The Best Non-Toxic Candles For a Safer Home (2023 Update)

Everyone loves a lovely scented candle. They mask odors, add ambience and make any room feel cozier. But, did you know that most candles on the market are full of toxic chemicals? These chemicals can cause headaches, skin irritation, and even respiratory problems.

From paraffin wax to chemical fragrances and lead wicks, there are a surprising number of toxicants potentially lurking in your candles.

Let’s take a deep dive into the world of scented candles. We’ll learn what you should beware of when shopping, the possible pitfalls, and we’ll look at some of the best non-toxic candles that use all-natural scents and oils.

Paraffin Wax: When Burning Candles Is Like Burning Fossil Fuels In Your Home

Paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used in candles, and it’s made from petroleum as a byproduct of gasoline production. Paraffin wax is inexpensive and holds fragrance and color well, making it a popular choice for both big candle companies and small businesses alike.

The topic of paraffin wax is a hotly debated one. Some say that paraffin wax is perfectly safe to use, and then there are those who claim that it’s a health hazard.

It’s reported that burning paraffin wax candles causes toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene to be released into the air. So, what’s the truth?

Are Scented Candles Safe? Biased Studies Make It Confusing To Tell

Several studies have concluded that burning paraffin wax candles is safe, and many conclude it’s unsafe. The details become even more unclear when you dig into the actual studies and who is behind them.

An often-referenced study published in 2014 concludes that “under normal conditions of use, scented candles do not pose known health risks to the consumer.”

However, if you look at the affiliations of the study, it was funded by:

1. Firmenich SA, a Swiss company that is the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance company in the world.
2. Procter & Gamble, a massive multinational corporation that sells Febreze scented candles.
3. Reckitt-Benckiser, another massive multinational that sells Air Wick scented candles
4. SC Johnson & Son, who sells Glade scented candles.

Although this was a peer-reviewed study, the conclusions made by the research can only be based on the conditions of that particular study. A study funded by four of the largest companies in the world.

Another 2007 study from the European Candle Association found that the level of chemicals released from scented candles was below the levels recommended for human safety.

Seeing the name “European Candle Association” might raise an eyebrow, and it should. It turns out that the European Candle Association (now known as the European Candle Manufacturers Association or ECMA) is a lobbyist group representing many of the world’s largest candle manufacturers.

Annual membership fees depend on the member’s revenue and range from 1200 EUR to 22,500 EUR per year. Needless to say, these member companies expect something in return for their investment.

The ECMA’s members include several of the world’s largest candlemakers, including Yankee Candle, GALA GROUP, and Candle Shack.

The Influence of Funding on Research: The Elephant in the Room

All scientific research requires funding. There are many costs associated with scientific research such as instrumentation, laboratory supplies, and of course, scientists cannot pay their rent with their passion for science. With that,  industry interests can drive research, with some of the best scientific discoveries resulting from corporate funding. Although, sometimes the research question being asked/answered can steer away from the most relevantly needed information to protect public health.

Seeing as how the pro-candle studies are funded by some of the world’s largest manufacturers of candles and scents, it’s possible that the conditions of the study as well as the research question does not provide the full scope needed to make generalized conclusions about human safety.

Let’s take a closer look at some more studies on candles:

2. This report regarding the quality of wax used rather than wax additives that alter emissions of different chemicals AND shows that aldehyde emissions are linked to fragrance rather than the wax. 
3. Another joint independent study from several medical universities in Poland and Switzerland found that there could be a potential link between the burning of scented candles and bladder cancer. This conclusion is likely due to just the act of burning. Burning (incomplete combustion) produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), regardless of what is burning. PAHs can cause many different types of cancer, including bladder cancer The primary investigator of this study received money from Astellas Pharma and Janssen Biotech (found in disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest); also, no funding sources provided.
4. A 2021 study found that scented candles do indeed emit detectable levels of particulate matter. The study concludes that in most cases, the levels were below established guidelines, but nitrogen dioxide, acrolein and benzo[a]pyrene were sometimes above acceptable levels. This is an example of a good study that was also funded by candle companies, including the European Candle Association ASBL, the National Candle Association, and the Latin American Candle Manufacturers Association. The Advisory Committee also included representatives from the following major fragrance houses: Arylessence, Belmay, Firmenich, Givaudan, International Flavors & Fragrances, Symrise and Takasago.
5. An independent 2015 study from Hanyang University in South Korea had opposing findings. They concluded that “certain scented candle products act as potent sources of VOC emission in the indoor environment, regardless of conditions–whether being lit or not.”
6. A 2013 study concluded that the quality of the wax, rather than the additives to the candle, were responsible for emissions.

