Traditional candles–particularly the scented ones–can often leave you with a headache or your bookcase covered in soot. This is not exactly the relaxing environment you’re looking for. So we researched materials and pored through Amazon reviews and came to the conclusion that the best candles for you and your home are non-toxic and free from paraffin, phthalates, and lead. These candles are often soy- or beeswax-based and scented with all-natural essential oils.
We kept all of this in mind as we hand-picked the best non-toxic candles on the market! Discover why Old Factory's Scented Candles were our favorite, and explore other options using our handy buying guide at the end. Also, check out our tip on how to best use your candle at the very bottom of this article!
Quick List - Top Non-Toxic Candles
Old Factory
Our Number One Pick! Best for Those Who Don’t Normally Like Scented Candles
Benevolence LA
Great for Small Spaces, from a Company with a Conscience
Pure Integrity Soy Candles
Best Strongly Scented, All-Natural Candle
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Points to Consider:
The most common ingredient used to make candle wax is paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that creates carcinogenic compounds like benzene and toluene when burned—the same toxins found in diesel fuel fumes, actually.
Some safer alternatives include soy and beeswax, among a few other plant-based oils. But don’t be fooled by clever packaging. Many beeswax and ‘soy blend’ candles still contain paraffin, so be sure to check that the candle is paraffin-free before deeming it safe.
Have you ever gone into a soap store and walked out with a headache from the smell? That’s because artificial fragrances are full of chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates can cause a wide range of health issues from headaches and dizziness to respiratory issues and potentially cancer.
So to avoid these nasty chemicals, look for candles that are scented naturally with essential oils and botanical extracts. As always, be sure to look for candles that specifically say they’re phthalate-free for peace of mind.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Old Factory Scented Candles|3 pack | ![]() | Our Number One Pick! Best for Those Who Don’t Normally Like Scented Candles | |
2 | Benevolence LA Premium Soy Scented Candle|Hibiscus & Palmwood | ![]() | Great for Small Spaces, from a Company with a Conscience | |
3 | Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Scented Soy Candle|Lavender | ![]() | A Clean, Simple, and No-Frills Candle | |
4 | Pure Integrity Soy Candles Strong Scented Candle|Vanilla Almond Soy | ![]() | Best Strongly Scented, All-Natural Candle | |
5 | Little Bee of Connecticut Hand-Rolled Beeswax Candle | ![]() | Create a Warm, Atmospheric Glow That Lasts | |
6 | GoodLight Tea Light Candles|100 count | ![]() | Sustainable Tea Lights with No Toxins | |
7 | Lulu Candles Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candle|Fresh Linen, 6 oz. | ![]() | A Long-Lasting and Compact Candle | |
8 | Aira Soy Candle|Honeysuckle | ![]() | Best Long-Burning, Strong-Scented Candle | |
9 | Illumisense Premium Scented Candle | ![]() | A Universally Loved Scent in a Soy Candle | |
10 | Pet House Candle 100% Natural Soy Wax Candle|Lavender Green Tea | ![]() | A Candle for Deodorizing Your Home |
Reviewers felt that these candles were too tiny, being each the size of a tea candle. However, despite the size, most people agree that these candles smell wonderful and are of great quality.
Recommended for:
Critical reviewers mention problems with the scent. It was either too strong or, more likely, not strong enough. Almost everyone agreed, however, that these candles were packaged beautifully. Reviewers who like the candle described it as giving off a subtle glow and light scent.
Recommended for:
This candle is fairly small, which means that the scent won’t travel too far and some reviewers were not a fan of the scent, describing the lavender as non-typical of the floral smell you'd usually think of.
A couple also found that they weren't able to burn until the end of the wick. However, other reviewers like how it isn't overpowering, covers up smells well, and lasts a long time.
Recommended for:
Critical reviewers report mixed feelings about the scent, saying that they were not as fragrant as advertised. Some also experience their candles burning their jars, so it's best not to use this when sleeping. Most reviewers appreciate the handwritten note included and the pleasant smell of the candle.
Recommended for:
According to some, beeswax produces negative ions when burned, which helps to clean the air of dust, pollen, and odors. Whether that’s true (or significant enough to be noticed, anyway), it definitely doesn’t add to indoor air pollution.
Some reviewers say that this candle burns out too quickly and, since the scent is very minimal, can get covered up by any other smells in the house. Other reviewers say that the candle melts down in an interesting stained glass-like pattern and burns evenly and faintly.
Recommended for:
Some reviewers say that their packages arrived with missing candles—it might be best to check with the shipper before purchasing. Others were happy that these were non-scented and didn't produce any smoke. If you don't want to commit to 100 pieces, you can also get a pack of six—in a relaxing lavender—here.
Recommended for:
While it’s uncertain whether this candle is truly paraffin- and phthalate-free, reviewers report no issues with reactions and note that the scents are light, which is consistent with natural fragrances.
Reviewers felt this product was too small for the price and that the scents could be hit-or-miss. Many more reviewers enjoyed the scent of Pineapple Evergreen, in particular, saying that it's fragrant, not overpowering, and long-lasting.
Recommended for:
Some reviewers note that a few of the scents can be overpowering or smell synthetic. While the candle claims to be scented with essential oils, it doesn’t state specifically that it’s phthalate- or chemical-free.
Most reviewers were satisfied with how long these candles lasted and how well they worked to scent large spaces. You can use it over a long period of time by trimming the wick between each use.
This candle doesn’t state that it’s specifically paraffin- and phthalate-free, though it doesn’t seem to cause any issues amongst reviewers. So if you’re not particularly sensitive, it should be fine.
Other critical reviewers say that the candle doesn't have a very strong scent; however, the majority of reviewers love the elegant packaging, say it lasts long and has a soft aroma, and is good for gifting.
Recommended for:
Some reviewers complain that the scent isn't strong enough, but top raters argue that the purpose of this candle isn't to scent - it's to deodorize. And those five-star raters claim that it works like a charm for stinky humans as well as pets. Also, check out this odor eliminator to pair with the candle if you're needing something even more powerful to take out those smells.
Your perfect home is totally within reach, especially if you invest in some of these products!
No. 1: Old Factory|Scented Candles|3 pack
No. 2: Benevolence LA|Premium Soy Scented Candle|Hibiscus & Palmwood
No. 3: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day|Scented Soy Candle|Lavender
No. 4: Pure Integrity Soy Candles|Strong Scented Candle|Vanilla Almond Soy
No. 5: Little Bee of Connecticut|Hand-Rolled Beeswax Candle
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices