As the weather grows gloomier, we spend more time indoors. I love making our home cozy in the autumn, and ambient lighting is the key. I love the warm and cozy feeling that candles create on a rainy evening when I am sipping my hot chocolate or herbal tea. But I am more conscious about toxins in the house and only want to burn candles that do not harm my and my loved ones’ health.
I have been searching for the best non-toxic candles and have created a list of the best brands for your specific needs.
Why Candles Can Be Toxic?
Most conventional candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct.
Multiple studies show that burning paraffin candles emits a range of hazardous substances, including benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acrolein, naphthalene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), all of which are known indoor air pollutants, and some are classified as carcinogens or respiratory irritants (1)(2)(3).
Which candles are safer options?
Candles made from beeswax, Soy, and coconut wax (or blend) do not release any harmful substances.
- Beeswax: natural scent, very clean burn, minimal soot, may even help remove small airborne particles (by releasing negative ions) according to some claims
- Soy wax: plant-based, burns cleaner than paraffin, somewhat slower burn, good for container candles.
- Coconut wax (or soy-coconut blends): newer on the market, clean burn, good scent throw, but can cost more.
I have created this comparison table to make it easier for you to make a decision, which candle is the best for you.
Candle Wax Comparison: Paraffin vs. Beeswax vs. Soy vs. Coconut
| Source | Petroleum byproduct | Natural wax made by honeybees | Derived from soybeans | Made from coconut oil (often blended with soy) |
| Toxicity & Emissions | Releases soot, benzene, and toluene when burned (can pollute indoor air) | Very clean-burning; releases minimal soot | Burns cleaner than paraffin; minor soot possible | Cleanest burn; almost no soot or smoke |
| Scent Throw | Strong scent throw (holds fragrance well, especially synthetics) | Mild, natural honey-like scent | Moderate scent throw (best with natural oils) | Excellent scent throw, even with essential oils |
| Burn Time | Burns quickly | Burns slowly and evenly | Moderate burn time | Longer burn time than soy |
| Eco-Friendliness | Non-renewable; petroleum-based | Renewable and biodegradable | Renewable, biodegradable (check for GMO-free soy) | Renewable and biodegradable |
| Allergy/Sensitivity Risk | May irritate sensitive lungs or trigger allergies | Usually hypoallergenic; may not suit vegans | Generally safe; possible reactions to soy for some | Very gentle; low irritation risk |
| Cost | Cheapest | Most expensive | Affordable and common | Mid-to-high range |
| Ideal For | Occasional use (if ventilated) | Health-conscious users, toxin-free homes | Everyday use, good eco balance | Premium non-toxic candles, luxury blends |
| Pet Safety | Not recommended for pets (emissions) | Pet-safe when unscented or lightly scented | Pet-safe with natural fragrance | Pet-safe with mild essential oils |
After you have chosen your candle type or types you like, there are other two things to pay attention to.Candle wicks and Frangrances:
- Wicks: cotton or wood (untreated) are preferable. Avoid any “metal-core” claims or vague wick descriptions.
- Fragrances: ideally, essential oils or well-labelled natural fragrance oils; avoid simply “fragrance” or “parfum” without detail.
Please note that even if you are using non-toxic candles, you should use them in moderation and should still ventilate the room afterwards.
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Best Non-Toxic Candle Brands
Fontana – non-toxic beeswax candles, with all-natural wooden wicks. MADE SAFE® Certified.
Arctic Wicks -Coconut & Beeswax Candles – ethically sourced, non-toxic, and clean burning. USDA certified Biobased product.
Meaningful Mantras– 100% natural coconut wax candles scented with pure, ethically and sustainably sourced essential oils.
Blucorn – Handmade in Colorado beeswax tea light and taper candles, and non-toxic scented coconut wax candles.
Best Non-Toxic Beeswax Candles
Fontana Cinnamon orange candle
MADE SAFE® certified.
Ingredients: Beeswax (Apis Mellifeca), Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Sweet Orange Oil – steam distilled (CITRUS SINENSIS), Cinnamon Leaf Oil – steam distilled (CINNAMOMUM VERUM), Clove Oil – steam distilled (EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLATA)
Featuring an untreated wooden wick.
Other Scents Include: Spiced Latte, Cinnamon Orange Clove, Fir Needle and Pine, and Pumpkin Pie.
