Are scented candles toxic?

Many conventional scented candles are made with paraffin wax, synthetic fragrance, and metal-core wicks — all of which can release harmful chemicals when burned. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that releases benzene and toluene when it burns, both known carcinogens. Synthetic fragrance can contain phthalates and other undisclosed chemicals. Non-toxic candles use natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax, scented only with pure essential oils, and cotton or wood wicks.

Is soy wax safer than paraffin?

Yes — soy wax is a much cleaner option than paraffin. Paraffin is derived from petroleum and releases benzene and toluene when burned, both of which are known carcinogens. Soy wax is plant-based, burns cooler and slower, and produces significantly less soot. That said, soy wax alone doesn't make a candle non-toxic — the fragrance and wick matter just as much. Look for soy candles scented with pure essential oils and fitted with cotton or wood wicks for the cleanest burn.

What makes a candle non-toxic?

A truly non-toxic candle has three things right: the wax, the fragrance, and the wick. For wax, look for soy, coconut, or beeswax — not paraffin. For fragrance, only pure essential oils are acceptable; synthetic fragrance is a red flag even in "natural" candles. For wicks, choose cotton or wood — avoid metal-core wicks, which can release heavy metals when burned. Every candle in our collection meets all three criteria.

Are Yankee Candles toxic?

Yankee Candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance — two of the biggest concerns in conventional candles. Paraffin releases benzene and toluene when burned, and synthetic fragrance can contain phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals that aren't disclosed on the label. They're one of the most popular candle brands in the world, but they're not a candle we'd recommend if you're trying to reduce your toxic load at home. There are plenty of beautifully scented non-toxic alternatives that perform just as well.

Are Bath & Body Works candles toxic?

Bath & Body Works candles are made with a blend of paraffin and soy wax, and scented with synthetic fragrance — which means they're not a candle we'd consider non-toxic. The synthetic fragrance alone is enough to give us pause, as it can contain phthalates and other undisclosed chemicals that are released into the air when the candle burns. They smell great, but if you're trying to keep your indoor air clean, we'd recommend switching to a candle made with pure essential oils and natural wax.

Is beeswax better than soy for candles?

Both are excellent non-toxic alternatives to paraffin, but they have different strengths. Beeswax is the most natural option — it's minimally processed, burns the longest, and actually emits negative ions that can help purify indoor air. It has a subtle natural honey scent on its own. Soy wax is plant-based, more affordable, and holds fragrance well, making it a great carrier for essential oil-scented candles. Coconut wax is another top pick — it burns cleanly and slowly and has a beautiful creamy texture. Any of the three is a solid choice; what matters most is that the fragrance is pure essential oils and the wick is cotton or wood.

Non-Toxic Candles

Carpet & Rugs

Candles

Decor

Accessories

Rug Guide 📖

Carpet Guide 📖

Most candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance — two things you don't want burning in your home. Every candle here is made with beeswax and pure essential oils, so you get the ambiance without the toxins.

What Makes a Candle Truly Non-Toxic?

The wax matters most. Paraffin — the most common candle wax — is a petroleum byproduct that releases benzene and toluene when burned. Look for beeswax (our top pick) or soy wax as cleaner alternatives.

Next, check the scent. “Fragrance” on a label can represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are endocrine disruptors. Candles scented with pure essential oils are the gold standard.

Finally, the wick. Lead wicks were banned in the US in 2003, but some imported candles still use metal-core wicks. Stick with cotton or wood wicks to be safe.

The candles in this collection check all three boxes — so you can burn them freely without worrying about what you’re breathing in.

How We Vet

We only carry candles made with natural waxes (beeswax or soy), pure essential oils or fragrance-free options, and cotton or wood wicks. No paraffin, no synthetic fragrance, no phthalates.

Candles FAQs

Many conventional scented candles are made with paraffin wax, synthetic fragrance, and metal-core wicks — all of which can release harmful chemicals when burned. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that releases benzene and toluene when it burns, both known carcinogens. Synthetic fragrance can contain phthalates and other undisclosed chemicals. Non-toxic candles use natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax, scented only with pure essential oils, and cotton or wood wicks.
Yes — soy wax is a much cleaner option than paraffin. Paraffin is derived from petroleum and releases benzene and toluene when burned, both of which are known carcinogens. Soy wax is plant-based, burns cooler and slower, and produces significantly less soot. That said, soy wax alone doesn't make a candle non-toxic — the fragrance and wick matter just as much. Look for soy candles scented with pure essential oils and fitted with cotton or wood wicks for the cleanest burn.
A truly non-toxic candle has three things right: the wax, the fragrance, and the wick. For wax, look for soy, coconut, or beeswax — not paraffin. For fragrance, only pure essential oils are acceptable; synthetic fragrance is a red flag even in "natural" candles. For wicks, choose cotton or wood — avoid metal-core wicks, which can release heavy metals when burned. Every candle in our collection meets all three criteria.
Yankee Candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance — two of the biggest concerns in conventional candles. Paraffin releases benzene and toluene when burned, and synthetic fragrance can contain phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals that aren't disclosed on the label. They're one of the most popular candle brands in the world, but they're not a candle we'd recommend if you're trying to reduce your toxic load at home. There are plenty of beautifully scented non-toxic alternatives that perform just as well.
Bath & Body Works candles are made with a blend of paraffin and soy wax, and scented with synthetic fragrance — which means they're not a candle we'd consider non-toxic. The synthetic fragrance alone is enough to give us pause, as it can contain phthalates and other undisclosed chemicals that are released into the air when the candle burns. They smell great, but if you're trying to keep your indoor air clean, we'd recommend switching to a candle made with pure essential oils and natural wax.
Both are excellent non-toxic alternatives to paraffin, but they have different strengths. Beeswax is the most natural option — it's minimally processed, burns the longest, and actually emits negative ions that can help purify indoor air. It has a subtle natural honey scent on its own. Soy wax is plant-based, more affordable, and holds fragrance well, making it a great carrier for essential oil-scented candles. Coconut wax is another top pick — it burns cleanly and slowly and has a beautiful creamy texture. Any of the three is a solid choice; what matters most is that the fragrance is pure essential oils and the wick is cotton or wood.

An Honest Review of Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula