to let your home smell wonderful. But did you realize that they have essential oils in them? It turns out! Each candle is created using an assortment of essential and natural oils that are carefully chosen to make the perfect scent. Yankee Candles not only make your home smell wonderful, However, but they also offer beneficial properties that are organic!
The Dangers Of Scented Candles
No, the wax used to make candles is not toxic, so a dog will not be in immediate danger. Commercial candle scents are made from artificial fragrance components that 99% of the time are toxic or harmful to your (and your dog’s) health.