When it comes to candles, the label isn’t just decoration—it’s your cheat sheet to what you’re burning, breathing in, and bringing into your home. But let’s be honest: a lot of candle ingredient labels read like chemistry textbooks. This guide breaks down the jargon so you can shop smarter, choose safer, and feel good about what’s flickering on your shelf.
Why Candle Labels Matter for You
Candles can do a lot—set the mood, ground your space, add intention to a moment. But if you care about your health or the planet (or both), you’ll want to peek past the pretty packaging. Ingredient labels help you understand:
- What you’re inhaling — especially if you have asthma, allergies, or pets
- How clean or sustainable the product really is
- Whether the brand is transparent and trustworthy
Even small choices—like picking a cleaner-burning candle or one that uses zero waste refills—can make a meaningful difference.
Common Ingredient Terms, Simplified
Not all candle labels are created equal. Some list every component, others are…vague at best. Here's how to decode the most common terms.
Soy wax / natural wax / beeswax / paraffin wax
- Soy wax: Plant-based, clean-burning, and renewable. This is what ReCandle Co.’s soy wax refills are made from—ideal for non-toxic, long-lasting burns.
- Natural wax: Vague. Could mean soy, coconut, beeswax…or not. Look for specifics.
- Beeswax: A natural wax that burns slowly and cleanly, but not vegan.
- Paraffin wax: Petroleum-derived. Often found in cheaper candles, it can release soot and irritants when burned.
Want a clean burn? Prioritize candles made with 100% soy wax or a named plant-based wax—not mystery blends.
Fragrance oil vs. essential oil
- Fragrance oils are lab-created and designed for scent performance. If they’re clean-certified (like ours—free from phthalates, carcinogens, and Prop 65 toxins), they’re safe and stable to burn.
- Essential oils are natural and aromatic, but not always safe when heated. Some can trigger reactions or break down unpredictably in heat.
So don't panic if you see “fragrance” on the label—but do check what kind.
Fragrance load (%)
Ever see a label say “9% fragrance load”? That’s the ratio of scent to wax. Most candles fall between 6–12%.
- Higher fragrance load = stronger scent, but too much can cause burning issues
- Lower load = subtler scent, usually longer burn
If it’s not listed, no worries—but if it is, it’s a clue about throw strength and balance.
Dyes, additives, and unknown synthetics
If the ingredient list looks like a sci-fi novel (hello, dihydromyrcenol and hydroxycitronellal), that’s often the fragrance blend. Some are harmless. Others can be irritants.
- Look for “no dyes” or “phthalate-free” where possible
- Clean-label brands will typically call this out clearly (we do)
Spotting Safety & Allergy Information
Safety info isn’t just legal fluff—it helps keep your space safe.
Standard safety warnings
The basics you’ll often see:
- Burn within sight
- Keep away from things that catch fire
- Keep away from children and pets
If a candle doesn’t have these, skip it.
CLP labels, pictograms, and “danger” words
If you’re shopping from a UK or EU brand, you might see:
- ⚠️ Signal words like “WARNING” or “DANGER”
- Hazard pictograms (diamond shapes with symbols)
- Allergen disclosures (e.g., “may cause skin irritation”)
These labels follow CLP rules (Classification, Labelling and Packaging). If a candle has these, it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—just that it contains certain fragrance allergens at a threshold that requires disclosure.
Allergen labeling
Some U.S. brands voluntarily disclose allergens. Look for language like:
- “Free from phthalates and known irritants”
- “Pet-safe, no respiratory triggers”
At ReCandle Co., we use clean fragrance oils that are rigorously tested and free from ingredients on California’s Prop 65 list.
What’s Missing—and Why It Matters
If a candle label doesn’t include:
- Any ingredient list
- Safety instructions
- Contact information or brand transparency
…that’s a red flag. You deserve to know what you’re burning.
And if you care about low-waste living, look for brands that explain how their candles are made and disposed of. Refillable systems, like ours, help reduce single-use waste without sacrificing vibe.
Quick Shopper Checklist
When you're browsing a shelf or an online shop, check for:
✅ Type of wax used (bonus if it's soy or plant-based)
✅ Clarity around fragrance ingredients (e.g., phthalate-free)
✅ Basic safety warnings
✅ Optional but helpful: fragrance load %, allergen info
✅ Transparency about sustainability or refill options
ReCandle Co. Picks—What We Stand For
At ReCandle Co., we believe labels should be clear—not cryptic. Every refillable candle we sell is made with:
100% soy wax refills that pop out cleanly (no scraping, no mess)
Non-toxic, zero waste candle refills made with clean fragrance oils
Reusable ceramic candle vessels that last for years—not just one burn
Full transparency on what goes into our candles and what doesn’t
We also plant one tree for every order placed. So your cozy evening comes with a little impact—in the best way.
FAQ
What if the label just says “fragrance”?
That’s common. It doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—but ideally the brand specifies that it’s phthalate-free or clean-certified.
Are essential oils safer than fragrance oils?
Not always. Some essential oils can cause irritation or aren’t stable when burned. Clean fragrance oils made for candles are often safer and more consistent.
Why do some candles show percentages (like fragrance load) and others don’t?
Fragrance load affects scent strength. It’s helpful info, but not required—many quality brands omit it and focus on performance testing instead.