Thinking about the beautification of your candles, adding glitter seems like a good choice. Adding candle glitter would make the candle appear bright, shiny, and even more delightful. That’s a nice thought, but can you put glitter in candles and is it safe to do so?
Well, the good news is, you can put glitter in candles and give it a scintillating touch. And how you go about it, its characteristics, and safety hazards are all that we will talk about at length. Here you can also think of adding sprinkles to candles as an alternative to make it equally mesmerizing.
Getting To Know Glitter And Its Use In Candles
Glitter is commonly a plastic by-product. This is usually coated with aluminum to create a reflective surface that is shiny and highly colored. To put it simply, conventional glitter is microplastic and is available in the form of fine particles or chunks. From parties, fashion, cosmetics, and accessories to evening dresses and more recently in food items and soaps, glitter is everywhere.
Adding this sparkly stuff to candles is a way to give them a gorgeous, yet delicate look. You may find them in different varieties depending upon the composition. And we will explore each one of them to test them on the yardstick of safety.
Can You Put Glitter In Candles?
Glitter gives an aesthetic touch to candles. Glittery candles are available in the market and you can buy them online too. If you’re so inclined, it’s also possible to DIY a glitter candle at home.
While you could mix glitter in the wax and have it throughout the candle, it’s not the most preferred method. The conventional wisdom is to sprinkle some glitter at the top of the candle, or, add glitter along the outer sides of the candle to give it that wonderful shine and sheen.
Prefer Fine Glitter Particles For Use With Candles
There are several types of glitter though not all of them are safe for use with candles. Choose your glitter wisely, including glitter size and flammability. Here are some points to consider:
- The glitter shouldn’t be flammable.
- The glitter shouldn’t give out a bad odor when heated or in contact with a flame.
- Small-sized glitter particles are preferable over larger, chunkier ones.
You may be tempted to use large chunky glitter as it is more appealing to the eyes and stands apart in the jar. But do you know it affects the burning performance of your candles?
- Large chunks of glitter clog the wick.
- As the wax melts, the chunks may sink deeper and prevent the wax from melting.
- While the candle burns, the larger glitter prevents the wax and fragrance from moving smoothly upwards from the bottom. This can cause a lot of wax to go unused.
Non-Biodegradable Glitter Vs Biodegradable Glitter
Conventional glitter is a microplastic. As we know, microplastics are wreaking havoc on the environment and pose a serious threat to the environment and to human health. The further we stay away from them, the better.
Besides, most plastic glitter isn’t a good addition to candles anyway. Plastics and flame are not a good smelling combination.
All things considered, using biodegradable glitter is a healthier and wiser option.
Some manufacturers are making biodegradable glitter or eco-glitter using high-grade plant materials, while others work with minerals or similar materials to create non-toxic, environmentally friendly glitter.
All of these are worthy options and way better than glitter made from plastic or similar materials.
Mica, cosmetic glitter, and crushed glass glitter are non-biodegradable. Yet, these are better choices than microplastic glitter. I always prefer biodegradable glitter, but if that isn’t available or isn’t fit for use, these mineral-based glitters and shimmers are good too.
Types Of Glitter And How They Work For Candles
1. Regular Craft Glitter
This kind of glitter is made from regular kinds of plastic and is not environmentally friendly. It is also available in paper form. It is quite affordable as compared with the other kinds.
However, you should refrain from using this for making a glitter candle. Craft glitter has a low burning point and that makes it highly flammable. The plastic is likely to burn, clog the wick, introduce a bad smell, and add toxic substances to the air.
2. Polyester Glitter
Glitter in the form of polyester is structurally strong, stable, and blends with most solvents. Using polyester glitter is a popular choice for candles. Though expensive, it works as a decent addition for glitter candles.
Polyester glitter is flame-retardant, hence safe for burning candles. It comes in a variety of stunning colors and very fine sizes. Polyester glitter has a high burn point( 170-180 degrees Celsius) and it can withstand high temperatures without melting. Thus the shine is preserved when used in a candle.
However, I do not suggest that you use it as at the end of the day it is still microplastic and yes, inflammable too.
As an alternative to the microplastic glitter, you can try using the following items to add the sheen of glitter to your candles.
3. Mica
If you are someone who goes with natural products then go for mica as a form of glitter in candles. Mica is a natural mineral extracted from rocks and finds a lot of uses, including in cosmetics and candle-making.
Working with mica can be a concern for industrial workers, so following safety procedures is necessary. However, it is not a concern for users of mica-containing products.
It is a natural glitter that creates a luster and sheen in your candles. The mineral is used as very fine particles, they float in the molten wax and are pretty safe in candles. The fine powder doesn’t pose a major risk of clogging the candle wick and gives the candle a lovely shimmer.
Mica offers a sheen rather than the glittering effect seen with conventional glitter. It will be a visibly different look as compared to using glitter. However, mica’s sheen is fairly attractive and can stand its own ground.
4. Cosmetic Glitter
Your make-up kit comes with glitters in your eyeshadows, nail paints, lipsticks, blushers, and hair gels. If you go for a trusted brand then these skin-safe glitters are a great option for use in candles. Cosmetic glitter is a bit more expensive than conventional glitter, but its good qualities more than make up for its cost. Cosmetic glitter isn’t easily flammable and remains fairly stable in the candle.
5. Crushed Glass Glitter
Many candle lovers find glitter made with crushed glass to be the best choice for candles. It is non-flammable and safe for burning candles. You can embed glass glitter at the side of the candle or as toppings because of its irregular size and shape.
Glass glitter doesn’t clog the wick. Besides, it’s best used stuck to the periphery of a glass candle. This lets it produce a magnificent effect, without the risk of glass chunks floating around in wax.
Is It Safe To Use Glitter In Candles? Is There Any Candle Safe Glitter?
Candle burning is pleasure and fun. But it carries a responsibility on your part to check out the safety hazards too. You have to be sure that you make a safe candle and are well informed about the safety aspects of using glitter in candles.
There is nothing wrong with putting glitter in candle wax, provided the candle uses the right kind of glitter. As we noticed with the types of glitter, not all of them work well when facing a flame. Besides, some thought must also go towards using eco-friendly options.
Frequently Asked questions
Is Glitter Flammable?
Conventional glitter is a microplastic and is flammable. Alternative options are available that are flame-retardant or not flammable. Common non-flammable choices include mica powder, crushed glass glitter, and some varieties of cosmetic glitter and biodegradable glitter.
How To Add Shimmer To Candles?
Shimmer dust adds a brilliance of sparkle, shimmer, and twinkle to candles. Being extra fine in nature it mixes well with the molten wax. Therefore, add it to the molten warm wax and swirl it. Alternatively, you can also coat the shimmer to the outer side of the jar candle.
What Glitter Can I Use In Candles?
When choosing a glitter to use for candle making, select the one that is not flammable, non-toxic, and if possible eco-friendly and biodegradable. Mica powder, crushed glass glitter, cosmetic glitter, or biodegradable glitter are a few examples.
Enjoy Your Candle Moments With Candle Safe Glitter
The razzle-dazzle of glitter is not limited to glamor, party, and luxury alone. Glitter for candle-making wax is a spectacular way to bring fun to a dull candle. So it is understandable if you want one yourself.
Adding glitter to candles is fun and easy. You can make the one all by yourself at home. I am sure our discussion on the topic can you put glitter in candles, illuminating all your queries. Go creative and add a touch of shimmer to your candle. A word of caution! Always use safe candle glitter and buy it from a trusted brand. Use glitter judiciously as too much of it may hamper the burning efficiency of your candle.