Burn Time: 35 to 40 Hours
Bluecorn Beeswax 1-Wick Candle (Unscented)
Natural, non-toxic, and handmade in Colorado
Ingredients: Raw beeswax and pure essential oils
Featuring natural cotton candle wicks
Burn Time: Up to 40 Hours
Living Good Candle Co.’s Palo Santo & Bergamot Pure Beeswax Candle
Made with 100% cotton wicks and free from phthalates, sulfates, and parabens
Ingredients: Pure Cosmetic-Grade USA Beeswax, Unscented Coconut Oil, Blend of Plant-Based Derivative Oils, Lead-Free Cotton Wicks
Featuring natural cotton candle wicks.
Other Scents Include: Toasty Pumpkin Brulee, Into The Forest, Cinnamon Delight, and more.
Burn Time: up to 90 hours
Best Non-Toxic Scented Candles
Hemlock Park Crackling Wood Wick Candle
FSC-certified wooden wicks
Made with natural coconut wax and blended with essential oils
Ingredients: Coconut wax and plant-based essential oils
Signature Crackling Wooden Wick
Other Scents Include: Pumpkin Crème, Lily of the Valley, Amber, Lavender, and more
Burn Time: up to 60 hours
🌱 Vegan
PARTYHIPPO Coconut Shell Scented Candle
Handmade from real coconut shell using a 100% soy wax for a clean, sustainable burn.
Ingredients: 100% Soy Wax with Essential Oils
Featuring a Rosewood Wooden Wick
Other Scents Include: Dewy Moss, Floral Elegy Gardenia, and Sandalwood Rose
Burn Time: up to 60 hours
🌱 Vegan
SALT & STONE Scented Candle (Santal & Vetiver)
Made with a clean, cotton wick and coconut and soy-based wax. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Ingredients: Coconut and soy-based wax blend and fragrance oil.
Featuring a 100% cotton
Other Scents Include: Bergamot & Hinoki, Saffron & Cedar, Black Rose & Oud, Fig $ Violet
Burn Time: up to 50 hours
🌱 Vegan
Arctic Wicks Scented Coconut Beeswax Candles
100% USDA Certified Biobased with a clean and smoke-free scent
Ingredients: A blend of natural beeswax and coconut wax. Non-toxic fragrances with natural essential oils.
Featuring a Natural Cotton Wick
Other scents include: Sweet Fireside, Coconut & Sandalwood, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Vanilla Bourbon, and many more.
Burn Time: up to 50 hours
Peacesake Candles & Co. 100% Handmade Soy Wax Scented Candle
100% Handmade aromatherapy candles that are always phthalate-free.
Ingredients: Soy wax and phthalate-free fragrances and essential oils.
Featuring a Natural Cotton Wick
Other Scents Include: White Tea & Oak, Blue Champa, Midnight Amber
Burn Time: up to 70 Hours
🌱 Vegan
P.F. Candle Co. Golden Coast Classic Standard Scented Soy Wax Candle
Aromatic, woody, salty, and damp, with eucalyptus, sea salt, redwood, and palo santo.
Ingredients: Domestically-grown soy wax and paraben-free, phthalate-free fragrance oils.
Featuring a Natural Cotton Wick
Other Scents Include: Teakwood & Tobacco, Amber & Moss, Wild Herb Tonic, Black Fig.
Burn Time: 40 to 50 Hours
🌱 Vegan
ECO CANDLE CO. Recycled Candle Eucalyptus Sage
6 oz Candle with Paper Lid
Eco Candle Co. is an artisan candle company that uses recycled glass jars.
Ingredients: Natural soy and Phthalate-free fragrance and essential oil blends.
Featuring a Lead-Free Cotton Wick
Other Scents Include: Lavender Dreams, Herb Garden, Chamomile Sage,
Burn Time: up to 40 Hours
🌱 Vegan
Lafco Sage & Walnut Candle
15.5 oz
All Lafco products are vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, and contain no phthalates or parabens
Ingredients: Renewable and non-toxic soy and essential oil-based fragrances
Featuring a 100% cotton wick
Other Scents Include: Chamomile Lavender, Rosemary Eucalyptus, Amber Black Vanilla, and more.
Burn Time: up to 90 Hours
🌱 Vegan
Best non-Toxic Unscented Candles
Eco Candle Co. Recycled Candle
6 oz
Eco Candle Co. is a socially and environmentally responsible artisan candle company that uses recycled glass jars.
