The Complete Guide to Choosing Safe, Non-Toxic Candles for Your Home (and Why Most “Natural” Candles Aren’t What They Claim)

Candles transform a space — but many popular options fill the air with harmful chemicals. At Votive, we believe your candlelight should bring only comfort, never compromise your health.

This guide will help you identify what makes a candle truly safe and why the right choice matters for your family, pets, and home.

Why Candle Safety Matters

When a candle burns, it releases particles and vapors into the air. Paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances with phthalates, and toxic dyes can irritate your lungs, trigger allergies, and lower indoor air quality.

Choosing clean-burning candles means:

• Protecting children, pets, and sensitive individuals from respiratory issues

• Supporting cleaner indoor air

• Reducing long-term exposure to harmful compounds

Explore our Aromatherapy Candle Collection for wellness-focused options crafted with 100% non-GMO soy wax.

The Problem with “Natural” Candle Marketing

Not all “natural” claims are honest. Many candles labeled eco-friendly contain paraffin blends, undisclosed synthetic fragrances, or low-grade oils mixed with essential oils. This practice — greenwashing — confuses shoppers.

Watch out for:

• “Soy blend” without percentage disclosure

• “Fragrance” with no ingredient breakdown

• Metal wick cores (may contain lead or zinc)

What Makes a Candle Truly Non-Toxic

1. 100% Natural Wax

The cleanest options:

• Non-GMO Soy Wax — clean-burning, renewable

• Beeswax — natural, long-lasting

• Coconut Wax — sustainable and smooth

Avoid paraffin or petroleum blends.

2. Safe Fragrance Sources

• Pure Essential Oils — provide authentic aromatherapy benefits

• Phthalate-Free Premium Fragrance Oils — safe synthetics for a stronger scent throw

Our Scented Candle Range uses only the safest oils for your lungs.

3. Non-Toxic Wicks

Always choose 100% cotton or wood wicks — free from metal cores.

4. Skin-Safe, Non-Toxic Dyes

If colored, dyes should be certified non-toxic and safe to burn.

How to Read a Candle Label Like a Pro

Look for:

• Exact wax type (100% soy, beeswax, or coconut)

• Transparent fragrance listing

• Wick type stated

• Safety warnings and burn time

Quick Q&A for Safe Candle Shopping

Q: What’s the healthiest candle to burn?
A: One made with 100% natural soy or beeswax, scented with essential oils or phthalate-free fragrance oils, and using a cotton or wood wick.

Q: Are soy candles safe for pets?
A: Yes, if they’re additive-free. Burn in well-ventilated areas.

Q: How can I spot toxins in candles?
A: Avoid undisclosed “fragrance” blends, paraffin wax, or metal-core wicks.

Your Safe Candle Checklist

✔ 100% soy, beeswax, or coconut wax
✔ Phthalate-free fragrance or pure essential oils
✔ Cotton or wood wick
✔ Non-toxic dyes
✔ Clear ingredient listing

The Votive Difference

Every Votive candle — whether it’s our sculptural statement pieces or our therapeutic aromatherapy blends — is hand-poured, toxin-free, and designed to be as beautiful as it is safe.

Lighting a candle should never be a health risk. With the right choice, it becomes a ritual of comfort, beauty, and wellness.