Are Crisco Candles Toxic? What You Need To Know

Y'all, social media has been getting on my last nerve. Some of the trends hear pop up are fun, some are dangerous, and some a just downright idiotic. 

By now, you've scrolled Pinterest and noticed the fad of transforming your Crisco shortening into a candle. The hack seems quite simple…if you got a can of Crisco in your pantry, it's definitely begging to be upcycled. But safety is a real thing, right?  

The masses have taken to the Crisco candle trend, resourcefully changing their kitchen staple into a budget-friendly “good vibes” generator and pleasant source of light. 

But did people move too quickly? Is burning shortening really a good idea? 

You're here for the facts and we will not shy away from giving them to you…by the time you finish reading, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to hop on this trend or stick to store-bought candles.

Why the Sudden Interest in Crisco Candles?

Here's what all the fuss is about—DIY projects and upcycling particularly is what's hot. Taking everyday items and reimagining them into something new and useful has morphed into an irresistible fad. 

What's more, you get to save a couple of extra bucks while you're at it! So yes, that Crisco can has become a muse for many people. Not to mention, that it is cheap and readily available because there's a good chance it's already in your pantry.

You really can lose…you get a personalized home decor piece and save money for those things that are much more pressing. However, before getting ahead of ourselves, it'd be good to address the giant elephant in the room! Can you burn these candles safely? It's a fair question since we're literally talking about setting shortening on fire—not exactly something you'd find in a traditional candle aisle.

The Science of Burning Candles (and How Crisco Fits In)

We've prepared a quick little science lesson for you. The goal…to show you what happens when you light any candle no matter if it is made from beeswax, soy wax, paraffin, or even Crisco.

When you burn a candle, it's the start of a combustion reaction. The heat from the flame melts the wax, but in our case it would be the shortening, which then gets drawn up the wick.This melted fuel then vaporizes and combines with oxygen in the air to create light, heat, and various byproducts.

So, what are these byproducts that have some folks up in arms and worried? Here are the two main troublemakers:

• Soot: Those tiny, black particles you might see floating around or settling on surfaces. Think of it like the ashes from a campfire, but on a much smaller scale. Soot can irritate your lungs and make breathing difficult, especially if you have asthma or allergies.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are invisible gases released when the candle burns. They're not unique to Crisco candles – even your favorite scented candle emits VOCs. Some VOCs, like benzene and toluene, have been linked to headaches, dizziness, and even more serious health issues with long-term exposure.

So how bad is it really..? Is probably what you're thinking. Honestly, that's where things get a bit murky. There's not a ton of research on Crisco candles alone. However, studies on paraffin wax candles, the most common kind of candle, have raised some alarming red flags. A 2009 study from South Carolina State University found that paraffin candles can release potentially harmful VOCs, including those nasty benzene and toluene we mentioned.

This doesn't automatically mean Crisco candles are equally harmful, but it does give us a reason to pause and consider the potential risks before filling our homes with their glow.

Crisco Candles Under the Microscope

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: what do we really know about Crisco candles? As it turns out, not a whole lot. While there's plenty of anecdotal evidence from DIY enthusiasts singing their praises, scientific research on these homemade creations is pretty scarce.

So, how do they stack up against other candles on the market? Let's break it down:

• Paraffin Wax: As we've already touched on, these are the most common candles you'll find. They're often cheaper, but studies suggest they can release more VOCs than other types.
• Soy Wax: Made from soybean oil, soy wax candles are a popular "natural" alternative. They tend to burn cleaner and longer than paraffin, but the jury's still out on whether they're completely safe.
• Beeswax: This natural wax is often considered the gold standard for clean burning. Beeswax candles release negative ions, which can actually help purify the air. But they can be pricier than other options.
• Crisco: Here's where it gets interesting. Crisco is also made from vegetable oils (soybean and palm), so you might think it would behave similarly to soy wax. Some small-scale studies on vegetable oil-based candles suggest they might emit fewer VOCs than paraffin. But remember, we need more research to know for sure.