A Study From The Anti-Paraffin Candle Side

Let’s make one thing clear: it’s not just the huge candle and fragrance manufacturers that are funding studies to assess the safety of scented candles.

In 2006, a South Carolina State University study found that burning paraffin wax could negatively impact health. They also surmised that replacing paraffin wax candles with soy candles would greatly benefit our health and safety.

The problem: the National Institute of Food & Agriculture funded this study, which has a vested interest in promoting soybean-based products. In fact, the study referenced above indicates that replacing paraffin candles with soybean candles would require 60 million tons of soybeans per year.

The real takeaway is this: you should always take into account who would benefit from the results of a study. The results found in published manuscripts may be accurate, but there might be more information needed in order to make broad conclusions. Always look at who is funding a study to ensure you have the full perspective.

The Issue of Synthetic Fragrance in Candles

The fragrance in scented candles is the next big topic we must address.

At Better Goods, we’ve covered the topic of artificial fragrance many times. The problem with fragrance is that it’s protected by laws that allow manufacturers to hide the exact chemical makeup of the scents as “trade secrets.”

At this point, there are over 4000 chemicals used to create synthetic fragrance. While many of these are benign, some are linked to endocrine disruption, potential cancer risks, and more.

Not exactly something you want to be filling your home with regularly. When burning a scented candle, you’re likely releasing these chemicals into the air.

So, what’s the solution? It also appears that overusing essential oil-based scented candles could also be potentially hazardous, as indicated in a 2022 study. Another 2022 study also backs up the claim.

Our recommendation is that if you love scented candles, those scented with essential oils are safest. But no matter what, you should avoid overusing them.

Do Candles Have Lead Wicks?

Lead in the wicks of candles has been a controversial topic for years. For a long time, lead was used in candle wicks as it helped the wick burn more slowly and evenly. Burning a lead-cored candle wick could result in the particulate matter ending up in the air we breathe. This is a terrible thing, because lead is a known neurotoxicant.

As of 2003, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) federally banned the sale and use of lead in wicks of candles sold in the United States. This goes for both candles manufactured in the US and those imported from other countries.

You’ll unlikely find a candle for sale in the US that contains lead, but you should always be careful. Never buy a candle from overseas, especially from countries like China and Hong Kong that have lax laws on the use of lead.

If you have candles manufactured before 2003, it’s best not to use them at all because there’s a good chance the wick contains toxic lead.

Safer Materials Found in Non-Toxic Candles

Now that we know all about the potentially-toxic ingredients found in conventional candles, let’s take a closer look at the good ingredients.

Stearin / Palm Wax

Stearin is a type of vegetable wax that is almost always derived from palm oil, although sometimes it is made from animal fats. If you’re searching for a vegan candle, be sure to check the ingredients label if you can find one.

Unlike paraffin wax, stearin wax is completely biodegradable, and you can even compost it or throw it in your organic waste bin.

However, there is some controversy over palm oil use. While palm oil is a sustainable resource, destructive and unsustainable practices are used in many parts of the world where the oil is manufactured. This has led to deforestation and the loss of natural animal habitats.

While organizations exist to certify and help facilitate sustainable palm oil production, like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), these organizations are heavily scrutinized. 

It appears that the RSPO may be ineffective at policing palm oil plantations and that even RSPO-certified operations may be contributing to the destruction of natural forest land.

Nevertheless, organizations like RSPO are all we have, and their seal of approval is better than nothing if buying a product with palm oil.

Beeswax

Beeswax candles are made with—you guessed it—wax secreted by bees. Beeswax candles have a long history dating back to ancient times. In fact, they were even used in Egyptian burial tombs!

Beeswax candles have a high melting point, and burn slowly and evenly. They also give off a pleasant natural scent when burned.

Beeswax is also renewable, eco-friendly, and sustainable. However, beeswax is a decidedly non-vegan product, so if that’s important to you, you’ll want to steer clear.

Candles made from beeswax tend to be by far the most expensive, as it takes quite a bit of wax to create a candle, and beeswax is a somewhat limited resource.

Beeswax candles make up less than 2% of the candle market, so they’re more rare than other types of candles.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is made from the oil of soybeans. It’s a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly resource. And, unlike beeswax, soy wax is vegan.

Soy candles have become quite popular as more people learn about paraffin candles’ potentially harmful effects.

Soy wax candles burn slower and cooler than paraffin candles, so they last longer. They also produce less soot than paraffin candles.

The process of creating soy oil is fairly simple. Still, much like all large-scale agriculture, soy production is a controversial topic, and many people consider it non-sustainable.

