Is it just me, or is someone telling you, “Your house smells amazing!” the best compliment ever? There is nothing cozier to me than lighting a candle…and in my opinion, diffusing essential oils is just not the same as these Non Toxic Candles!

The mere act of lighting a candle is a ritualistic reminder to center and ground ourselves. Take a few moments to prepare a beautiful table setting, light a candle in the early morning hours or to shift your body’s capacity when feeling overwhelmed.

All natural Beeswax Candles

I am very sensitive to scents and typically get a bad migraine or nauseous, when I smell or somewhere with a strong air freshener, cleaning supplies, or candles.

Thank goodness there is a pure option. All the nostalgia and emotions of lighting a candle without any harmful ingredients, harsh scents or headache.

Sadly candles aren’t as innocent as their cozy marketing can often depict! Many toxic candles on the market release harmful toxins and toxic chemicals into the air which you end up breathing….and these toxins stay in your house long-term on surfaces, walls ceilings, and pose a health risk to us. 

In fact, in a study done by the Environmental Protection Agency, they measured that indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air quality (even in the most industrial cities). Since the majority of our lives are spent indoors, I encourage you to take intentional steps to make your home environment both safe + cozy with safe, lovely scents! The good news is that it’s not as difficult as you think. Let’s see how to find the best non-toxic candles that are free of harmful chemicals and are overall a safer alternative.

Ingredients to avoid + what’s safe

Toxic candles are tricky—scent preference is something so unique to the individual, and it’s honestly hard to find clean burning candles with healthy ingredients! There are so many things that come into play, from the type of wax to the origin of scents, making it a bit complicated to find the perfect candle companies. The first thing you have to do is look at the full ingredient list to know exactly what your candles have. 

Here’s the top no-no list to make sure you’re maintaining your non-toxic living:

1. Paraffin Wax

Studies show that when burned, this wax creates and releases highly toxic benzene and toluene (linked to birth defects) and can create difficulty breathing, asthma, and even migraines. These ingredients are also found in diesel fuel fumes! Yikes.

Safer option: vegetable wax, soy wax, coconut wax. If it’s organic or sustainably sourced, that’s just the cherry on top!

2. Fragrance

You’ve heard me repeatedly say, “Fragrance is a red flag!” Beware of synthetic fragrances (and natural fragrances even) too. Most fragrances contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates that will really alter your hormone balance. Remember, fragrances are trade secrets, so there can be thousands of harmful ingredients all under that one word “fragrance.” Even in many candles marketed as ‘natural,’ the fragrance is still on the label but look for safer fragrance options below…I get it can be confusing!

Safer option: pure essential oils, essential oil blends, fragrance oils derived from essential oils or phthalate-free fragrances (most common)

3. Metal Wicks

Lead in candle wicks has been banned since 2003, thankfully, but in some cases, we still see a wire at the core of the wick that manufacturers use to keep it in place. This can cause inhalation of metals and soot in your house that can be detrimental to your health.  

Safer option: cotton wicks; you might occasionally see bamboo wicks too

The Best Non Toxic Candles

Next time you are looking for the healthiest candles that have just the right scent and are also made with natural ingredients, take a look at this list.

What’s your candle pairing? Pick your perfect scent pairing >

Eucalyptus + Lavender Candle | Invite the spa into your house + relax away. The perfect candle to light for dinner, a cozy morning or a relaxing soak in the tub! Breathe easy and relax, a custom blend of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils – designed to vitalize and refresh your senses. This candle is dreamy and refreshing.

Toasted Pumpkin Candle | Pumpkin, spice and everything nice. This one is infused with natural cinnamon, clove, and ginger essential oils. Get in the festive spirit of Autumn and Christmas with this cozy, dreamy candle. This candle brings memories and scents of grandma’s apple pie baking in the oven.

Pure Beeswax Spiral Taper Candles | Bring nature’s beauty inside to calm your space. Burning beeswax produces negative ions that are known to filter the air while they burn. These beautiful candles release a sweet honey smell. Oh, they also help clean your air of odors, dust, toxins, pollens, and other allergens. The spiral shape is naturally elevated and so fun.

Twilight Candle | Dreamy botanical + citrus delight. This candle brings a moment of pause to delight in the beauty of nature and soak in the day’s changing light. This delicate blend of orange, jasmine and sandalwood is a tribute to the tranquil beauty of the evening sky. Perfect for any season.

Cheer Candle | Sweet, minty delight, people will ask you what is that lovely smell! Designed to lift and enliven your senses, tones of merriment and a crisp, cheerful blend.

Do you have a favorite non-toxic candle or scent?!