One of the first things I switched when I dove into the world of non toxic products was candles. Simple right? That’s what I thought, until I realized that (like everything else) not all candles are created equal. Burning candles is such an easy way to create ambience and to make your space feel cozy, and they make such a great gift. Here’s what to look for, and why you should buy non toxic candles, along with some of my favorite scented candles. If you happen to have any favorite non toxic candle brands that I haven’t listed here please share in the comments!
Why You Should Choose Non Toxic Candles
The most eye opening thing when I started researching non toxic candles was how price does not equate to safety. In fact some of the most expensive candles out there are literally polluting the air you breathe and can actually cause health problems. The EPA released a report in 2001 citing research that scented candles made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance are not only a source of toxic indoor air pollution, but have been linked to illnesses and skin irritation.
What Harmful Chemicals Are In Candles?
There’s a few main things to look out for in candles that are toxic and potentially harmful to your health. Paraffin which is a petroleum-based wax and used by many candle makers, releases carcinogenic soot when burned, which can be as bad as breathing in second hand smoke. Candles can often be a blend of paraffin and soy wax but only labeled as soy wax for example, so you want to make sure it’s labeled 100% soy, beeswax, coconut or vegetable wax based (or a combination of those). Lead has been banned in candles since 2003, but some wicks have a metal core, which may contain lead and other metals. It can be hard to tell just by looking at the wick if it contains metal, so look for candles with wicks that are made of 100% cotton (organic is event better) or wood. Unfortunately, because the FDA classifies fragrance as trade secrets companies do not have to disclose what “fragrance” actually means. Often times candles will have synthetic fragrance and can include toxic ingredients like phthalates, a known endocrine disruptor. Look for candles with 100% naturally derived essential oils, and phthalate-free.
The Best Non Toxic Candles
Follain Candle No. 1 & 2
It’s probably not a huge surprise that my favorite non toxic candle is by Follain. I always have these on hand and I love to give them as gifts. They’re made from sustainable vegetable wax and an all-cotton wick and scented with essential oils. Follain Candle No. 1 has a scent of lavender and sandalwood that’s incredibly soothing but subtle. Candle No. 2 is a light and clean scent with hints of basil, fig leaf and lavender. Click here for 15% off automatically applied at checkout.
Brooklyn Candle Studio
One of my absolute favorite non toxic candles for fall is their Santal Minimalist Soy Candle. Brooklyn Candle Studio uses 100% soy wax derived from American-grown soy beans, cotton core wicks primed with vegetable based wax, essential oils, and phthalate-free perfume oils. They are cruelty-free, 100% vegan and also focus on using recyclable packaging and shipping materials. This Woman No. 2 candle would look so chic on a bathroom or makeup vanity.
Wild Beautiful Free
While I try to avoid shopping on Amazon as much as possible, it’s hard to resist one of their best-selling candles. Wild Beautiful Free makes their candles with organic coconut wax and 100% pure essential oils. They’re hand poured with organic 100 cotton wicks, vegan, and cruelty-free. The candles come in three scents: Citrus & Floral; Wildberry Rose & Winter Spice; and Lavender & Vanilla.
UMA Pure Calm Wellness Candle
UMA Oils products are 100% organic and free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, parabens, GMOs, and mineral oils. Their wellness candle is made from soy wax with essential oils of lavender, rose and sandalwood for a relaxing and soothing scent.
Goop Scented Candles
If you want to know exactly what’s in your candle, you’ll find it at Goop. Their ingredient list and sourcing is incredibly transparent. Goop Scented Candles are made with soy wax, 100% natural unbleached cotton wicks and natural fragrance. I’m partial to the Edition 2: Shisho candle which smells earthy and fresh scented with oak moss, palo santo and shisho leaf.
Keap BK
KEAP BK has a zero-waste, sustainable approach to non toxic candles. They use a sustainably sourced coconut-soy wax blend and they are paraben, sulphate, and phthalate free. Their fragrances are not 100% natural (they explain their approach here). Their candles are made ethically in Brooklyn, NY and their packaging is biodegradable and plastic-free.
