Fall is scent season. The moment the weather turns crisp, we reach for candles that smell like pumpkin pie, fallen leaves, or a cozy fireplace. But if you're here, you're probably asking the better question: What are the best fall candle scents that are also non-toxic?
Let's get into it.
Why Choosing Non-Toxic Fall Scents Matters
Not all candles are created equal. Many conventional candles use paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct) and synthetic fragrances that can release phthalates and other potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
A non-toxic candle, on the other hand, is typically made with:
- Soy or beeswax (instead of paraffin)
- Cotton wicks (no metal cores)
- Fragrances that are free from phthalates, carcinogens, and Prop 65-listed toxins
At ReCandle Co., we go a step further. Our refillable candle system pairs clean-burning soy wax with non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrances. Everything is designed to be sustainable, easy to use, and beautifully made—from our handmade ceramic jars to our zero waste refills.
What Makes a Fall Candle Scent "Fall"?
Fall scents typically feature warm, cozy, and earthy notes that evoke the season. Common fragrance families include:
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger
- Woods: Cedar, sandalwood, teakwood, pine
- Gourmand: Pumpkin, apple, maple, caramel, vanilla
- Earthy: Fallen leaves, moss, amber, tobacco
- Resinous: Frankincense, myrrh, balsam
The best fall candles combine several of these notes to create depth and complexity.
Favorite Clean Fall Scents to Look For
Let's talk cozy. These are the seasonal scents that pop up year after year—and for good reason. Here's what to look for in a non-toxic version:
Pumpkin Spice
The quintessential fall scent. Think warm pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Look for blends that use clean fragrance oils and soy wax.
Our seasonal Pumpkin Spice refill features all the cozy fall vibes without any of the toxic additives. Available every fall season.
Apple Crisp and Warm Spice
If you want something sweet but a little fresher than pumpkin, try apple-forward blends or earthy spice notes like nutmeg and cinnamon. These scents feel homey and welcoming without being too heavy.
Autumn Woods and Forest Scents
Crisp, forest-inspired scents—often with notes of fir, cedar, or dried leaves. This category is a favorite among clean candle lovers who don't want anything too sweet.
Our Frasier Fir and Caribbean Teakwood both work beautifully for this vibe.
Amber and Resinous Scents
A more refined, year-round scent that still reads fall when the weather cools. Amber Noir is deep, moody, and perfect for cool evenings.
Earthy and Green
Think moss, sage, eucalyptus, or fig. These scents feel grounded and natural, perfect for people who prefer subtle, sophisticated fragrances over sweet gourmands.
Mediterranean Fig and White Eucalyptus both fit this category beautifully.
ReCandle's Best Fall Candle Scents
Fall candles should be cozy—but they should also be clean, safe, and low-waste. That's where ReCandle Co. comes in.
Our soy wax refill system is made with non-toxic fragrance oils and 100% cotton wicks, free from anything on California's Prop 65 list. And because our zero waste candle refills are designed to pop in and out of our handmade ceramic vessels, there's no cleanup or leftover jars.
This fall, we recommend:
Pumpkin Spice
Cozy cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm pumpkin notes. The classic fall candle, reimagined without the toxins.
Amber Noir
A deep, moody blend perfect for cool evenings. Warm amber, vanilla, and subtle spice create a sophisticated fall atmosphere.
Caribbean Teakwood
Unexpectedly autumnal with wood and spice tones. This grounding scent feels like a walk through a forest on a crisp fall day.
Frasier Fir
Fresh pine with subtle earthiness. Perfect for people who want a natural, outdoorsy fall scent without sweetness.
Mediterranean Fig
Earthy, lightly sweet, and sophisticated. This scent transitions beautifully from summer into fall.
If you're not sure which scent to start with, our candle subscription makes it easy—receive a seasonal surprise every month or two, always clean and low-waste.
How to Layer Fall Scents for Maximum Coziness
Want to take your fall candle game to the next level? Try layering two complementary scents:
- Pumpkin Spice + Caribbean Teakwood: Sweet meets woody for a balanced, complex scent
- Amber Noir + Frasier Fir: Warm amber with fresh pine creates a sophisticated fall vibe
- Mediterranean Fig + White Eucalyptus: Earthy and fresh, perfect for subtle fall ambiance
For more on scent layering, see our guide on how to master candle scent layering.
Fall Candle Safety Tips
Clean candles may burn differently than what you're used to—here's how to make the most of them:
- Trim your wick to ¼ inch before each burn
- Let the melt pool reach the edge of the candle before extinguishing (this prevents tunneling)
- Burn in smaller spaces for a stronger scent experience
- Store refills in a cool, dry place to preserve fragrance
- Never leave a candle burning unattended
For comprehensive safety guidance, check out our candle safety tips.
Non-Toxic Fall Candles as Gifts
Non-toxic fall candles make thoughtful, low-waste gifts for just about anyone:
- Your eco-conscious best friend
- A host or hostess during fall gatherings
- Anyone sensitive to fragrance or toxins
- Teachers, neighbors, or coworkers
- Yourself (obviously)
Pair it with our candle subscription box for a gift that keeps on glowing. For more gift ideas, see our sustainable candle gift guide.
What to Avoid in Fall Candles
When shopping for fall candles, watch out for:
Paraffin Wax
This petroleum-based wax can release harmful chemicals when burned. Look for soy, coconut, or beeswax instead.
Phthalates
These chemicals are often added to fragrances to make scents last longer, but they're hormone disruptors. Always choose phthalate-free candles.
Lead or Metal-Core Wicks
Some cheap candles use wicks with metal cores that release toxins when burned. Stick with cotton or wood wicks.
Synthetic Dyes
Artificial coloring can produce soot and chemicals when burned. Look for naturally colored or undyed candles.
Vague Ingredient Lists
If a brand won't tell you what's in their candles, that's a red flag. Transparency matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are essential oils safe in candles?
Yes, but they burn differently than synthetic fragrance oils. ReCandle uses safe, phthalate-free fragrance blends designed specifically for candle use. Some essential oils can be unstable when heated or irritating when inhaled.
Do soy candles smell as strong as traditional candles?
Not always. Soy has a lighter scent throw compared to paraffin, but it burns cleaner and longer—and avoids the toxins found in paraffin candles. Quality matters more than wax type when it comes to scent strength.
How do the refills work?
Our wax refill pops easily into your reusable ceramic jar. Once it's burned down, just swap it out for a new one—no mess, no scraping, no tools. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to refill candles.
When should I start burning fall candles?
Whenever it feels right! Some people start as early as September 1st, while others wait for cooler weather. There's no wrong time to enjoy a cozy scent.
Are fall candles safe for pets?
Yes, as long as they're made with non-toxic ingredients and you follow basic safety precautions. Avoid candles with essential oils that can be harmful to pets (like tea tree or eucalyptus in high concentrations). For more, see our guide on candles safe for pets.
Can I burn fall candles year-round?
Absolutely! If you love the scent, burn it whenever you want. Scent preferences are personal, and there's no rule against enjoying pumpkin spice in July.
Looking for your next favorite scent? Explore our clean, seasonal candle refills and make fall smell as good as it feels.
