How many candles do you have in your home right now? As popular gifts and aesthetic decor, the typical home probably has a few candles lying around. However, you’re emitting harmful chemicals and toxins into your home whenever you light one. It’s time to switch to non-toxic candles.

I know it might be a little painful to your soul and bank account to throw away the candles in your home, but isn’t that better than experiencing health issues from the toxins you’re inhaling? Candles can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, headaches, hormone disruption, dizziness, and skin irritation. All from a candle that’s supposed to make your home cozy! 

Let me introduce you to my favorite non-toxic candles that still give you that welcoming and comfortable feeling at home.

The Issues With Traditional Candles

We all love a home that smells divine, don’t we? I, for one, was totally hooked on all things fragrance, be it candles or room sprays. But here’s the deal—most of those scents are full of phthalates, which are the most common Obesogens. They can disrupt our hormones and lead to weight gain. 

Candles are full of artificial fragrances that make your home smell good, but they’re a cocktail of hormone-disrupting chemicals. You’re inhaling them all day and all night! These are some common toxins in candles:

• Paraffin Wax: When burned, paraffin wax can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, known carcinogens.
• Synthetic Fragrances: Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates to make scents last longer. However, phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption.
• Lead: Although the U.S. banned lead wicks in 2003, older or imported candles may still contain lead, which can cause serious health issues, especially in kids.
• VOCs: VOCs, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, are often released into the air when burning paraffin wax or synthetic additives.
• Dyes: Artificial pigments give candles vibrant colors, but when burned, they can release harmful fumes that irritate the respiratory system or contribute to indoor air pollution.

And this isn’t even half of it. Candles have so many toxins. One of the first things I tell people when they start a toxin-free lifestyle journey is to throw away fragrances, including candles!

How to Choose Non-Toxic Candles

Non-toxic candles use soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax instead of paraffin. These waxes burn cleaner and longer. Hemp, 100% cotton, or wood wicks are great non-toxic options.

I’ve talked a lot about fragrance and how to decide when reading labels if it’s a ‘good’ fragrance or not. Any time a label doesn’t disclose the type of fragrance in the product or if it just says ‘fragrance’ without explaining what exactly that means, RUN! “Fragrance” could include thousands of ingredients, and not disclosing them means they’re probably harmful. Instead, look for candles that use natural essential oils for fragrance. 

Non-toxic candles should not contain dyes or natural colorants. Some candles might use plant-based colorants, like beet juice or turmeric powder, which are safer and more eco-friendly. 

My Top 3 Non-Toxic Candle Recommendations

These are my absolute favorite non-toxic candles. I have a lot more recommendations in my shopping guide! They make great gifts and home decor.

ESAS Beauty

I love these candles and this company. ESAS non-toxic candles blend coconut and wild Japanese berry wax and use only certified organic botanical extracts and essential oils. They smell incredible. I also love that their packaging is made from refillable glass, bamboo lids, and biodegradable boxes, and their shipping material is compostable—made from paper or corn starch! The owners were on episode #58 to talk about why they left the fragrance industry to start their own business. Use the code WENDY20 for 20% off!

Primally Pure

Primally Pure non-toxic candles have the strongest scent that I’ve found. My home is full of Primally Pure products I love, made with only the best organic and regeneratively grown ingredients. Their candles use beeswax, coconut wax, and organic essential oils to boost the health of your home and brighten your mood. Use the code WENDYKATHRYN for 10% off! 

Willow Moon Farm

Willow Moon Farm produces and hand-pours candles on its farm. The candles are crafted with 100% soy wax sourced from American farmers. As a regenerative farm, Willow Moon Farm takes a holistic approach to farming to reduce its environmental impact and maintain sustainable practices. The owner, Sara, joined me on episode #61 to talk about how she makes her farm-fresh products. Use the code WENDY10 for 10% off!

Tips for Using Candles to Level-Up The Coziness

Now that you’ve ditched the toxins and replaced your candles with non-toxic alternatives, let’s level up the coziness in your home! 

Layer Your Scents

Have you ever used two candles with different scents at the same time? Place a few candles of different fragrances in various parts of the room, but make sure they complement each other. Lavender and vanilla create a calm environment. Citrus and mint might be more energizing. Try a few combinations!

Choose the Right Candle Size

Use smaller candles or tea lights in smaller rooms so you aren’t overwhelmed by the scent. In larger spaces, big or multiple candles can fill the space and spread the fragrance evenly. 

Set The Mood

Fragrances can impact your mood and energy levels. For relaxation, try lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood to unwind. Or maybe it’s the holidays, and you want to get in the Christmas spirit. Try holiday-inspired scents like pine, gingerbread, or cranberries to create a festive atmosphere. If you want to meditate, use grounding scents like sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, or cedarwood to help clear your mind.

You can also use candles as focal points throughout your home, such as table centerpieces or mantels and shelves. They can define spaces and give the room a warm glow.

Candle Care

Make your new non-toxic candles last as long as possible! Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting your candles to ensure a cleaner burn. This will also help your candles burn more evenly. Let your candle burn long enough for the wax to melt across the surface. When you light it for only a short time, the melted wax pools near the wick and creates a tunnel, which causes a ring of extra wax around the edges that you can’t light again after a while. And always remember to blow out your candles when you leave the room or go to sleep to avoid fire hazards!

Ditching Toxic Candles

So, are you ready to throw out your candles from Bath and Body Works and upgrade to new, non-toxic candles? I sure hope so! It’s an easy swap that can make a big difference in your home. Shop my favorites to find your new go-to’s!