What Is a Clean Candle—and Why Should You Care?

TL;DR: Because not all candles are created equal. 

What does “clean candle” really mean?

The phrase “clean candle” gets tossed around a lot, but there’s no official definition, which means brands can get a little... loose with the label. At its core, a clean candle is one made without harmful ingredients that pollute your air or put your health at risk. Think: no phthalates, no paraffin, no questionable additives hiding in the fine print.

At ReCandle Co., we define a clean candle as one that’s:

• Made with clean wax, like 100% soy (no paraffin blends here)
• Scented with non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrance oils
• Built with cotton or wood wicks (no heavy metals)
• Designed for better air quality—safer for people, pets, and the planet

So if you’ve ever lit a candle and ended up with a headache or scratchy throat? That’s probably not a clean burn.

How can you tell if you’re using a clean candle?

Here’s a quick sniff test—figuratively speaking:

1. Check the wax. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and often releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned. Look for soy, coconut, or beeswax bases instead. At ReCandle Co., we use a specialized soy wax that contracts as it cools, so it’s not only clean—it pops right out for easy refills.
2. Read the label. Clean candle brands should be transparent about what’s in (and not in) their candles. If there’s no ingredient list or vague terms like “natural fragrance,” that’s a red flag.
3. Know your fragrance source. We source non-toxic fragrance oils, which are rigorously tested to be free of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other harmful chemicals listed under California’s Prop 65. They’re safer for your lungs, your pets, and your peace of mind.
4. Packaging and ethics matter too. Clean candles often go hand-in-hand with eco-conscious choices. Our zero waste candle refills and recyclable packaging mean your candle habit doesn’t have to cost the Earth.

Why does it matter?

Let’s be real: candles are meant to make your home feel cozy, not compromise your health. Burning low-quality candles can introduce toxins into your airspace, which builds up over time—especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms.

Choosing a healthy candle brand means:

1. Better indoor air quality
2. Fewer allergy triggers or respiratory irritants
3. A safer environment for kids and pets
4. Peace of mind every time you light up

And bonus: when you pick a clean candle that’s also a refillable candle (like ours), you’re not just protecting your health—you’re cutting down on waste too.

Why ReCandle Co. does it differently

We didn’t just set out to make a clean candle—we wanted to create a smarter candle. One that looks beautiful on your shelf, burns beautifully, and makes you feel good every step of the way. Our reusable candle system is easy to use, totally non-toxic, and comes in handmade ceramic vessels you’ll actually want to keep.

Whether you’re new to clean candles or just looking for one that doesn’t feel like a compromise, we’re here for the long haul (and your long burns).