Glitter is fabulous, isn’t it? It comes in so many colors and makes everything look extra pretty. Whether it’s an arts and crafts project or a home décor item, a little glitter can add that extra sparkle you’re looking for.
For those of you who are passionate about candle making, we’re sure you’ve thought about jazzing up a boring old candle with some glittery goodness. But what kinds of glitter are actually safe to use in candles?
Some of the glitters that are safe to use in candles are – cosmetic glitter, crushed crystals, polyester glitter, and mica powder. They are all considered to be non-flammable and will not cause any safety issues when used in candles. You can also use other types of glitter as long as they’re tiny enough so that they don’t clog up the wick.
In this post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about using glitter in candles, as well as what types of glitter you should avoid at all costs. We’ll also give you our recommendations for some glitter products that are absolutely safe for candle making. So, let’s dive right into all things glittery, festive, and flame-y.
4 Types of Glitter That Are Safe to Use in Candles
As we’ve mentioned before, there are four types of glitter that are safe to use in candles. These are cosmetic glitter, crushed glass, polyester glitter, and mica powder. Let’s take a look at each one of them in detail.
1) Cosmetic Glitter
Cosmetic glitter is probably the most common type of glitter that people use in candles. It’s often made with acrylic or polyester, both of which are non-toxic. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and are safe to use in candles because it’s non-flammable and doesn’t melt easily.
One thing to keep in mind is that cosmetic glitter can be quite messy, so if you’re using it in a pillar candle, make sure to put down a layer of parchment paper or something similar first. This will help catch any falling glitter and make cleanup a lot easier.
Another thing to note is that some cosmetic glitters contain aluminum, which can be harmful if inhaled. If you’re concerned about this, make sure to choose a cosmetic glitter that’s labeled as “aluminum-free.”
Our recommendations:
- Sparkle Dust Glitter (from www.chemistrystore.com): With just a pinch, this ultra-fine cosmetic glitter will add a touch of sparkle to any candle. It’s available in 15 different colors.
- Bio glitter: This is a plant-based glitter that is 100% biodegradable and does not contain heavy metals, chemical compounds, or plastic. Perfect for eco-conscious crafters!
2) Crushed Crystals
Crushed crystal is another popular choice for candles because it’s safe, flame-resistant, and easy to find. It comes in a variety of colors and can be found at most craft stores.
The only downside to using crushed crystal is that it can be a little difficult to mix properly with the wax. For this reason, it’s advised that you use crushed crystals to embed the sides of your candles or add them as a topping.
Some crushed crystal glitter is painted so as to really bring out the shine and sparkle so if you’re buying such painted crystals, always make sure the paint used is non-flammable and non-toxic.
Our recommendations:
- FloraCraft Diamond Dust Glitter: Made from finely crushed glass, this glitter has an amazing sparkle that will make your candles come to life. It’s only available in snow-white diamond color, so it’s best used for Christmas candles.
- Pacon Spectra Glitter Sparkling Crystals: These hexagon-shaped crystal glitters are perfect for adding an elegant touch to any candle. They also come in a plastic container with multiple-sized openings so that you can control the amount of crystal you use.
3) Polyester Glitter
Polyester glitter is another safe option for candles. It’s often used in cosmetics and crafting because it doesn’t shed or bleed color. It’s also easily available, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it at your local craft store.
When using polyester glitter, make sure you use small amounts of it. This is because even though polyester glitter is non-flammable, there are chances that it can produce toxic smoke if used in large quantities.
Note – Polyester glitter can go up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit without burning, whereas most other types of glitter cannot really go more than 225 degrees. This makes polyester glitter the least potential fire hazard when used in candles.
Our recommendations:
- NODDWAY Iridescent Fine Glitter: This set comes with 12 vibrant colors of polyester glitter, and you only need a tiny bit to add a lot of sparkle to your candles.
- Estanoite Ultra Sparkle Glitter: These gorgeous, fade-resistant glitters are great for adding a touch of glamour to your candles. They also come in a resealable bag so you can use them again and again.
4) Mica Powder
Mica Powder is perhaps the best type of glitter to use in candles because it has a dual effect – it gives your candles the sparkle they need and also colors them from the inside out! This means that you don’t have to spend anything extra on candle dyes or colorants.
You should ensure that whenever you use mica powder, it’s mixed in thoroughly with the melted wax. At first, you’ll get only a solid-colored candle without any sparkle. But once you light the candle, the mica powder will heat up and start shimmering brightly, making your candles look absolutely stunning.
Our recommendations:
- NIGHT-GRING Mica Powder: With over 30 different colors to choose from, this is perhaps the most extensive mica powder set available on the market. Along with candle making, you can also use it for soaps, bath bombs, and cosmetics.
- SEISSO Mica Powder: Ultra-fine mica powder (10-50 microns in size) which will ensure that your candles sparkle very well without any concern about clogged wicks. It’s also non-toxic and safe for adults as well as kids.
Which Glitters to Not Use for Candles
While the glitters we’ve mentioned above are perfectly safe to use in candles, there are some glitters that you should avoid using altogether. These include:
- Aluminum Glitter: This is a very cheap type of glitter that is used for decorations without surface coating such as tabletops, artificial flowers, and so on. However, it’s not safe to use in candles because it can produce toxic fumes when burned.
- Paper Glitter: As the name suggests, paper glitter is made from tiny pieces of paper that have been coated with glitter. It’s often used in scrapbooking and other similar crafts. However, it can easily catch fire and cause a dangerous blaze.
- Craft Glitter: Often made with highly flammable plastic, this type of glitter is reserved for arts and crafts projects and should never be used in candles. Along with being a fire hazard, they may also produce toxic fumes that can be harmful to your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding candle glitter.
Q.1. How can I add glitter to my candles?
You can add glitter to your candles in one of two ways – either by sprinkling it on the surface of the molten wax or by adding it to the melted wax itself. If you’re going for the latter option, make sure you mix it thoroughly so that there are no clumps.
Q.2. How much glitter should I use in my candles?
When using glitter, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. We recommend using no more than half a teaspoon of glitter per pound of wax. Any more than that and your candles may not burn properly.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you understand which glitters are safe to use in candles and which ones should be kept far, far away. So, the next time you’re looking to add some sparkle to your candles, make sure you choose one of the glitters we’ve mentioned above. And don’t forget to have fun crafting some gorgeous sparkly candles!