However, soy candles are much more eco-friendly and non-toxic than paraffin wax candles, so if you’re looking for a safer option, they’re a good choice.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is made from the oil of coconuts. It’s renewable, sustainable, eco-friendly, and vegan.

Coconut wax candles have many of the same properties as soy wax candles. They burn slowly, burn more cleanly than paraffin wax candles, and last longer.

The main downside of coconut wax candles is that they tend to be more expensive than soy wax candles. Coconut wax candles also have a low melting point, so they’re not well suited for use in hot weather or in rooms with high temperatures.

For the above reasons, you won’t often find 100% coconut wax candles on the market. Most coconut wax candles are actually made with a blend of coconut wax and other waxes like soy or beeswax.

Coconut wax candles are a good choice if you’re looking for a safe, eco-friendly, and vegan option.

Cotton, Hemp and Wood Wicks

The vast majority of candles on the market use wicks made from cotton or a cotton/poly blend. Cotton-core wicks. They’re also quite common, so they’re easy to find.

The main downside of cotton-core wicks is that they can sometimes produce soot when burned. For this reason, it’s important to trim the wick of your candle before each use. Trimming the wick will help prevent soot from forming.

You can also find hemp wick candles, which are another great natural alternative to traditional candles. The wicks are made from 100% organic hemp fibers, and are often coated with beeswax to improve their burning properties.

Watch Out For: Soy Wax Blend Candles

If you’re looking at the label of a soy wax candle and it doesn’t say 100% soy wax, the candle is likely made with a blend of soy and paraffin waxes.

The same goes if your candle says “soy wax blend” — this always means a blend of soy and paraffin wax.

Soy wax blend candles are not eco-friendly or non-toxic. In fact, they’re no better for your health than paraffin wax candles.

So, if you’re looking for a safe and non-toxic candle, choose one made with 100% non-paraffin wax.

Candles Fragranced With Essential Oils

Rather than synthetic fragrances, the best non-toxic candles are fragranced with natural essential oils like rose and orange blossom.

Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants. Many people use them for their supposed therapeutic benefits, like being able to boost your mood, increase energy levels, or promote relaxation.

While the jury is out on those claims, essential oils are a great natural way to give scented candles their pleasant aroma without using synthetic and potentially toxic chemicals.

Tips For Keeping Your Non-Toxic Candles Burning Well

1. Trim the wick: Keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This helps ensure a clean and even burn, reduces soot, and prolongs the life of your candle.
2. Allow for a full melt pool: When burning a candle for the first time, allow the wax to melt completely across the surface, reaching the edges of the container. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn throughout the candle’s life.
3. Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface: Ensure the candle is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface before lighting. For candles in metal vessels, using a cork or stone coaster is recommended, as they tend to get hotter than others.
4. Avoid drafts: Keep candles away from drafts, as they can cause sooting and uneven burning. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
5. Monitor the flame: Extinguish the candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before relighting.
6. Don’t burn a candle all the way down: For safety measures, stop burning a candle when there is 1/4 inch of wax left in the container.
7. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets: Ensure that candles are placed in a safe location, away from children and pets.
8. Never leave a burning candle unattended: Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your candles while ensuring their longevity and safety.

The Best Non-Toxic Candles

We scoured the internet to find 10 of the best brands offering non-toxic and high-quality scented candles. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or looking for a luxury candle to savor, we’ve got you covered.

Lite + Cycle

Burn time	10 – 50 hours (depending on candle)
Wax	100% soy wax
Wick	100% unbleached cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$16 – 55
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Lite + Cycle is an excellent choice for a non-toxic candle. They are 100% transparent about the ingredients used in their fragrances, and there are no synthetics or toxic additives used.

Each Lite + Cycle candle is housed in a glass container sourced in the USA and is fully recyclable. All wicks are made from 100% unbleached cotton, and the wax used is 100% American-grown soy, making them 100% vegan.

Follain

Burn time	65 – 70 hours
Wax	Soy and Coconut Oil blend
Wick	100% unbleached cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$38
Where to Buy	Follain.com

Follain’s CANDLE NO. 1 and CANDLE NO. 2 are made with a blend of soy, coconut, and cottonseed oils. The scent is made from a blend of natural essential oils and housed in a recyclable glass container.

The scent of these candles is subtle, which is excellent for those looking for a pleasant scented candle that isn’t overwhelming. Follain’s candles are hand-poured in the USA, with a burn time of approximately 65-70 hours.

