Massage or Lotion Candles, while not as well known as a typical home candle, have been around for many years. But because of their recent rise in popularity, some myths and misconceptions about this emerging body and spa product has created some debate on their safety.
A lotion candle does not contain the same ingredients as a home candle. Its ingredients can include soy butter or oil, coco butter, shea butter, vitamin E and/or jojoba. No massage candle should ever contain paraffin, which requires a much higher melting point and can burn the skin.
Here are some common misconceptions about lotion/massage candles:
• They will burn your skin. Massage/lotion candles melt at two degrees above your body temperature, which at 100-102 degrees will not burn skin.
• Massage candles contain candle dyes, which are not skin safe. While there are skin safe candle dyes out there, the majority of massage candles do not contain any dye. If you are concerned, opt for a dye-free massage candle.
• Fragrance oil used in candles is not skin safe. While the oil used to create the fragrance in a home candle is not skin safe, lotion candles use body safe fragrances or essential oils to create the aroma in their candles.
•The flame from a lotion candle will burn you. While this is definitely true, lotion candles are meant to be used after the flame is extinguished. No massage candle requires the flame be lit to use.
• The soy wax that is bought for candle making is not a cosmetic grade of wax. While it is true that soy candles, burnt for aromatherapy purposes and NOT massage, are made from regular soy wax. Any reputable lotion candle is made of cosmetic grade, FDA regulated soy wax. All massage candles must meet FDA regulation and list all of the ingredients on their label.
Benefits of cosmetic grade soy massage/lotion candles:
• Contain a complex blend of soy and all natural vegetable oils
• Do not contain paraffin or other petroleum-based ingredients
• They burn without releasing harmful toxins into the air
• After use, the candles quickly cool and re-solidify
• Because of the natural healing properties of cosmetic grade soy, lotion candles can be used as a manicure/pedicure treatment, massage or daily moisturizer
• Can be used as a manicure/pedicure treatment, massage or a daily moisturizer because of the natural healing properties present in cosmetic grade soy.
The massage candle is a versatile product that can provide many therapeutic benefits and can add aroma and ambiance to any setting. However, as is such the case with any new and expanding market, there are bound to be companies in existence that do not adhere to regulations in the industry. We encourage all consumers, spas, and retailers to do your research before making your massage candle purchases. As with any cosmetic product you use on your body, read the ingredient label and always follow the directions and warning labels.
Charlie Heck is the author of The Official Scandle Blog ( http://www.abodycandle.com/blog ), which is dedicated to the belief that nature provides us with its own healing and restorative properties and explores how we can harness the power of nature for spa and natural beauty.
She is also the marketing director for Scandle LLC ( http://www.abodycandle.com ) the leading manufacture of all-natural massage candles and spa products, which have become a coveted treatment and retail product in over 300 spas and boutiques worldwide.
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