10 Best Non-Toxic Candles in 2022 (GoodLight, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, and More)
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

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How to Choose a Non-Toxic Candle – Buying Guide
Points to Consider:
- Look for Lead-Free and Non-Metal Wicks
- Go Paraffin-Free Wax With Soy or Beeswax
- Steer Clear of Artificial Fragrances Full of Phthalates
Look for Lead-Free and Non-Metal Wicks

Go Paraffin-Free Wax With Soy or Beeswax

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.
Steer Clear of Artificial Fragrances Full of Phthalates

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.
10 Best Non-Toxic Candles
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 |
Our Number One Pick! Best for Those Who Don’t Normally Like Scented Candles
- 3 different scents in 1 pack: Coffee Bean, Sweet Hazelnut, Spicy Chai in the "Coffee Shop" set; other sets available
- soy wax-based, lead-free, phthalate-free, and clean-burning
- scented with custom-made essential oil blends
- fragrant without being overpowering
- lasts from 25 to 30 hours
- bringing clean-burning, themed, and complementary scents to 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.
Benevolence LAPremium Soy Scented Candle | Hibiscus & Palmwood
Great for Small Spaces, from a Company with a Conscience
- light, complex scent made from a blend of essential oils and non-toxic fragrances
- scent notes include: damask, English rose, bergamot, black pepper, white musk
- soy wax-based, non-toxic, paraffin-free, and vegan
- 20% of proceeds is donated to Zoe International, an organization dedicated to ending child human trafficking
- lasts 45 hours
Recommended for:
- long-lasting and relaxing scented candle for relieving stress and anxiety in smaller rooms or tighter spaces like on an office desk
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.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean DayScented Soy Candle | Lavender
A Clean, Simple, and No-Frills Candle
- comes in 4 different scents: Lavender, Basil, Geranium, and Lemon Verbena
- soy wax and vegetable wax blend
- comes in a recyclable glass jar
- complete ingredients list: vegetable wax, essential oils, and a cotton wick
- burn time of over 25 hours
- reasonably priced
Recommended for:
- the fully transparent ingredient list and for using to cover up odors, such as tobacco and kitchen smells, in close-quarters
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.
Pure Integrity Soy CandlesStrong Scented Candle | Vanilla Almond Soy
Best Strongly Scented, All-Natural Candle
- comes in 9 powerful scents, including Vanilla Almond, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Lily of the Valley
- phthalate-free, petroleum-free, lead-free, and biodegradable
- uses a special 7-step pouring process to create their non-toxic candles
- scent lingers even after the candle is extinguished
- lasts up to 75 hours
Recommended for:
- leaving a lingering, pleasant scent in the house for a long period of time
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.
Little Bee of ConnecticutHand-Rolled Beeswax Candle
Create a Warm, Atmospheric Glow That Lasts
- available in 4 other lengths
- honeycomb texture, pillar design, and made of a single sheet of 100% beeswax
- beeswax is wrapped by hand around a cotton wick, creating a distinctly warm and atmospheric glow look
- light honey scent
Recommended for:
- an all-natural product with a unique look that doesn't drip wax when lit and burns even, slow, and clean
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.
GoodLightTea Light Candles | 100 count
Sustainable Tea Lights with No Toxins
- comes in box options of 24, 48, or 100 candles
- palm wax-based
- supports sustainable palm farming and preserving rainforests
- burn slowly and evenly and efficiently use up all of the wax
- the aluminum cup candle holders, which are made from recycled materials, are recyclable
Recommended for:
- using short-term for mood lighting or while taking a bath to create a lovely atmosphere
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.
Lulu CandlesLuxury Scented Soy Jar Candle | Fresh Linen, 6 oz.
A Long-Lasting and Compact Candle
- over 15 different scents, including unique blends and names such as "Crumb Cake," "Sexy Man," and "Happy Birthday"
- boasts one of the longest burn times for its size
- paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
- created in the US
Recommended for:
- supporting local brands, trying out unique and funky scents, and for gifting
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.
Best Long-Burning, Strong-Scented Candle
- comes in 26 scents including Almond Creme, Banana Nut Bread, Honeysuckle, and Winter Wonderland
- produces a strong scent able to fill a room of almost any size
- paraffin-free, organic, kosher, and vegan
- leaves no soot or char for easy cleanup
- burns for over 100 hours
Recommended for:
- filling up the whole house for a long-term period with your favorite scents
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.
A Universally Loved Scent in a Soy Candle
- scent notes of amber, bergamot, sage, and vanilla
- slow, even burn that doesn’t cause irritation or headaches
- soy wax-based
- beautiful, monochrome design
- created in the US
- a simple, monochromatic, and modern-looking candle that can match any decor and burns slowly
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.
Pet House Candle100% Natural Soy Wax Candle | Lavender Green Tea
A Candle for Deodorizing Your Home
- comes in 24 scents including Apple Cider, Bamboo Watermint, Sunwashed Cotton, and Lavender Green Tea
- designed specifically to eliminate any unpleasant pet odors
- paraffin-, dye-, phthalate-, paraben-, and formaldehyde-free
- money-back guarantee if you aren't happy with their product
- handmade from soy wax
Recommended for:
- pet owners who need a helping hand cleaning up litter box, dog bed, and wet fur odors
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.
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Top 5 Non-Toxic Candles
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.