A cozy guide to seasonal, safe scents that feel like autumn—but don’t compromise your health or the planet.
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.
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, like P.F. Candle Co.'s Spiced Pumpkin or our own seasonal Pumpkin Spice refill (available since September).
Apple Crisp & Acorn Spice
If you want something sweet but a little fresher than pumpkin, try apple-forward blends or earthy spice notes like acorn or nutmeg. Brands like Mrs. Meyer’s have popular clean versions of Acorn Spice.
Autumn Leaves & Woods
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. Voluspa’s Baltic Amber or Sweet Water Decor’s Sweater Weather are great examples.
Leather & Smoke
Rustic and warm, these blends pair perfectly with cool nights and soft sweaters. Think smoky woods, worn leather, and hints of tobacco or amber. Paddywax’s Worn Leather & Smoke candle is a cult favorite in this space.
Amber & Moss
A more refined, year-round scent that still reads fall when the weather cools. Reddit users repeatedly call out P.F. Candle Co.’s Amber & Moss as their go-to non-toxic fall candle.
Why ReCandle’s Refillable, Non-Toxic Candles Win Fall
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.
- Amber Noir – A deep, moody blend perfect for cool evenings.
- Caribbean Teakwood – Unexpectedly autumnal with wood and spice tones.
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.
Tips for Maximizing Scent & Safety
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" 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
And remember—never leave a candle burning unattended (you knew that, but we had to say it).
Who This Gift Is For
Non-toxic fall candles are a thoughtful, low-waste gift for just about anyone:
- Your eco-conscious best friend
- A host or hostess during fall gatherings
- Anyone sensitive to fragrance or toxins
- Yourself—obviously
Pair it with our candle subscription box for a gift that keeps on glowing.
FAQ
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.
Do soy candles smell as strong as traditional candles?
Not always. Soy has a lighter scent throw, but it burns cleaner and longer—and avoids the toxins found in paraffin candles.
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.
Looking for your next favorite scent? Explore our clean, seasonal candle refills and make fall smell as good as it feels.