15 Best Non Toxic Candles for a Cozy, Chemical-Free Home
When I first started making healthier swaps in my home, one thing I really missed the most were candles. I can’t help it – I just love burning candles at home, and I really loved the scented ones. A warm pumpkin spice during fall? Perfection.
But the more I learned about what actually goes into most conventional candles — and how synthetic fragrances can trigger headaches and a whole range of weird symptoms — I didn’t want that in my home anymore. Funny enough, for several years I had been suffering from almost daily headaches – and I can honestly say that since removing synthetic fragrance from my home, I rarely get headaches anymore.
In an attempt to bring back that cozy vibe in my home, I went on a deep dive to find non toxic candles that 1. were made from natural ingredients, 2. didn’t pose a risk to health and 3. smelled lovely (using essential oils and no synthetics). And I did!
So, if you’re in the same boat as I was, and are looking for healthier swaps for your beloved candles, keep reading or skip to the 14 non toxic candle brands below if you’re super eager.
What makes a candle “non-toxic”?
Valid question. First off, there is no legal definition for ‘non-toxic candle’ but here are the major differences between conventional candles and healthier candles.
In general, non-toxic candles are typically made with natural waxes like beeswax or coconut wax, essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance, and cotton or wood wicks.
When you burn conventional candles, the chemicals released don’t just disappear — they linger in your indoor air. Over time, that contributes to poorer air quality in your home.
What about certifications?
Unfortunately, candle ingredients aren’t tightly regulated, and there isn’t a widely recognized certification specifically for candles (like EWG does for personal care products).
That said, if you’re trying to find the cleanest non-toxic candles, one of my favourite resources is the MADE SAFE product database. MADE SAFE certifies products that are screened for harmful chemicals, and several candle brands have earned their certification. MADE SAFE is the strictest non-toxic certification program at the moment.
Ingredients to Avoid in Candles & Impact on Health
If you’re shopping for candles, here are some common ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of if you’re looking to find a better-for-you option:
- Paraffin Wax: A petroleum byproduct that can release compounds like benzene, toluene, formaldehyde and acetylhyde when burned.
- Synthetic Fragrance (“Fragrance” or “Parfum”): Often a combination of undisclosed chemicals. Many have been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, respiratory irritation, headaches and more.
- Phthalates: Commonly used in synthetic fragrances to make scents last longer; known endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive and developmental harm.
- Dyes and Colorants: Artificial dyes can release unwanted compounds when burned. I personally stick to candles without added colourants.
- Formaldehyde: A volatile organic compound (VOC) that can be released into the air. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
- Metal-Core Wicks (Including Lead): Some imported candles may use metal-core wicks, which can release heavy metals into the air when burned. Instead, choose 100% cotton or wood wicks.
15 Non-Toxic Candle Brands
Alright, let’s jump in to the good part! These are the best non-toxic candle brands I found and personally use in my own home. They’re so good I never think about my B.N.T (Before Non-Toxic) candles anymore, haha.
Branch Basics
I think by now everyone knows I love Branch Basics – a brand dedicated to creating 100% non-toxic cleaning products for a healthier home.
They also offer a non-toxic candle, made from pure beeswax. It’s completely scent-free (no essential oils!) so it’s the perfect pick if you’re sensitive to essential oils, or just want a pure beeswax candle.
Why I love it:
- MADE SAFE certified
- 100% pure beeswax and organic cotton wick
- Fragrance-free
- Long burn-time
- Lovely neutral look
Fontana Candle Co.
Fontana Candle Co. is another amazing non-toxic candle brand. They might actually be the coolest brand!
Their candles are MADE SAFE certified and made from pure beeswax, coconut oil and essential oils.
They offer over 15+ essential oils blends (as well as an unscented option) so you’re bound to find a scent you love.
I think this is the best brand to start with if you want scented candles without the headache and yucky ingredients.
Why I love it:
- MADE SAFE certified
- Made with beeswax, coconut oil and essential oils
- Huge range of essential oil scents
Primally Pure
I’m a big fan of Primally Pure and their clean skincare. Primally Pure also offers small-batch, non-toxic candles made with 100% beeswax and organic essential oils—absolutely no synthetic fragrance or harmful additives.
Their ingredient lists are super transparent and their five scents are gentle, grounding, and thoughtfully formulated. Only con? They don’t currently offer an unscented candle.
Why I love it:
- Beeswax and coconut wax mix with essential oils
- Self-trimming wick for a clean burn
- Long burn-time
- Clean, modern look
ESAS Beauty
ESAS Beauty candles are all about clean luxury — think gorgeous scents without any of the junk you don’t want in your home.
They’re also MADE SAFE certified, made with a coconut and olive wax blend, pure essential oils, and zero paraffin, synthetic fragrances, or other toxins.
Why I love it:
- MADE SAFE certified
- Use certified organic ingredients
- Broad scent range – 12 signature scents made from essential oils
Natural Sloth
Another MADE SAFE certified candle brand! Natural Sloth candles are made from 100% natural beeswax and cotton wicks. No harmful additives or synthetic fragrances.
They offer several natural essential oil scent blends so you can enjoy their beautiful candles in every season! You have to be quick though, they sell out fast!
Why we love it:
- MADE SAFE certified
- Made with beeswax, organic coconut oil and essential oils
- Wooden wicks
Bluecorn Beeswax
If you’re looking for classic 100% beeswax candles, Bluecorn Beeswax is what you need! Their beeswax is filtered without chemicals, and they use 100% cotton wicks.