Mrs. Meyer’s

Burn time	65 – 70 hours
Wax	Soy and Palm Oil blend
Wick	100% unbleached cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$9.99
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Soy Candles are made with a vegetable oil blend of soy wax and hydrogenated palm oil and are scented with a mix of essential oils and safe synthetics. The brand is completely transparent about their ingredients, and a full list (including fragrance ingredients) can be found on the website.

The Mrs. Meyer’s brand is primarily known for its cleaning products, which are all made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils.

While their candles do contain some safe synthetics, they’re still a good choice for those looking for a scented candle made with mostly natural ingredients.

These candles come in a range of (at the time of writing) 35 pleasant scents, like lavender and lemon verbena. They’re also affordable, with a burn time of approximately 25 hours.

Nette

Burn time	55 – 60 hours
Wax	Soy, Coconut and Palm Oil Blend
Wick	GOTS-certified organic cotton wick
Scent	Essential oils + safe synthetics
Cost	$68 – $82
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Nette’s candles are on the expensive side but a great choice for those looking for a great luxury scented candle with safe ingredients.

The wax base is made from a blend of coconut wax, soy wax and RSPO-certified palm wax. Each candle is poured into a glass vessel handmade in Italy, and they come in a range of 15 different scents.

Packaging is made from 100% recycled shoeboxes and printed with seaweed ink, while the wick is the first candle made with a GOTS-certified organic cotton wick.

Everspring

Burn time	25 hours
Wax	100% Soy Wax
Wick	Paper and Cotton
Scent	Essential oils + Plant Extracts
Cost	$5.99
Where to Buy	Target

These candles are available exclusively at Target and are an excellent value for a 100% soy wax candle fragranced with essential oils.

Everspring’s candles are by far the cheapest on our list, making them a great choice for the budget-minded conscious consumer.

There is a selection of 10 different scents, ranging in size from 5.5 oz to 8 oz candles. The 5.5 oz candle has an estimated burn time of 25 hours, and the wick is made from a mixture of paper and cotton.

If you’re a fan of Target and looking for an inexpensive, non-toxic scented candle, these are a good choice.

Fabulous Frannie

Burn time	25 – 50 hours
Wax	100% Soy Wax
Wick	Cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$8.95 – $17.50
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Fabulous Frannie offers an extensive line of products, from their essential oils, roll-ons, herbal soaps, lip balms, and of course, scented candles. Fabulous Frannie candles come in either a recyclable glass jar or tin

The non-toxic candles on offer from Fabulous Frannie are made from 100% soy wax with a cotton wick and are scented with essential oils. Each candle lists the essential oil blend used so that you can choose exactly the right combination for you.

Niveaya

Burn time	40 hours
Wax	100% Soy Wax
Wick	Cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$13.99
Where to Buy	Amazon

Niveaya offers only a single non-toxic candle, but it comes highly recommended. It’s made from 100% hand-poured soy wax with a cotton wick and is scented with natural essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus.

It has an estimated burn time of 40 hours and comes in a recyclable glass container with a lid.

Sana Jardin

Burn time	40 hours
Wax	100% Vegetable Wax
Wick	Cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$65
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Sana Jardin is a socially-conscious fragrance house that primarily offers perfumes but also carries a line of high-quality non-toxic scented candles. They’re made from 100% vegetable wax and scented with natural essential oils from Morocco.

Sana Jardin is driving social change by training the indigenous Moroccan women who harvest the flowers used to produce the essential oils. Along with two other partners, they created a co-operative in Morocco that helps women produce and sell products from the waste produced from the production of essential oils.

Heretic

Burn time	40 hours
Wax	100% Vegetable Wax
Wick	100% Unbleached Cotton
Scent	Essential oils
Cost	$55
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Heretic is another perfume house offering a line of luxury soy wax candles incorporating the same scents their popular perfumes use.

This line of luxury soy wax candles comes in a range from coconut to vanilla, and is scented with a blend of essential oils and safe synthetics. The ingredients list of all fragrance is 100% transparent and can be found on the website.

Like any of the best non-toxic candles, Heretic’s candles use an unbleached cotton wick and are hand-poured in the USA.

Skylar

Burn time	40 hours
Wax	Soy and
Wick	100% Unbleached Cotton
Scent	Essential oils + safe synthetics
Cost	$45
Where to Buy	Brand’s Website

Skylar creates a large line of perfumes and scented candles fragranced with essential oils and safe synthetics.

Skylar is 100% transparent about their ingredients, and a full list of the fragrance ingredients can me found on the product listings on the website. Every Skylar candle is made from a soy and coconut wax blend with a burn time of 45 hours.

The cardboard boxes on Skylar candles are made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper.