There’s only one thing that can instantly change your mood, elevate your home, and transform the energy of your space: candles.
A candle isn’t just a household product—it’s a fixture. It’s an experience. The curated scent, the hypnotic flame, and even the chic container work together to create a specific ambiance you seriously can’t replicate any other way.
The thing is: most candles, while great for the vibes, are NOT great for your body. Traditional candles contain toxins that release harmful chemicals into the air you and your family breathe. Yikes, right?
If you’re anything like us, learning that was initially devastating. Because honestly, there’s nothing that matches the experience of burning a candle. And not only do most alternative air-freshing products not feel as effective, but they’re just as bad for your health.
But don’t stress yet! Thankfully, there are non-toxic candles out there just waiting to find their way into your home. This way, you can guiltlessly enjoy the ritual of lighting a redolent, hand-picked candle.
What Kinds of Candles Are Non-Toxic and Why Does It Matter?
In this post, we’ll break down why conventional candles are toxic and bad for your health. Then, we’ll explain what makes non-toxic candles different—and actually safe to burn in your home.
Finally, we’ll share our top non-toxic candle picks, so you can ditch your old flame and find your new spark. Ready for a cleaner love affair? Let’s get into our favorite natural candle brands:
Are Candles Toxic?
YES. They’re extremely toxic. Most candles on the shelves are made with paraffin wax, artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, and metal-core wicks.
When you burn these, they release something called “volatile organic compounds (VOCs).” These carcinogenic air pollutants can irritate your lungs, disrupt hormone function, and compromise your health in so many ways.
Here are just a few ways your candle stash may be impacting the way you feel:
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Lung irritation and respiratory issues
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Worsened allergies and asthma symptoms
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Headaches and migraines
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Brain fog and trouble concentrating
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Fatigue or a lingering “off” feeling after burning candles
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Hormone disruption
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Increased inflammation
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Disrupted sleep cycles
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Elevated stress levels
Are There Non-Toxic Candles?
The good news: yes. There are non-toxic candle brands out there that let you indulge in your cozy ritual without the negative health effects.
These candles are clean-burning, don’t produce VOCs, and are safe for you, your kids, and your pets. This is true even if you’re sensitive, have allergies, or deal with respiratory issues.
Here’s what makes a candle non-toxic:
What Makes a Candle Non-Toxic?
No Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct. More specifically, it’s a byproduct of crude oil refining. Ew, right? And when it burns, it doesn’t just melt—it combusts, releasing a cocktail of toxic compounds into the air.
Those toxins are VOCs, which we talked about earlier. It’s the same gunk you’ll find in car exhaust and industrial pollution. Obviously, that’s awful for you and the environment. And then when you light it in an enclosed space? 10x worse.
Non-toxic candles, on the other hand, are made with much cleaner-burning waxes. Beeswax, for example, isn’t just non-toxic—it’s actually known for helping purify the air.
Coconut wax doesn’t have the same air-purifying benefits, but it’s amazing at holding scent, which means the best aroma possible. That said, it’s still not our favorite—we prefer soy wax candles.
Soy wax is 100% plant-based and renewable. Soybeans can be grown again and again with little environmental impact, which definitely can’t be said for petroleum byproducts.
Plus, soy wax burns slower and cooler, so your candles last way longer. They’re clean-burning, eco-friendly, and pair perfectly with natural scents—basically everything you want in a candle.
Here’s more on the benefits of soy wax candles.
No Artificial Dyes
The candle aisle at your local Target or Bath & Body Works is lined with bold, uniform colors. But have you ever stopped to think about how candle wax gets to be those bright shades? The answer is petroleum-derived dyes that, honestly, shouldn’t be heated.
When those traditional candles burn, the colorants break down and release even more toxins into the air. Sure, the dyes make the candle look pretty, but… at what cost?
Most non-toxic candles you find are undyed. Instead, their appeal comes from the aesthetic container that houses the sustainable candle wax.
And when it comes to colored, clean-burning candles? They get their hues naturally from plants, minerals, or earth-derived pigments. That way, when the candle burns, the only thing going into the air is something like beetroot powder or ground clay—not synthetic dye fumes.
No Metal Wicks
Candle companies often use metal-core wicks to help the wick stand upright and burn evenly. The problem? Those metal cores can release trace metals into the air and increase the amount of soot your candle produces.
In some low-quality candles, there may even be lead in the metal core. It’s not always well regulated or clearly disclosed (especially with imported candles), so it’s hard to know exactly what you’re burning.
A clean-burning candle won’t use a metal wick at all. Instead, it’ll have a natural fiber, cotton, or wood core. Not only do these avoid pumping unnecessary toxins into your home, but they also burn more evenly and produce way less soot.
No Synthetic Fragrances
We’ve talked a lot about how a candle looks or burns, and of course, that matters. However, what really draws us to a candle is the way it smells. The whole point is to fill a room with a pleasant aroma.
The thing is, those strong, long-lasting scents we’re used to aren’t natural. Manufacturers may mimic familiar notes like vanilla or sandalwood, but they often formulate these scents using hundreds of undisclosed synthetic chemicals.
These synthetic fragrances are a major source of VOCs released into the air. Burning them can cause headaches, hormonal disruption, irritated lungs, and more.
