{"id":38368,"date":"2024-11-12T10:33:04","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T15:33:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehealthymaven.com\/?p=38368"},"modified":"2025-11-11T16:47:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T21:47:09","slug":"non-toxic-candles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehealthymaven.com\/non-toxic-candles\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Non Toxic Candles [Yes! Candles Can be Toxic]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for the best candles free of toxins? With better-for-you ingredients including waxes, wicks and fragrance, this round-up of the best non toxic candles will ensure your home is smelling great while also caring for your health.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know it’s easy to feel like everything<\/em> is harming our health but when it’s a simple fix like swapping out your candles or cleaning products<\/a>, I want to be here to educate you and empower you to make that decision for yourself! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I get into the best non toxic candles I wanted to share a little bit about what makes candles “toxic” and what to look out for when it comes to buying candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TLDR; <\/strong>For the safest healthiest candle to burn, look for soy, coconut or beeswax candles, unbleached cotton, hemp or wooden wicks and scented with pure essential oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Some Candles Really Toxic?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Conventional scented candles can literally be considered pollution in the home. They let off harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds that can affect everything from your breathing to your hormones. What do you need to look for? I’ve narrowed it down to just three things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial fragrances<\/strong> \u2013 Artificial scents from chemicals have been associated with a variety of health issues (source<\/a>). In addition, synthetic fragrances can contain phthalates, which are chemicals that have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Ditch artificial fragrances and look for natural aromas from essential oils or phthalate-free candles instead. I promise they’ll smell better and won’t give you that horrible fragrance headache!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin wax<\/strong> \u2013 If you walk down the candle aisle at Target or through the candle store at your local mall, they’re likely made with paraffin wax which is a petrochemical byproduct. That means it’s from petroleum refining. When burned it lets off toxic chemicals including toluene and benzene. These are often associated with cancer causing compounds (source<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metal wicks<\/strong> \u2013 Another tidbit you might be surprised by. Some wicks have a tiny wire inside. When that burns, they can release heavy metals that are associated with disrupting your hormones, reproductive and neurological systems (source<\/a>). Look for 100% cotton wicks, hemp or wood wicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n