🔍 Overview: Can Candles Trigger Headaches or Migraines?
Yes — certain scented candles, especially those made with synthetic fragrances or paraffin wax, may trigger headaches or migraines in sensitive individuals. These ingredients can release irritating compounds and strong scents that overstimulate the senses. Choosing candles made with essential oils, natural waxes, and subtle fragrances can help reduce the risk of scent-induced headaches and provide a calming atmosphere without the unwanted side effects.
If you’ve ever noticed that strong scents can trigger migraines and headaches, it’s not all in your head. Some people are more sensitive to fragrance than others and it can trigger headaches, brain fog and full migraines. Those who suffer from migraines might also find that they become more sensitive to fragrance and strong scents when they are in the midst of an attack.
There are lots of reasons you might link home fragrance to migraines and headaches. These are also unique to individuals, so what triggers migraines in one person might not be such a problem to another person.
If you want to make your home migraine-friendly and avoid triggering your condition, there are simply steps you can take. You don’t have to avoid candles and home scent entirely.
Lighting a candle can help with relaxation, which is essential for calming migraines and stress-related headaches. With this in mind, let’s look at some of the theories around why scent triggers migraines and what you can do to avoid this common trigger.
Migraines and scent explained
It isn’t fully understood why scent can trigger migraines in some people. Some people suffer from something known as osmophobia, which is an aversion to strong scents. Being in an enclosed area for a long period of time (15 minutes or longer) with a strong scent can bring on a migraine attack.
Some people will also become more sensitive to smells while they are experiencing a migraine, so a mild smell might seem much stronger to them.
It’s also possible to experience phantom smells as part of your migraine aura. This is a period before a migraine attack with unique symptoms such as changes in vision, mood and your sense of smell.
Some people will also experience regular headaches after exposure to certain scents and synthetic fragrance. One reason this might happen is that the fragrance releases irritants which cause inflammation and pressure in your nasal cavity. This can increase pressure in your sinuses, which can trigger a headache.
Common triggers for migraines and headaches
Scented candles are often blamed for causing headaches and migraines, but it’s really down to the composition of the candle. Some common ingredients responsible for triggering irritation and headaches include:
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Paraffin wax. This is a petrochemical byproduct that is used because it provides a consistent burn and good scent spread. Unfortunately, this comes with some side effects, as burning paraffin wax will produce nasty chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. These can impact air quality and irritate the respiratory system. If your headaches are caused by sinus pressure, paraffin wax could be to blame.
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Lead core wicks. Lead is sometimes used to strengthen the wick of a candle and stop it from drooping into the molten wax. When this burns, it can leak traces of heavy metals into the air, leading to irritation.
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Artificial fragrance. Perhaps one of the biggest enemies for those living with migraines is artificial fragrance. This catch-all term could be concealing lots of chemical compounds that can cause irritation and headaches.
| Feature | Potential Triggers | Migraine-Friendly Options |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance Type | Synthetic fragrance oils | Natural essential oils (e.g. lemongrass, ylang ylang) |
| Wax Composition | Paraffin wax (petroleum-derived) | Coconut wax, soy wax, or beeswax |
| Scent Strength | Overpowering, long-lasting scents | Mild, calming, and airy fragrance blends |
| Air Quality Impact | Emits VOCs and particulates | Clean-burning, minimal emissions |
| Health Risk | May trigger headaches, nausea, or migraines | Supports relaxation and reduces stress-induced symptoms |
How to use home scent that won’t trigger headaches
You don’t have to banish scent from your life if you suffer from migraines. Often it’s simply a case of modifying the products you bring into your home and making sure you use them in a mindful way.
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Switch to all-natural products that use essential oils that support your headaches rather than trigger them. Essential oils are generally milder in scent than a synthetic fragrance, so they are less likely to trigger your osmophobia. You’ll also avoid the cocktail of chemicals that could cause irritation.
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Avoid paraffin wax in your candles, as this will release soot and other known allergens. A clean-burning wax like coconut wax will reduce irritants while also being kinder to the planet.
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Place limits on how long you burn your candles for. One hour is usually enough time to fragrance your home and enjoy the calming benefits of your chosen scent.
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Ensure you ventilate your space to avoid allowing the scent to build up or become too strong. Also think about the size of the space and how long you plan to burn candles for. In a very small space, consider blowing them out sooner and prioritising ventilation.
Final Thoughts on Scent and Migraines
If your headaches or migraines are triggered by stress, then a calming and relaxing candle could be just what you need to help you wind down. However, you need to be mindful in your selection so that you don’t choose something that makes your condition worse.
Look for mild scented candles like our The Bluma Coconut Lemongrass Luxury Candle, which will fill your home with the soothing scent of lemongrass and bergamot. Or choose something light and airy, like the You Are Worthy Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Vanilla Candle, which will fill your home with light florals.