The good news is that there are plenty of candles made with non-toxic scents. They still smell amazing but rely on essential oils or botanical infusions rather than synthetic fragrance blends.
That way, you still get your aromatic candle moment—without compromising your health or wellness goals. And if scented candles aren’t a must for you, fragrance-free candles still create the same cozy ambiance.
What Are the Best Non-Toxic Candles?
Best Overall: The Skinny Confidential
The best natural option on the market is The Skinny Confidential Non-Toxic Candle. It’s luxurious enough to elevate a special moment, yet subtle enough for everyday use—the perfect balance.
Featuring a 100% cotton, metal-free wick and natural soy wax, this candle burns cleaner, cooler, and longer than conventional candles. (42 hours from an 8 oz jar!) Plus, you can use this candle hack to extend its life even more.
The scent comes from organic eucalyptus essential oil—a fresh, neutral aroma that instantly makes your home (or office) feel calm, grounded, and refined.
And eucalyptus doesn’t just smell good. It’s known for its powerful aromatherapy benefits, making the TSC Non-Toxic Candle about more than just the aesthetic. It supports your health and wellness, too.
Eucalyptus essential oil may help:
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Cleanse and purify the air
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Relieve colds, allergies, and congestion
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Support immune health
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Ease headaches and migraines
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Soothe stress and anxiety
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Promote deeper, more restful sleep
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Boost focus and concentration
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Ease muscle tension
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Aid detoxification
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Encourage clear, radiant skin
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Support oral health
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Repel insects naturally
Yep, all that from a candle! See why we’re so passionate about making The Skinny Confidential Non-Toxic Candle a part of your daily rituals?
And if all of that isn’t enough, the candle is also just really chic. While it skips artificial dyes, it comes in a sophisticated pink glass jar with subtle embossing on the front.
The design is timeless, minimal, and quietly luxurious—making it the kind of candle that looks right at home on any coffee table, office desk, nightstand, or bathroom counter.
Best Decorative: Anaïs Candle
If you’re looking for a candle that’s almost too pretty to burn, you want an Anaïs candle. This brand makes these sculptural beauties right in the USA—and they also conveniently double as 3D pieces of art!
They’re anything but minimal, featuring designs like Grecian busts, divine pâtisserie, and ornate floral arrangements. Think of them as the perfect centerpiece for a chic dinner party or a vintage-inspired home.
The wax is a blend of beeswax and natural soy, finished with a cotton wick. Each scent is soft and romantic, with subtle hints of old-world charm. If you love a candle that feels more like décor than a daily burn, Anaïs candles are perfect.
Best Refillable: Siblings
When it comes to sustainable candles, it’s not just about using clean ingredients. It’s also about reducing waste. Siblings does exactly that with their all-natural, refillable candles made from a coconut and soy wax blend.
The cool thing is, you can either purchase one of their permanent candle jars or just use a container you already own. That means you can select the perfect vessel to fit your home’s aesthetic—and maybe save money along the way.
From there, you choose one of their safe, clean scent options, ranging from fresh and fruity to earthy and floral. It comes in pellets, packaged in heat-safe pouches.
Once your wax arrives, you simply microwave it for a few seconds until melted. Then, place the included wick into your chosen jar, pour in the wax, let it set, and trim the wick to size. After that, you’re ready to burn.
It’s an easy, low-waste way to reduce, reuse, and recycle—while guiltlessly enjoying your candle-burning ritual.
Best Tapered: Big Dipper Wax Works
Tapered candles have a timeless, feminine feel we all love. They’re perfect for vintage candelabras or for elevating a table setting, and Big Dipper Wax Works is a great place to find them.
They offer a wide range of non-toxic beeswax tapered candles in different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs. It’s the perfect way to add visual interest to your space.
These candles aren’t scented beyond the natural, subtle honey aroma of beeswax. They’re more about setting the mood than filling the room with fragrance.
And if you love the sculptural look of Anaïs candles, Big Dipper has some playful and approachable alternatives. So, for non-toxic decorative candles, Big Dipper should be one of your go-tos.
Best Masculine: Keap Candles
Candles can feel really feminine, but that doesn’t mean men can’t also partake in the fun. If you have a man who enjoys the sharpening, grounding ritual of burning a candle, Keap is a great option.
Their non-toxic coconut wax candles actually come in minimalist, reusable glass tumblers. Once you’ve burned the entire candle, you can wash the container and turn it into a drinking glass. It’s perfect for holding his favorite bourbon or smoked cocktail.
Each candle also comes with a coaster and a box of matches, making it a seriously masculine-friendly self-care experience. And of course, the scents lean bold and nature-inspired, with aromas that feel earthy, warm, and refined.
With non-toxic candles, you don’t have to choose between ambiance and your health.
Once you know what’s inside traditional candles, it’s obvious you’ve got to make the swap for a non-toxic home. And upgrading is easy when you know exactly what to look for and what to avoid.
Cleaner waxes, safer wicks, and natural scents don’t just support better air quality. They actually elevate the entire candle-burning experience. When you know a ritual is good for you, it feels better in every way.
For more ways to upgrade your daily routine, browse the wellness section of The Skinny Confidential Shop. We’ve got everything you need to make every moment more mindful, refreshing, and supportive.
