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Candles have a way of making things softer and a little more magical.. Not to mention the aesthetic of the pretty jars they come in. Unfortunately, many store bought candles are hiding toxic ingredients that are poisoning you and your family. The good news is there are many safe options and the complete guide is below! ♡
Toxic Candle Ingredients to Avoid:
✖ Paraffin Wax – A petroleum byproduct that releases benzene and toluene when burned—both are known carcinogens.
✖ Synthetic Fragrance – Often made from undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and respiratory issues including asthma.
✖ Lead or Zinc Core Wicks – These release heavy metals into the air when burned (most are banned in the US, but some imported candles still sneak them in).
✖ Artificial Dyes – Bright colors = synthetic chemical dyes, which can also emit harmful particles when burned.
✖ Fragrance” or “parfum”- These are loophole terms that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals as the industry is unregulated.
✖ Stearic Acid (animal-derived in some candles) – Not toxic, but for those wanting cruelty-free products, be aware of this.
3 Pro Tips for Shopping Non-Toxic Candles
♡ Check the Wax Type First ♡
Beeswax – One of the purest options! Beeswax actually purifies the air by releasing negative ions. It has a natural honey scent and long burn time.
Coconut Wax – Ultra-clean burning and creamy in texture. Coconut wax is eco-friendly and often blended with other plant waxes for stability.
Soy Wax – Made from soybeans, it’s a renewable and biodegradable wax that burns clean and slow. Great for holding scent.
Palm Wax (only if certified sustainable) – Some candles use palm wax for a textured finish, but always check for RSPO certification to ensure it’s ethically sourced.
♡ Check the Scent Source ♡
Should be one of the following:
- Essential oils
- Natural botanical extracts
- Paraben and Phthalate-free fragrance oils
♡ Check the Wick Type ♡
- Cotton wicks or wooden wicks are safest!
Additional Bonuses because caring about the Earth is cool!
Look for:
- Recyclable or reusable containers (like glass jars or tins).
- Plastic-free packaging
- Brands that use minimal or eco-conscious shipping
- EWG Verified
- Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free)
- IFRA Compliant (for safe fragrance standards)
- Vegan (omit beeswax if you are)
♡ Your Candles, Your Peace
When you choose non-toxic candles, you are not only protecting the health of you and your family. You are setting an intention to protect your space, your spirit, and the Earth. That is divine living, babe. ♡