Ingredients: 100% soy candle
Featuring a Lead-Free Cotton Wick
Burn Time: up to 40 Hours
🌱 Vegan
Encanlight Natural Beeswax Candles
4.8 oz
This beeswax candle creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere, burns clean, smoke-free, and residue-free free
Ingredients: 100% natural bees wax
Featuring a Pure Cotton Wick
Burn Time: up to 32 Hours
Bare Botanics Unscented Soy Candle
9 oz
Bare Botanicals Unscented Soy Candle has no added scents or essential oils, making it perfect for those with sensitivities, or anyone who prefers a natural, neutral ambiance.
Ingredients: 100% natural soy wax
Featuring a lead-free cotton wick
Burn Time: up to 40 Hours
🌱 Vegan
Best Non-Toxic Christmas Candles
Fontana Seasons Greetings Fir Needle & Pine Candle
Infused with fir needle essential oil, this candle offers a uniquely natural and festive ambiance.
Ingredients: Coconut Oil (Cocus Nucifera), Beeswax (Apis Mellifeca), Fir Needle Oil – steam distilled (OLEUM ABIES SIBIRICA)
This scent is MADE SAFE® certified. Free of any and all toxins known or suspected to harm human health or ecosystems
Featuring an untreated wooden wick.
Other Scents Include: Spiced Latte, Cinnamon Orange Clove, Pumpkin Pie, Vanilla.
Burn Time: 35 to 40 Hours
Arctic Wicks Scented Coconut Beeswax Candles, 9 oz
100% USDA Certified Biobased. Arctic Wicks’s carefully sourced, sustainable and ethically produced waxes contain no phthalates, parabens, or petroleum.
Ingredients: Natural Beeswax and Coconut Wax Blend, fragrance oils and essential oils that contain no carcinogens or other harmful chemicals
Featuring unbleached 100% natural cotton
Other Scents Include: Mistetoe, Pumpkin spice latte, Honey spiced pear, Cinnamon spiced latte, Frosted Fir, Drunken Saint Nick
Burn Time: up to 35 Hours
Craft & Kin Christmas Scented Candles 8 Oz
Craft & Kin candles have an ultra clean long long-lasting burn and are naturally scented.
Ingredients: Natural Soy wax and essential oils.
Featuring unbleached 100% natural cotton
Other Scents Include: Whiskey Caramel, wood, White Sage, English Leather, Spiced Apple and cinnamon.
Burn Time: 45 Hours
🌱 Vegan
Unique Non-toxic candles
Meaningful mantras, “you are grounded,” candle 8 oz
This holistic candle has Frankincense and Patchouli scent that is both earthy and grounding.
Ingredients: Pure natural coconut Wax Infused with genuine herbal essential oils
Other Scents Include:Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, and Vanilla | You Are Infinite, You Are Enough- Valencia Orange & Grapefruit, Lavender & Orange Blossom | You Are Loved
Burn Time: up to 40 Hours
🌱 Vegan
MEANINGFUL MANTRAS “you are abundant” candle 8 Oz
A unique blend of uplifting cardamom, steam-distilled cassia, and restorative clove essential oils with notes of uplifting ginger and black pepper.
Ingredients: Petrochemical Free Coconut Wax, Castor, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Seed Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Artemisia Pallens (Davana) Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Madagascar Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Oil, Natural Triethyl Citrate (Naturally Occurring in Oranges), Vanillin (Naturally Occuring in Vanilla).
Other Scents Include:Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, and Vanilla | You Are Infinite, You Are Enough- Valencia Orange & Grapefruit, Lavender & Orange Blossom | You Are Loved
Burn Time: up to 40 Hours
🌱 Vegan
To Summarize,
I hope this non-toxic candle guide helps you select candles that create a calm, inviting atmosphere without compromising your health, the health of your loved ones, or that of your pets. I’ll be stocking up on clean-burning, biodegradable options myself. If, like me, you prefer vegan products, go for soy or coconut candles; they’re beautiful, sustainable, and completely free of animal-derived ingredients.
References
- Massoudi, R., & Hamidi, A. (2017). Some Candles Emit Hazardous Materials for Human Health and are Indoor Air Pollutants. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health, 24, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2017/34965.
- Derudi, M., Gelosa, S., Sliepcevich, A., Cattaneo, A., Cavallo, D., Rota, R., & Nano, G. (2014). Emission of air pollutants from burning candles with different composition in indoor environments. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21, 4320-4330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2394-2.
- Huang, J., Bai, Y., Zeeshan, M., Liu, R., & Dong, G. (2023). Effects of exposure to chlorinated paraffins on human health: A scoping review.. The Science of the total environment, 163953 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163953.
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist, and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field. She explores science-based approaches to holistic health and plant-based nutrition, with a strong focus on researching clean, non-toxic products that support long-term well-being.
