I spent over four years (2022–2026) working on the formula for my colored-flame candles. During this time, I tested the composition, proportions, different types of wicks, and burning methods to achieve an intense flame color with the simplest and most gentle ingredients possible.

Soy wax 🍃♻️

One of the main ingredients in my candles is soy wax – a vegetable wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. According to data in the PubChem database, it is not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydrogenated-Soybean-Oil

Soy wax is also valued for its good burning profile. In a study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil produced little to no soot, and formaldehyde levels were similar to control samples: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-002-0562-y

Additionally, it is a plant-based, renewable, and biodegradable raw material.

Trimethyl citrate 🍃♻️

The second main ingredient in my candles is trimethyl citrate – a citric acid ester, valued for its simple chemical profile and good performance properties. According to data in the PubChem database, it is not classified as a hazardous substance: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/74112

An additional advantage is its biodegradability, as described in ECHA environmental documentation: https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/27255/5/3/2

Where does the flame color come from? 🩷

This beautiful effect is created thanks to a small amount of lithium sulfate monohydrate – about 0.01% of the entire candle.

Under the influence of heat, lithium begins to emit a characteristic light with an intense pink color. It is this chemical reaction that makes the flame look so unique and immediately sets the candle apart from classic products.

Royal Society of Chemistry:
https://edu.rsc.org/resources/flame-colours-a-demonstration/760.article

ECHA – Lithium sulfate:
https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.030.734

Wick

I use a 3×7 cotton wick. It consists of three braided strands, each made of seven cotton threads. Such a flat, denser braid effectively transports the liquid candle base to the flame, which helps maintain its stability and intense color in my formula.

Chemical classification ✅

The finished candle has been assessed in accordance with CLP rules, taking into account the properties of all raw materials and their actual concentrations.

Result: The candle is not classified as a hazardous mixture.

Burning tests

I also monitor what happens during burning.

In my measurements, I control levels of, among others: TVOC – total volatile organic compounds, HCHO – formaldehyde produced, for example, during incomplete combustion, and PM2.5 – very fine particles present in the air during combustion and smoking.

The flame is meant to delight with its color, but its quality must go much deeper than appearance alone.

*Regardless of whether the flame is colored or classic, it is worth ventilating the room regularly. This helps reduce the accumulation of combustion byproducts and maintain good air quality.

How to burn it?

Before lighting your Płomień candle for the first time, the wick should be about 2 cm long. During use, trim the wick (no more than 0.5 cm) if the charred part begins to clearly protrude above the flame.

You will see the most beautiful effect after dark. The colored flame looks best in a dark or dimly lit interior, as bright light weakens the visibility of its color.

You can extinguish the candle whenever you like. However, when the base becomes clearly visible through the liquid wax, it is time for its final burn.

The candle should be placed on a stable, non-flammable stand. I recommend a silicone one, as wax residue is easy to remove from it.

For full comfort and safe use, always keep a burning candle within sight.

🧪📝 I provide safety data sheets for the raw materials and the finished candle, as well as chemical classification and emission measurement reports, to companies upon request.