These candles give off a natural honey-like aroma from the wax itself (not from added fragrance), and they burn clean and long. They offer many different candle shapes and sizes! I personally love their taper candles – so beautiful!
Why I love it:
- 100% pure beeswax, cotton wick
- Come in multiple candle shapes and sizes
- Fragrance-free
Summer Solace
If you’re on the hunt for a tallow candle, Summer Solace is a small-batch, sustainable brand that handcrafts candles using 100% tallow, beeswax, and organic essential oils—and yes, they also offer a completely unscented candle option for those who want the cozy glow without any aroma.
Their ingredients are ultra-pure, and their focus on regenerative, local sourcing makes them stand out in the clean candle space. If you’re into traditional, slow-living wellness practices, this brand will be right up your alley.
Why I love it:
- Blend of regenerative tallow and raw beeswax
- Small batch, hand-poured, ethically-sourced ingredients
- Unscented and essential oil scent options, clean burning
Bee Lucia Wellness
Bee Lucia Wellness candles are made with coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils, with the added bonus of real gemstones in each jar.
They are clean burning, hypoallergenic and free of synthetic ingredients. While some are lightly scented with essential oils, they also offer an unscented option.
Why I love it:
- Blend of beeswax and coconut oil
- Scented with essential oils, no synthetic fragrance
Arctic Wicks
Arctic Wicks is a small, woman-owned brand committed to crafting clean candles. They offer a line of candles that are synthetic fragrance-free, phthalate-free, and toxin-free.
Made with a blend of pure coconut and beeswax, their candles are hand-poured and unscented by default, which is rare and so appreciated in the non-toxic space, but they also have a variety of lovely essential oil scents.
Why I love it:
- Natural coconut and beeswax blend
- Cotton wick
- Free from parabens, phthalates, petroleum-based waxes and synthetic fragrances
Salt + Sabbath
Handcrafted, non-toxic candles with a strong commitment to simplicity and purity. Salt + Sabbath use a natural vegan blend of organic hemp, soy and coconut wax and essential oils—never any synthetic fragrances, paraffin, or dyes.
They offer unscented and natural essential oil options so anyone can enjoy a clean, cozy burn. Their aesthetic is peaceful, minimalist, and very grounding.
Why I love it:
- Clean burning blend of organic hemp, soy and coconut wax
- Fragrances come from pthalate-free fragrance oils and essential oils
- Long burn times
Aire Candle Co.
Aire Candle Co. is all about transparency, simplicity, and wellness. Crafted from beeswax, organic coconut oil, and pure essential oils—no synthetic fragrances, paraffin, or questionable additives.
Why I love it:
- 100% pure U.S beeswax, essential oils and cotton wick
- Recycled packaging
- Designed with sensitivities (allergies, headaches) in mind
Basic Bee Candle Co.
True to their name, Basic Bee Company keeps things beautifully simple – just 100% pure beeswax and a cotton wick, that’s it.
No fragrance, no additives, no dyes. Just clean, hand-poured candles that give off a natural, subtle honey scent straight from the beeswax itself. If you’re looking for a totally unscented, toxin-free candle experience, this brand is as pure as it gets.
Why I love it:
- Raw, local beeswax and organic coconut oil
- Designed specifically for those with sensitivities
- Unscented and mild essential oil scent options
Rowe Casa Organics
Well known for their clean, natural wellness products, Rowe Casa Organics also makes candles that align with their toxin-free mission. Their candles are made with 100% soy wax and pure essential oils, with no synthetic fragrances, no paraffin, and no hidden toxins.
Why I love it:
- Pure beeswax and beeswax/organic coconut oil blend
- Organic hemp wick
- Unscented and essential oil scent options
Terralite
A clean candle brand that focuses on plant-based, non-toxic ingredients. Terralite candles are made only with organic coconut wax and essential oils. They’re candles are totally free from synthetic fragrance, phthalates, paraffin, and dyes.
Why I love it:
- Made from coconut wax and a hemp-core wick
- Zero-waste, recycled packaging
Pure Plant Home
Made from coconut wax and organic essential oils, with zero synthetic fragrance, paraffin, phthalates, or dyes. Pure Plant Home offers some of the cleanest candles out there.
They’re also one of the few brands that are fully transparent about their ingredients and committed to purity in every part of their process. Their candles are beautifully simple, safe for sensitive individuals, and some of the best-smelling essential oil candles on the market—without ever feeling overpowering.
Why I love it:
- Coconut and vegetable wax blend
- Handmade in small batches
- Cotton wick, soot-free burn
3 Tips For Shopping for a Non-Toxic Candle:
Finding clean candles can be a real challenge. If you’re looking to make a cleaner swap, here 3 tips to help you find a good one:
- Wax base: Avoid candles with paraffin wax and look for a natural wax such as 100% beeswax, coconut wax, or non-GMO soy instead. Keep an eye out, some retailers use a “paraffin blend” with natural wax to keep costs down.
- Wick: Look for a candle with a cotton or wood wick (no metal core).
- Fragrance: Avoid candles made with synthetic fragrances or with undisclosed fragrance ingredients. Instead look for fragrance-free (unscented) or pure essential oils.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of non-toxic candle brands. You can sometimes find natural beeswax candles on sites like Etsy or if you’re crafty make them yourself at home!
Candles are such a simple joy in life —lighting one can shift the mood of a space in an instant. But if you’re trying to live a cleaner, lower-tox lifestyle, the ingredients matter.
Whether you’re fragrance-sensitive, dealing with allergies, or just trying to create a safer home, these non-toxic and fragrance-free candle brands are amazing swaps you can feel good about.
