15 Non-Toxic Candles That Smell Amazing
On the hunt for delicious smelling candles that don’t wreak havoc on your hormones? We’ve got you covered.
As tempting as it is to sniff your way through the HomeGoods candle aisle to find the perfect fragrance for your space this season, resist the urge. You might be breathing in more nasty chemicals than you realize.
What’s the Problem with Conventional Candles?
I love a scented candle as much as the next girl. Nothing feels more carefree than the fragrance of a citronella candle as the sun sets over a girls’ night on the patio in the summer. The inaugural lighting of a pumpkin spice scent in the fall honestly makes me giddy. And don’t even get me started on the simple joys of evergreen and peppermint candles when the calendar makes its way into December. But with more research coming out on the dangers of artificial fragrances and waxes, the home fragrance world can be tricky to navigate.
The problem with conventional candles is that they’re typically made from waxes and fragrances that are harmful to our bodies when breathed in. The average candle that you’d find at the mall or a home decor store is most likely made from paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum. When this wax is burned, it releases chemicals like toluene and benzene into the air, which can damage your lungs, thereby weakening your ability to breathe properly and your body’s ability to detox. The synthetic fragrances used in conventional candles are also harmful, since they contain phthalates and other nasty hormone disruptors.
What To Look for in a Clean Candle
In the days of greenwashing and label trickery, it can be hard to determine what the terms clean and non-toxic actually mean. When it comes to home fragrance, we mean candles that are made from non-paraffin wax and non-synthetic fragrances. Unless these things are stated on the label or website, it’s likely that your candle doesn’t meet the clean requirements.
The good news is that everything needed to make delightful, pleasant smelling candles can be found in nature. When buying a candle, look for ingredients that come from the earth. Think naturally derived waxes and pure essential oils. Ideally, the wick should either be wood or 100% cotton.
Lately, beeswax candles have surged in popularity (although the wax has obviously been used for candle making for thousands of years). Beeswax candles are known to clean the air of allergens, bacteria, and pollutants. While burning, they release negative ions into the air, which have positive effects on your health.
That being said, pure beeswax isn’t the only natural wax that’s ideal for candles. Coconut wax and soy wax are also good options. Many natural companies use a blend for maximum burn time and evenness. Try to find candles that use the purest form of these waxes (look for words like organic, unrefined, virgin, or raw on the label).
Worth the Splurge
As is the case with most cleaner products, non-toxic candles typically come with a heftier price tag. That’s because they’re made from natural ingredients that can’t be cooked up in a lab like paraffin wax and artificial fragrance oils can. But don’t let sticker shock prevent you from making the switch. Not only are natural ingredient candles better for your health, but they also tend to burn longer than conventional paraffin wax, meaning your dollar goes further ounce per ounce.
Ready to make your home smell amazing without slowly poisoning yourself? (Melodramatic, sure, but true.) Read on to see our favorite non-toxic candle brands and scents.