Non Toxic Candles
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Phlur makes a great non-toxic perfume (Hanami is my favorite) and they also make candles. Do you diffuse essential oils? I do sometimes, I like being able to “forget” about it… like if I have to run to the store or whatever. I can just leave to diffuser going, candles… I gotta go blow them out or I’ll be worried about a fire. I might be over thinking it? ?
Yes I have a diffuser too which I love having at my desk. I just love the ambience and coziness of a candle, especially on a chilly day. But agree, nice to not have to worry about forgetting about the diffuser haha.
On my list are the candles from Voyage et Cie! They make one of my favorite perfumes ever, but they started as a candle company. I’m planning on ordering some of their “holiday” scents here in a week or two, as well as my fave perfume (Tuileries) in candle form. I’m not sure about their wicks, but their candles are 100% organic soy/coconut, and I believe made in LA! https://www.voyageetcie.com/hand-poured-candles
Oh I love the packaging, so minimal and pretty.
Thank you for putting this together! Candles have been so hard for me to source, but I love them. Very informative, as always!
Thanks Karen so glad it’s helpful!
We love Aster Candle! Made from 100% soy wax from US grown soybeans, lead-free cotton wicks, and phthalate-free perfume oils. Also, local to Rhode Island. 🙂
Oh cool I have to check that out!
I’ve been into clean beauty for awhile now and honestly didn’t consider candles! You have definitely my open my eyes to it and for sure will be trying out your recs!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Let me know if you try any and what you think!
I recently ordered from Woodlot (shopwoodlot.com) and have been really impressed with their Wildwoods candle.
One question – I thought Brooklyn Candle Studio used fragrance and not essential oils?
Brooklyn Candle Studio uses essential oils and phthalate-free perfume oils.
Did you find anything about it not being good to burn non-toxic candles during preganancy? I have a coworker who says you shouldn’t burn scented candles when pregnant, but I wonder if that also includes non-toxic candles?
It should not be an issue if the candle is nontoxic. The problems arise when candles are made with the toxic ingredients I’ve mentioned including synthetic fragrance and paraffin wax.
I have a daughter with severe sensory integration challenges. After switching from B&BW seasonal candles to non-toxic brands, we noticed MAJOR changes. It is truly unreal. Thank you for even more ideas and brands to choose from! Of course we love our diffused essential oils, but you’re right, candles are so cozy this time of year!
Love this post! I’m in the transition of cleaning up the house {literally!} with clean / non-toxic products so blog posts like these are SO helpful! I can’t wait to check out the Goop candle, it’s so chic! x Shannon • http://www.essellesse.com
Never realized candles could be toxic. Thanks for sharing, I’m going to make the switch to non toxic!
Hello,
Very inspiring article for my future creations.
I am an artisan wax maker located in Lyon, France.
You might be interested in my creations of wax candles and tealight holders with inlay of plants. Do not hesitate to give me a feedback.
Cyril (de l’Atelier de Cyril)
Jewelry candles are the latest trend in the gift. A jewelry candle is a unique and great gift for any occasion. Whether it’s her birthday, anniversary, graduation, Christmas, etc. the jewelry candles are a beautiful gift idea for your wife, daughter, mom or friend. Jewelry candles are a great way to show someone that you really care about them. The jewelry candles also make beautiful gifts for your mother on Mother’s Day or your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.
Awesome of great blogs. I will benefit a lot from reading this blogs content. Jewelry candles make the perfect gift for many occasions. Let’s Celebrate: DIY Birthday Cake Glass Candle.
candles with rings inside gifts are the perfect way to propose. They burn for around sixty hours, and your partner can wear the ring on their finger as soon as they’ve said yes! There is no need to worry about losing or damaging the ring because it’s safely hidden inside the candle until it’s time to pop the question.