Looking for the best candles that are toxin-free? With wholesome ingredients like waxes, wicks, and fragrances, this roundup of the best non-toxic candles will protect your health while making your home smell great. I’ll make it.
I know it’s easy to feel like everything is having a negative impact on our health, but if the solution is as simple as replacing candles or cleaning supplies, I’m here to educate you and help you. We want to empower people to make that decision for themselves.
Before we discuss the best non-toxic candles, I would like to share a little about why candles are “toxic” and what to look out for when purchasing them.
TLDR;For the safest and healthiest candles to burn, look for soy, coconut, or beeswax candles, unbleached cotton, linen, or wood wicks, and scented with pure essential oils. please.
Are some candles really toxic?
Traditional scented candles can literally pollute your home. They release harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds that can affect everything from your breathing to your hormones. What should you look for? I’ve narrowed it down to three things:
Artificial Flavors – Artificial flavors from chemicals have been linked to a variety of health issues (source). Additionally, synthetic fragrances may contain phthalates, chemicals that are associated with reproductive and developmental issues. Skip artificial fragrances and instead look for natural scents from essential oils and phthalate-free candles. We guarantee you’ll smell better and you won’t get a headache from the awful scent.
Paraffin Wax – If you walk through the candle aisle at Target or the candle store at your local mall, chances are you’ll find something made from paraffin wax, a petrochemical byproduct. In other words, it comes from oil refining. Burning releases toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene. These are often associated with carcinogenic compounds (source).
Metal Core – Another trivia that may surprise you. Some have small wires inside the core. When it burns, it can release heavy metals that are associated with disruption of hormones, reproductive systems, and nervous systems (source). Look for 100% cotton wicks, linen wicks, or wood wicks.
What to look for in a non-toxic candle
So what should you look for in a candle brand? As you might have guessed from the “to avoid” list, be sure to check for these ingredients when purchasing new candles.
Wax – Obviously you want to avoid paraffin wax, but what kind of wax should you look for? Soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax candles are all great options. Make sure the label says the candle is 100% soy or beeswax (companies prefer blending it with paraffin wax because it’s cheaper). If possible, I like to buy candles that are sustainably sourced and not tested on animals. Note: Beeswax candles are not strictly vegan, but soy wax and coconut wax candles are. Please note that *soy wax blends* etc. are commonly mixed with paraffin wax. Wick – As you probably know, you want to avoid wicks that have metal in them. Look for 100% unbleached cotton wicks, linen wicks, or wood wicks to enjoy clean-burning candles. Natural fragrances – Synthetic fragrances are a broad umbrella. I like to look for candles that are sustainably sourced and scented with pure, eco-friendly essential oils (vanilla, lavender, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, sandalwood, etc.).
Typically, non-toxic candle makers tend to be made in small batches that are hand poured, or in small manufacturing studios.
best non-toxic candle company
brooklyn candle company
Brooklyn Candle Studio creates botanical fragrances inspired by the beauty of nature and the wonders of travel. Our own artisans create candles, diffusers, and room mist in our Brooklyn workshop using phthalate-free perfume oils infused with soy wax and essential oils.
Koselig Candle Company
This local Minnesota company has great brands and products. I’m focusing on “An Ode to Minnesota,” but you can definitely go wrong with the original scent as well.
PF Candle Co., Ltd.
I love the scent of PF Candle Co (and the cute amber bottle too!). Their candles are made with soy wax, cotton wicks, and fragrances that are free of parabens and phthalates.
light + cycle
These candles were new to me and I was impressed! Made with soy wax, cotton wicks and 100% pure essential oil fragrance.
foran candle
Not only do these Follin candles smell amazing (Candle No. 1 is my favorite!), they are free of harmful ingredients, and the containers themselves are gorgeous. This is a candle that you will definitely want to display!
UMA
UMA candles are created based on Ayurvedic principles and focus on restoring balance to your home. I love this concept! Their candles (as well as their essential oils) are 100% organic and free of synthetic fragrances, emulsifiers, preservatives, parabens, GMOs, and mineral oils.
keep
Keap started simply to “make better candles.” Their candles are made with coconut wax and the candles are designed to be waste-free. Let the candle burn completely and reuse the jar in creative ways. Through its Buy a Candle, Light Your Home program, Keap helps bring clean, sustainable light to people who don’t have access to the grid.
Queer Candle Company
This amazing company is run by a queer couple and donates 10% of their monthly income to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. The candle is topped with something representing the scent…it’s so gorgeous!
nette candle
These non-toxic and sustainable candles are so luxurious. Made with 100% cotton wick, coconut soy wax, and the glass container is perfect for reusing later.
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