Non-Toxic Candles: What To Look Out For 🚩

March 20, 2025

Don’t Be Fooled by Greenwashing: What to Look Out for in Candles (And Which Ingredients to Avoid)

Candles have become more than just a way to light a room — they’re a symbol of calm, self-care, and cozy vibes. But just because a candle looks natural doesn’t mean it’s actually clean or safe. As consumers grow more eco-conscious, many brands are trying to cash in by using “green” language — even when their products aren’t all that eco-friendly or healthy.

Ever seen the term "Made with essential oils" on a candle that you just KNOW is made with paraffin (petroleum derivative from the oil and gas industry, yuck!) and synthetic fragrances? This deceptive marketing tactic is called greenwashing — and candles are a hotbed for it. Let’s break down some common greenwashing terms in the candle industry and the ingredients you really want to avoid.

🌱 Common Greenwashing Terms in Candles

1. “Natural”

- This term is vague and unregulated. A candle labeled “natural” may still contain synthetic fragrance oils, paraffin wax, or chemical dyes. Always check the ingredients list — if it exists! (We have them!)

2. “Non-Toxic”

- While this sounds reassuring, there’s no standard for what “non-toxic” means in the candle world. A candle can still emit potentially harmful compounds while burning, even if labeled “non-toxic.” Again, this is where an ingredient deck comes in to actually back this up.

3. “Eco-Friendly” or “Environmentally Friendly”

- These phrases are often used loosely. A company might use them simply because the candle comes in recyclable packaging, while ignoring the environmental impact of their wax, wicks, or fragrance materials.

4. “Soy Blend”

- This term sounds better than paraffin, but “soy blend” often means the candle is partly soy, partly paraffin. Companies aren’t required to disclose what percentage is soy versus paraffin. And candle brands who buy pre-made soy wax blends have no clue what's really in these wax blends. They may not even know that it has paraffin in it, but usually all these blends have traces of paraffin.

5. “Essential Oil Infused”

- Be cautious here — “infused” may mean only a tiny amount of essential oil is added on top of synthetic fragrance oils. If a candle truly uses only essential oils, most reputable brands will proudly state 100% essential oils and often list which ones.

🔥 Harmful Ingredients Common in Candles

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for. Here are some ingredients to steer clear of:

1. Paraffin Wax

- A petroleum byproduct that, when burned, can release carcinogens like benzene and toluene. Paraffin is one of the cheapest waxes, but not the cleanest to burn.

2. Synthetic Fragrance Oils

- Often contain phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and respiratory issues. Some also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pollute indoor air.

3. Metal-Core Wicks

- It's very rare, but some candles (especially cheaper ones) still use wicks with metal cores, which can release heavy metals like lead into the air when burned. Look for 100% cotton, hemp, or wooden wicks instead.

4. Dyes and Colorants

- Synthetic dyes used in colorful candles can contain toxic heavy metals and other chemicals that release pollutants when burned.

5. Stearic Acid (from animal fat)

- Used to harden wax, it’s not necessarily harmful, but if you prefer vegan candles, look out for this ingredient (some brands use palm-derived stearic acid, which may also have environmental concerns).