Candle Season Is Upon Us: 11 Clean Burning Candle Brands For Your Home

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m a fragrance girl, through and through. This is typically in regard to perfume, but I also love setting the ambiance in my home with scented candles. There’s nothing quite like the soft flicker of candlelight and a delightful fragrance to make a space feel cozy and welcoming, and I’ll light one up most nights, no matter the season. 

That being said, I’m aware of the pitfalls of conventional candles. Perhaps you’ve heard about them too. But if you haven’t, let me break it down for you: Many candles contain some pretty nasty ingredients that disperse into the air when burned. This includes phthalates, benzene, and toluene – all of which can wreak havoc on your hormones and respiratory system. 

The Ugly Side of Conventional Candles

The FDA doesn’t require ingredients on candle labels, so mainstream candle companies don’t typically list them. That makes it difficult (or downright impossible) for consumers to know exactly what’s in the candle they’re purchasing. Similar to perfume and cosmetics, candle companies can get away with vague labeling because their formulas are protected as trade secrets. 

Sadly, unless all of the ingredients are listed on the label, you can pretty much assume the candle you're considering buying has at least some harmful ingredients in it. For instance, most candles are scented with synthetic fragrance oils, which may contain phthalates and other hormone disruptors. And then there’s the wax: Oftentimes, candles are made with paraffin wax, which is made of petroleum. When paraffin wax candles are burned, they release chemicals like toluene and benzene into the air, which can have adverse effects on your lungs. Lungs are a detox pathway in the body, so it’s important to keep them clean and healthy in order to function properly. 

What To Look For Instead

If you want to unwind by the light of a candle without breathing in junk, look for cleaner burning waxes. This includes coconut wax and soy wax. These waxes are nature-made and don’t contain the pollutants or carcinogens that are in typical paraffin wax, so they’re less likely to trigger allergies and health issues. Beeswax is another popular option – it actually purifies the air when it’s burning, and has been proven to last longer than other waxes. Many candle companies use a blend of these waxes to create a candle that burns evenly and for a long time. 

As far as fragrances, look for candles that are scented with essential oils or with phthalate-free fragrance. Phthalates are among the nastiest offenders in the synthetic fragrance world – they’ve been linked to a variety of health issues in terms of endocrine disruption, pregnancy, and child development. 

Unless a candle’s label or website indicates otherwise, you can pretty much assume that your average candle contains these worrisome ingredients. Play it safe and stick with candles that use only natural waxes and fragrances. 

Candle Recommendations 

If you’re a candle lover like me, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are plenty of healthier options in the candle world. Here are 11 of our favorite clean-burning candle brands, so you strike a match and set the ambiance in your home – without stressing out about what nasty chemicals you’re breathing in. 

Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Orchid + Ash

Orchid + Ash is an apothecary and fragrance line that focuses on home and personal fragrances. Their candles are made from an all-natural coconut wax blend, and the fragrances they use to scent the candles are ISO 9235 certified, meaning they are derived directly from plants as essential oils and isolates.  

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy scent that will have you longing for a night in with your favorite blanket and mocktail, try Golden. It’s my current favorite – I’m burning it as I type this – and it has the perfect blend of fig and pear, paired with spices, and a rich and comforting tonka bean base. 

Orchid + Ash Golden Candle, $48