Candles are meant to create calm, not concern. But if you've ever Googled "are candles toxic?" and fallen into a rabbit hole of scary headlines, we get it. There's a lot of conflicting information out there, and not all of it is helpful (or true).
Let's break down the facts about candle safety, what makes a candle potentially toxic, and (most importantly) how to find non-toxic candles that feel as good as they smell.
And if you're trying to understand what makes candles non-toxic or how they affect indoor air quality, start with our Non-Toxic Candles & Clean Air Guide.
First Things First: Why Do People Say Candles Are Toxic?
There's a reason "toxic candles" became such a buzzy topic. Historically, some candles really were made with harmful ingredients, like:
- Paraffin wax: A petroleum byproduct that can release benzene and toluene (two known carcinogens) when burned
- Lead-core wicks: Banned in the U.S. in 2003, but may still be found in unregulated imports
- Synthetic fragrances with phthalates: Linked to endocrine disruption and other health concerns
So yes, the concern isn't totally made up. But thankfully, most modern candle makers (ReCandle Co. included) know better.
Can Candles Make You Sick? Understanding the Real Risks
The short answer: it depends on the candle and how you use it.
Low-quality candles made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter into your indoor air. Over time, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, this can contribute to:
- Headaches and migraines
- Respiratory irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Eye, nose, and throat discomfort
- Aggravation of asthma or allergies
If you've ever felt unwell after burning a candle, you're not imagining it. Check out our guide on candles that don't cause headaches for more on this. To understand the broader picture, read our article on how candles impact indoor air quality.
The good news? Clean-burning candles made with safe ingredients don't carry these risks.
How Do You Know If a Candle Is Toxic?
Here's a quick checklist to help you identify potentially harmful candles:
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Paraffin-based wax: If the label says "paraffin" or doesn't specify the wax type at all, there's a chance it may release indoor air pollutants when burned
- No mention of "phthalate-free": Fragrance ingredients aren't usually disclosed. If phthalates aren't explicitly ruled out, assume they could be present
- Missing Prop 65 compliance: California's Prop 65 law requires disclosure of potentially harmful ingredients. If a brand doesn't mention it, that's a red flag
- Metallic-looking wick: Lead-core wicks are banned in the U.S., but some imported candles may still contain metal cores like zinc or tin. If the wick looks shiny or metallic and there's no info on the label, skip it. Look for cotton or wood wicks instead
- Suspiciously cheap price: If a candle is priced unusually low, it's likely cutting corners with ingredients like paraffin wax or untested synthetic fragrance oils
- Zero ingredient transparency: If a brand isn't clearly stating what kind of wax, fragrance, or wick it uses (especially on its website or packaging), they're probably using cheaper or lower-quality materials
- Overwhelming or artificial scent: A headache-inducing smell could be a sign of phthalates or unregulated synthetics
- Excessive soot or smoke: This might point to a paraffin base or a poorly made wick
- Vague labeling on imports: Some international candles may not follow U.S. safety regulations, especially for wicks or fragrance disclosures
In short, if a candle raises more questions than it answers, it's worth thinking twice. Safe candles will usually tell you exactly what they're made from and why it matters.
Which Candles Are Toxic? Common Culprits
While not all candles are created equal, here are the types most likely to contain harmful ingredients:
Paraffin Candles
Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct commonly found in cheap, mass-produced candles. When burned, it can release benzene, toluene, and other VOCs that impact indoor air quality. If you see "paraffin wax" on the label, or if the wax type isn't specified at all, consider it a red flag.
"Soy Blend" Candles Without Transparency
Candles labeled "soy blend" can legally contain a high percentage of paraffin, even if the brand doesn't call it out clearly. Without transparency about the exact blend ratio, you're better off choosing 100% soy, coconut, or beeswax.
Candles with Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. Unless a candle explicitly states "phthalate-free," assume phthalates could be present.
Heavily Scented or Artificially Colored Candles
Overwhelming scents or bright artificial colors often signal the use of synthetic additives and petroleum-based dyes. These can release additional toxins when burned.
Imported Candles with Unclear Labeling
Some candles imported from countries with less stringent regulations may still contain banned substances like lead-core wicks or undisclosed toxic ingredients.
So, What Type of Candles Are Safe?
Looking for the safest candles to burn? Here's what to choose:
Safe Wax Options:
- 100% soy wax: Plant-based, clean-burning, and biodegradable
- Coconut wax: Slow-burning and often blended with soy for structure
- Beeswax: Natural and purifying, though it has a distinct honey scent
Safe Fragrance:
- Phthalate-free fragrance oils
- Free from California Prop 65 chemicals
- No parabens or synthetic musks
- Transparent about fragrance sourcing
Safe Wicks:
- 100% cotton wicks
- Wood wicks
- Paper-core wicks
- Never metal-core
Transparent Brands:
Choose brands that are clear about what goes into their products and why. If a company isn't willing to tell you what's in their candles, that's a red flag.
