
9 Best Non Toxic Candles That Still Smell Just As Good
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Time to read 6 min
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Time to read 6 min
After turning 25, I started noticing my body becoming more sensitive to everyday things, especially fragrances and harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, that even included my beloved Diptyque and Le Labo candles.
The thing is, most candles are full of synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and even toxic wicks that can cause headaches, allergies, or just mess with the air in your home. Once I learned that, I made the switch to cleaner options - and it’s honestly been a game changer.
Beeswax and soy based candles not only burn cleaner, but they actually help purify the air and don’t leave you with that heavy, artificial scent.
I went down the rabbit hole of researching and testing, and rounded up my favorite non toxic candles that I personally think are worth it. These are the ones I’d actually buy again (and have in my own home).
Primally Pure is one of my favorite clean skincare brands, so I was excited when they launched candles.
This one has such a fresh, uplifting scent with grapefruit and lavender that doesn’t feel overpowering. It’s made with beeswax and coconut wax (so no nasty paraffin), and it actually helps purify the air while it burns.
Honestly, it feels more like wellness than just a candle, which is why I keep it on rotation.
Related: If you’re also trying to swap out other everyday products, I shared my favorite clean toothpastes here.
If you are not familiar with Credo, they are known for ONLY carrying clean products on their website.
One verified buyer said, "I don't buy candles for my house anymore because of toxins and fragrances, so I was excited to look on Credo to see if they had non-toxic alternative recommendations. This candle is not overpowering in scent and is formulated with coconut oil and slight essential oils. It also burns really nicely."
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I’m obsessed with this one because of the ceramic vase. It doubles as decor, and you can refill it once the candle burns out.
The scent is light and the natural cotton wick makes for a clean burn. It’s free of all the bad stuff (phthalates, parabens, sulfates), so it’s a guilt free buy. Definitely a candle that feels more special than your usual pick.
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The Skinny Confidential is all about clean, high quality products.
If you don’t already listen to their podcast (you should), they feature tons of guests focused on beauty, health, and self improvement. They recently launched a candle made with 2 ingredients: 100% natural soy wax and essential oils. Reviewers are raving about how amazing it smells and how cute the packaging is.
The only downside is that the candle is pink, which might be tricky to match in some households, especially if you live with a guy, lol. In that case, it could make the perfect addition to a bathroom.
This one is a little trickier. It’s made with soy wax and a cotton wick, but the ingredient list wasn’t crystal clear (it does mention fragrance oils).
Still, the recycled glass vessel is chic, and their supplier has worked with luxury brands like Hermès, which feels kind of fancy. If you want something that looks elevated without spending $80+, this is a fun option.
This brand has a great selection of scents, all made with 100% pure beeswax and essential oils. It has a natural wood wick for a long, clean burn and comes in a reusable amber jar, perfect to use once the candle is gone.
One verified buyer said, "Finally a non toxic candle you can actually smell the scent and it smells great!"
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This Etsy seller has really cute packaging, and I love that the beeswax is local. The amber glass not only looks pretty but also helps preserve the candle’s scent and quality.
Shipping is fast, and it feels good to support a small business. It’s one of those finds that makes you feel like you discovered a hidden gem on Etsy.
Related: Check out my favorite non-toxic detergent brand.
I found this candle business through an influencer on Tiktok who says these are one of her favorite clean candle brands. The Pure Honey beeswax candle is a non toxic and fragrance-free candle.
Because it's unscented, it naturally emits a subtle honey aroma with light floral notes, making it perfect for those sensitive to artificial fragrances. Made from pure beeswax with a lead free cotton wick and no phthalates, this candle burns clean, avoiding the harmful toxins found in many conventional candles. Beeswax also has the added benefit of releasing negative ions, which help purify the air by neutralizing pollutants like dust and pollen. Ethically sourced from California raised bees, this candle is a safe and natural choice for anyone wanting to create a toxin-free home.
This one is honestly my favorite from this list.
Looking for more non toxic household items? Check out my favorite non toxic dishwasher pods
You can always count on Branch Basics for clean products. I have their laundry detergent and cleaning supply kit and love it. This candle is made from 100% beeswax and an organic cotton wick. If you follow the directions, beeswax burns cleanly, emitting no toxic chemicals to keep the air free of harmful contaminants.
One verified purchaser said, "It’s really hard to find a beeswax candle that is good quality without any added bad stuff. I was so happy to find that branch offered this. This is my second purchase and I’m so happy with the candle so far. It clears the air of odors and doesn’t replace with any toxic fumes. Love it."
To figure out if a candle is toxic, you’ll want to pay attention to a few things. First, check the ingredients - candles made from paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and lead wicks release harmful chemicals when they are lit. Look for candles made from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, which are much cleaner options.
Also, be mindful of the wick!! Cotton or wooden wicks are ideal, while anything with lead can be toxic. You also want to stay away from artificial scented candles or ones with chemicals in them. Remember, if a candle is made with natural ingredients like essential oils and has a clean-burning wick, it’s a good sign it’s nontoxic.
Yes, paraffin wax is considered unhealthy because it’s a byproduct of petroleum, and when it is being burned, it can release bad chemicals into your space. There have been studies that this can cause respiratory issues and cancer.
Candles made from paraffin wax might smell nice, but they can harm both your health and the environment. Opting for candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax is a better, cleaner alternative.
It depends. Some people with allergies or asthma may still be sensitive to strong essential oils. If that’s you, I’d start with unscented beeswax or very lightly scented options.
They tend to be a little pricier, but they also burn longer and cleaner. I find that I use them more mindfully, and honestly, the peace of mind is what is actually worth it.
Looking for non-toxic alternatives? Check out Caraways non-toxic cookware set.