Non-Toxic Candles With Gorgeous Scents

There’s nothing like lighting a candle to instantly elevate your mood. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, setting the vibe for a cozy night in, or simply masking last night’s burnt dinner smell (no judgment because I totally burned our pork tenderloin this evening). I am slightly obsessed with candles, and I love how a certain scent can represent a specific season, holiday, or general frame of mind. Unfortunately so many conventional candles are packed with synthetic fragrances, paraffin wax, and other harmful toxins that are released into the air, which we then breathe in.

White candles on wood with a white background

I burned A LOT of candles and never really paid attention to what was in them. I’d get them at Home Goods, Target or anywhere I found them on sale. When we moved out of our small 750-square-foot house, I was absolutely horrified when we pulled the couches out. I think given it was a small space, the residue and burn-off (if that’s what it’s called) actually showed up on our walls. You could see the outline where the couches sat against the walls. YUCK! Ever since then, I’ve been really mindful about buying non-toxic chemicals, knowing that what showed up on our walls was going directly into our lungs.

What To Look For In Non-Toxic Candles

I started researching non-toxic candles and for some reason I thought they would be hard to find and outrageously priced, but not so! Non-toxic candles are typically made from coconut wax, beedwax or soy wax. They are usually scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, which I find more pleasing and subtle anyway! I try to avoid paraffin wax as it usually means that your candle will be phthalate-free, and paraben-free. Wicks matter too! Look for cotton or wood wicks that do not contain any sort of heavy metals.

Why Choose Clean Burning Candles?

Before I dive into my personal favorites (and some recos from friends), let’s talk about why non-toxic candles are worth the switch:

✔ No paraffin wax: Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct which releases carcinogens when burned. Carcinogens are substances that can increase the development of cancers.

✔ Phthalate-free fragrances: Phthalates are hormone disruptors found in synthetic scents and are also triggering for anyone with asthma and allergies.

✔ Cleaner burn: Soy, coconut, and beeswax produce less soot. As mentioned before, we personally found the soot from extensive paraffin wax candle burning was actually putting a dirty film on our walls and collecting in the carpet in the corners of rooms and near our vents.

✔ Longer-lasting: Natural waxes burn slower than paraffin

✔ Better for sensitive noses: Cleaner candles do not contain headache-inducing synthetic perfumes. If you’ve ever felt stuffy or gotten a headache after burning a candle, switching to a non-toxic, cleaner option might be your solution.

15 Non-Toxic Clean Burning Candles with Unique Scents

Otherland – Matchstick

Scent: Cucumber & Cut Grass. Made with coconut and soy wax blend, it also has a cotton wick and up to 55 hours of burn time. SHOP NOW

P.F. Candle Co. – Arroyo Oak

Scent: Earthy & Unisex. Their soy-coconut blend burns clean, and the amber glass jar ischic and unassuming. They claim that the fragrances they use are paraben-free & phthalate-free. SHOP NOW

Salt & Stone – Santal and Vetiver

Scent: Clean and Fresh. I have the deodorant and hand creme and now the candle as it’s such a subtle and lovely clean smell. SHOP NOW

Fontana Candles – Farmer’s Market

Scent: Refreshing, Crisp & Sweet. So refreshing – this beeswax and coconut oil candle is one of Fontana Candle’s best sellers for spring and summer. SHOP NOW

Homesick – New York

Scent: Inviting, Warm & Cozy. That perfect fall candle made with natural soy wax. SHOP NOW

Big Dipper Wax Works Beeswax – Serenity

Scent: Subtle, Gentle & Delicate. An enticing, warm aroma that releases negative ions that purify the air. SHOP NOW

Apotheke – Charcoal

Scent: Smoky, Sexy, Minimalist. This hand-poured soy candle is for lovers of dark, sultry fragrances. SHOP NOW

Voluspa – Mokara

Scent: Luxurious, Floral, Elegant. My personal favorite candle brand, this coconut wax candle is rich, floral, and endlessly burnable. SHOP NOW

Brooklyn Candle Studio – Palo Santo

Scent: Warm & Forest-Like. Woody and rich with sandalwood and amber, this soy-coconut blend is created with no synthetic dyes. SHOP NOW

Nest – Grapefruit

Scent: Zesty, Fresh, Juicy. Another one of my personal favortite candle brands, this is a bright, tangy scent that’s perfect for kitchens or home offices. Non-toxic and long-lasting. SHOP NOW

Le Labo – Santal 26

Scent: Creamy, Woody, Luxe. The ultimate splurge-worthy candle (warning: the price tag is not for the faint of heart), made with soy wax and a rich, addictive scent. SHOP NOW

Byredo – Bibliothèque

Scent: Warm, Leathery, Bookish. Another splurge candle, this one smells like an old library with a hint of sweetness. Clean-burning and ultra-luxurious. SHOP NOW

I really do think it’s worth it to splurge on some of these candles. Because they are made from cleaner-burning waxes, they typically have much longer burn times than your average candle from Walmart or Target. That’s not to say Walmart or Target don’t carry non-toxic candles, they most certainly do! But I do find the ones that are a bit more money have better and stronger scents and you’ll have them for a long time. Another way to keep toxicity to a low? Get a candle warmer! I cannot speak highly enough about them. I have one in our kitchen and my office and my candles last forever using them. I still like to use non-toxic candles even though they aren’t actually “burning” as they don’t normally include synthetic perfumes or some of the hormone-disrupting scents. I hope you found something you like! Most of these candles come in array of scents per brand so be sure to poke around and find the right scent for you!