The ReCandle Co. Difference: Clean, Safe, and Refillable
At ReCandle Co., our entire candle system is built around clean, refillable, non-toxic ingredients:
- 100% soy wax: Plant-based and clean-burning
- Non-toxic, phthalate-free scents: No Prop 65 ingredients, carcinogens, or reproductive toxins
- Cotton wicks: No lead, no zinc, no metals
- Clean burn design: Formulated to burn cleanly in small, well-ventilated spaces
- Reusable ceramic vessels: Our handmade ceramic vessels mean you're not tossing containers or exposing yourself to glues, adhesives, or chemical finishes
- Easy refills: Our soy wax refills pop in and out cleanly, no scraping required
We're safe for people, pets, and the planet. Speaking of pets, check out our guide on candles safe for pets for more information.
Are Dripless or Unscented Candles Safer?
Are Dripless Candles Toxic?
Not automatically, but check the label. "Dripless" usually just means the wax burns evenly and doesn't drip down the side. It doesn't tell you anything about the wax type or fragrance safety. Many dripless candles still use paraffin.
Are Unscented Candles Toxic?
They can be, if they're made with paraffin or poor-quality wax. "Unscented" doesn't automatically mean "non-toxic." You still need to check the wax type and wick material.
How to Burn Candles Safely (Even Good Ones)
Even the cleanest candle can impact air quality if burned improperly. Here are some best practices:
- Ventilate your space: Crack a window or door when burning candles, especially in small rooms
- Trim your wick: Keep it at ¼ inch to reduce soot and smoke
- Don't overburn: Limit burn time to 3-4 hours at a time
- Use appropriately sized candles: Small candles for small rooms, larger candles for open spaces
- Extinguish properly: Use a snuffer or gently blow out the flame to minimize smoke
- Keep away from drafts: Wind causes uneven burning and more soot
Looking for Safe Candles? Here's What to Choose
If you're ready to switch to safer candles, here's what to look for:
- 100% soy, coconut, or beeswax (not paraffin or vague "blends")
- Phthalate-free, non-toxic fragrance oils
- Cotton or wood wicks (no metal cores)
- Brands that are transparent about ingredients
- Refillable or reusable options to reduce waste
For a complete guide on how to identify and choose the safest candles, check out our detailed article on what candles are non-toxic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all candles toxic?
No. Candles made with clean-burning wax (like soy, coconut, or beeswax), phthalate-free fragrances, and cotton wicks are safe when burned properly. The key is choosing quality, transparent brands.
Can burning candles make you sick?
Yes, if they're made with paraffin wax or synthetic fragrances containing phthalates. These can release VOCs and particulate matter that cause headaches, respiratory irritation, and other symptoms, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
How can I tell if my candle is toxic?
Check the label for paraffin wax, lack of "phthalate-free" claims, vague wax descriptions like "premium blend," metallic-looking wicks, or missing ingredient transparency. If a candle produces excessive soot or has an overwhelming artificial smell, those are also warning signs.
Are soy candles always safe?
Not always. Look for "100% soy wax" rather than "soy blend," which can contain paraffin. Even 100% soy candles can be unsafe if they use phthalate-containing fragrances or metal-core wicks.
What's the safest type of candle to burn?
The safest candles are made with 100% soy, coconut, or beeswax, phthalate-free fragrances, cotton or wood wicks, and come from transparent brands that disclose their ingredients.
Are paraffin candles really that bad?
Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that can release benzene, toluene, and other VOCs when burned. While occasional use in well-ventilated spaces may not cause immediate harm, regular exposure in poorly ventilated rooms can impact indoor air quality and health over time.
Should I throw away all my old candles?
Not necessarily. If you have paraffin candles, consider burning them only in well-ventilated spaces or saving them for outdoor use. Going forward, choose cleaner options when purchasing new candles.
Final Verdict: How Toxic Are Candles?
They can be, but they don't have to be.
If you're burning mass-produced paraffin candles with synthetic fragrance in unventilated rooms? Not great.
But if you choose clean-burning, transparent brands with natural wax and safe scents? You're golden. You can enjoy all the glow with none of the guesswork.
Toxicity depends on the ingredients. Look for clean wax, safe wicks, and phthalate-free fragrances.
With ReCandle Co., you get refillable, low-waste candles made from clean, non-toxic materials that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. No compromises. Just clean burns and good vibes.
