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 massage/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 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, massage candles use body safe fragrances or essential oils to create the aroma in their candles.
• The flame from a massage candle will burn you. While this is definitely true, massage 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 massage 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 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 resolidify
• Because of the natural healing properties of cosmetic grade soy, lotion candles can be used as a manicure/pedicure treatment, massage or daily moisturizer

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.

Tags: lotion candle, lotion candles, massage candle, massage candles, Scandle Candle

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 3:58 pm and is filed under Scandle Candle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.