Now, here's a tricky bit: some folks have raised concerns about Crisco candles releasing acrolein, a particularly irritating VOC that's been linked to respiratory problems. This is because Crisco contains partially hydrogenated oils, which can form acrolein when heated to high temperatures. But the question is, do Crisco candles get hot enough during burning to trigger this reaction? We don't have a clear answer yet.

Weighing the Risks and Benefits

Until we have more research specifically on Crisco candles, it's hard to say definitively how safe or unsafe they are. It's possible they're a better option than paraffin, but they might not be as clean-burning as beeswax. And the acrolein question is still up in the air.

Balancing Creativity and Safety

Okay, so maybe the science has you feeling a little wary of Crisco candles (and maybe even candles in general). But don't worry, you don't have to give up your cozy candlelit evenings altogether! There are plenty of ways to enjoy the ambiance of candles while minimizing any potential risks.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind, no matter what type of candle you're burning:

• Trim Your Wick: This is a biggie. A long wick creates a larger flame, which means more soot and more VOC emissions. Keep your wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch for a cleaner burn.
• Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate: Open a window or door while you're burning candles to let fresh air circulate and help disperse any pollutants. It's also a good idea to avoid burning candles in small, enclosed spaces.
• Don't Overdo It: Candles are great for setting the mood, but there's such a thing as too much of a good thing. Limit your burn time to a few hours at a time, and give your lungs (and your home) a break.
• Snuff it Out: Blowing out a candle can send soot flying all over the place. Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.
• Go Fragrance-Free: Those yummy-smelling candles might be tempting, but fragrance oils can release additional VOCs. If you're concerned about air quality, stick to unscented candles.

If you're looking for the absolute safest options, consider switching to beeswax or soy wax candles. These natural alternatives are often considered cleaner-burning than paraffin and Crisco, and they come in a wide variety of scents (or no scent at all).

Remember, it's all about finding a balance between enjoying the cozy atmosphere of candles and prioritizing your health. By following these simple tips and exploring alternative options, you can have your candle and breathe easy too!

Can You Have Your (Non-Toxic) Candle and Craft It Too?

We get it – the appeal of DIY is hard to resist. It's a chance to flex your creative muscles, save some money, and personalize your home. But what happens when your crafty streak clashes with your desire to create a healthy home environment?

This is the DIY dilemma in a nutshell, and Crisco candles perfectly illustrate this tension. They offer a creative outlet and a budget-friendly option, but the potential health concerns can leave you feeling conflicted.

But don't despair, fellow DIY enthusiasts! There's no need to choose between your love of crafting and your commitment to health.

If candle making is your passion, consider exploring alternative DIY options that align with your health-conscious values. Beeswax candles, for example, are not only beautiful and fragrant but also known for their clean-burning properties. You can even try your hand at soy wax candles, which are another natural and eco-friendly choice.

The key is to arm yourself with information and make informed decisions about the products you bring into your home. Do your research, explore alternatives, and don't be afraid to experiment with different DIY projects that prioritize both creativity and well-being.

We'd love to hear from you! Have you struggled with the DIY dilemma? What are your favorite non-toxic candle-making recipes or tips? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!

Your Health and Happiness Are Worth More Than a DIY Project

Do we even have to tell you which category this trend falls into? Sure, Crisco candles might be fun to make and easy on the wallet, but is it worth your health? They're not as good as the ones you get from Bath & Body Work, I promise.

If you're already dealing with breathing issues or are concerned about indoor air quality, don't do it to yourself. It's not that deep, and this trend will come and go like the rest. 

Y'all get yourselves don't non-toxic ingredients like soy or beeswax and go sit down. We ain't risking it, ok?!

Now we want to hear from you! Have you ever tried making Crisco candles? Did you experience any issues? What are your go-to DIY candle recipes? Share your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below! Let's create a community of health-conscious candle lovers who are passionate about crafting safe and beautiful creations.

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