Why Cotton Wicks?
Recently, a customer of mine reached out with this thoughtful message:
“Hi Sara! I’m wondering if your wick is 100% cotton? I’ve been reading about toxins hiding in the wick so I wanted to check in with you because I’m obsessed with your candles!
Thank you!”
I was inspired by Zoe’s question to write this blog post. It’s such a great reminder that understanding what’s in the products we use every day is important. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love educating people on my product, and when I don’t know the answer to something, I’ll either troubleshoot it with you or do the research to learn more myself. We’re all students of life, after all!
The Types of Wicks We Use at Slow Burn
At Slow Burn, our priority is to craft 100% pure, sustainable beeswax candles with integrity and transparency. That’s why we use wicks made from natural cotton fibers, braided or twisted to ensure a steady and consistent burn. Purity isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s an intentional choice that reflects our commitment to authenticity, quality, and sustainability.
The Beauty of Cotton Wicks
Cotton wicks are the industry standard in beeswax candle making because they maintain a steady flame and absorb wax efficiently. This is essential for achieving a clean and eco-friendly burn, which aligns with our mission to create candles that are functional and beautiful while being non-toxic and free from unnecessary additives. By choosing cotton, we can offer a consistent and elegant flame without compromising the quality of your experience or the purity of our product.
Hidden Toxins in Candle Wicks
It’s smart to be cautious about hidden toxins in some wicks. For example, lower-quality wicks can contain metal cores or be treated with chemicals to improve rigidity. These are often referred to as metal-core wicks, which include a thin metal strand made from lead, zinc, or tin inside the braided fibers. While lead-core wicks have been banned in many countries, zinc and tin-core wicks are still used in some candles. The metal core helps the wick stay upright in softer waxes or larger candles but can introduce unwanted substances into the air as the candle burns.
Even some cotton wicks can be primed with paraffin wax, introducing toxins and synthetic substances into what should be a clean-burning experience. Paraffin, a petroleum byproduct, can emit pollutants that compromise indoor air quality and create an unnatural experience.
The Slow Burn Difference
At Slow Burn, we believe in creating candles that are as clean, natural, and pure as possible. Our candles are made using 100% cotton wicks that are untreated and free from metal cores or stiffening agents. This commitment to mindful, eco-friendly, and community-supported craftsmanship allows us to create a product that is truly trustworthy and authentically local.
We source our beeswax locally, supporting family-owned apiaries, and we filter it ourselves to ensure that every Slow Burn candle meets the highest standards. By focusing on clean, quality ingredients and intentional choices, we aim to provide a healthier option that aligns with our mission to reduce our environmental footprint and foster appreciation for pure, handcrafted products.
A Promise of Purity
When you light a Slow Burn candle, you’re not just enjoying a cozy glow; you’re creating an opportunity to reconnect with something meaningful. I pour every candle with love and care, knowing that the materials I use matter as much as the ritual of lighting it. From our beeswax to our wicks, every decision is made with mindfulness and the intention to connect customers to a sense of calm, reflection, and appreciation for quality craftsmanship.
In a world where toxins and synthetic additives can sneak into everyday products, transparency and trust are vital. That’s why I’m so passionate about using natural materials like cotton wicks for our beeswax candles. It’s a choice that honors Slow Burn’s core values and supports a healthier lifestyle.
Thank you for supporting Slow Burn and for caring about the quality and purity of what you bring into your home. Together, we’re creating a cleaner, more intentional, and more sustainable community.
Warmly,
Sara