How to Care for Your Candle & Why Non-Toxic Matters
There’s something sacred about lighting a non-toxic candle.
A slow inhale. A shift in mood. A return to self.
But not all candles are created equal. Some leave behind a trail of soot, synthetic fragrance headaches, and hidden toxins. Others, like the ones we hand-pour at Duncans Mills Candle Co., are crafted to honor your breath, your body, and the beauty of a clean flame.
This is a guide for those who seek the soft ritual of candlelight—without compromise.
🌿 What Is a Non-Toxic Candle?
Let’s begin with the heart of the matter.
A non-toxic candle is one that burns clean—free from harmful chemicals like paraffin, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. These are common additives in mass-market candles and can pollute indoor air quality, trigger allergies, or disrupt hormones.
At Duncans Mills Candle Co., we use:
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100% plant-based soy wax made from U.S.-grown soybeans and contains no paraffin or petroleum byproducts. Plant-based. Renewable. Biodegradable. No chemical fillers.
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Pure cotton wicks that are lead-free, zinc-free, and metal-free. Clean burning. No toxic emissions. Minimal soot, especially when properly trimmed.
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Phthalate-free, paraben-free fragrance oils infused with essential oils for natural complexity. Phthalates are commonly used in synthetic fragrances and are known endocrine disruptors. We use phthalate-free oils.
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Vegan and cruelty-free ingredients—because kindness is a form of luxury. Our candles contain no animal products and are never tested on animals. It's kindness in every pour.
This isn’t just marketing language. It’s mindfulness in action.
Your body, your space, your ritual—we treat them with reverence.
🕯️ How to Care for Your Candle
Candle care is candle magic. It extends the life of your flame, ensures a clean burn, and amplifies your sensory experience.
Here’s how to tend your flame:
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Trim the Wick
Before each burn, trim your wick to ¼ inch. This prevents soot, uneven burns, and mushrooming.
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Burn Until the Pool Reaches the Edge
Let the wax melt across the surface (especially the first time). This prevents tunneling and keeps your candle beautiful.
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Keep It Clear
No debris, no drafts, and never burn longer than 4 hours at a time.
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Honor the Last Inch
Stop burning your candle when ½ inch of wax remains. This protects surfaces and vessels from overheating.
Every burn is a breath of intention. Make it a clean one.
🌲 A Flame You Can Trust
When you light a Duncans Mills candle, you’re not just filling a room with scent.
You’re welcoming clarity, safety, and story into your space.
Our fragrances are layered like poetry—evoking wild forests, ocean air, misty redwoods, and memories made in Sonoma County. But beneath the beauty is science. Ingredient integrity. Transparency. A promise that what you breathe in…is good and safe.
✨ Ready to Light Something Sacred?
🕯️ Shop our hand-poured, clean-burning 100% soy wax candles.
🌿 Browse the Collection
