The Best Non-Toxic Candles for a Healthier Home

Written By Keitha Bialaszewski

Do You Know What’s in Your Candles?

Let’s talk about what’s really hiding behind the word “fragrance.”

In candles, room sprays, plug-ins, and even diffusers (well really any product), you’ll often see “fragrance,” “parfum,” or “perfume” listed on the ingredient label. That tiny word can legally contain over 3,600 chemicals, many of which are linked to hormone disruption, respiratory irritation, migraines, allergic reactions, and more.This doesn’t just affect women. These synthetic fragrance chemicals can mess with the hormones of men, kids, and even pets.

When I first learned how toxic traditional fragrances could be, I did a full clean sweep. I tossed out my candles, plug-ins (seriously the worst offenders), and room sprays. I missed the cozy feeling of scent in our home, but I wanted a safer option.

That’s when I started exploring diffusers and high-quality essential oils and I still love them. We’ve moved between the U.S. and Italy a few times, and I’ve bought a new diffuser in each country! Since we're prepping for another move soon, I’m holding off on getting a new one until we know where we'll land.

And I still missed candles. That warm glow, that scent that instantly feels like home, it’s hard to beat. So I dove deep into researching the best non-toxic candles and tested quite a few. I tried some "cleaner" brands that were better but not fully non-toxic, and I’d burn those sparingly. But thankfully, fully non-toxic candle brands do exist now and are totally worth the switch. 

🚫 What to Avoid in Traditional Candles

If you’re scanning your candle stash, here are some ingredients to steer clear of:

  • 🚫 “Fragrance,” “Parfum,” or “Perfume”
     ➝ These can hide thousands of unlisted, often toxic chemicals.

  • 🚫 Petroleum-based waxes like paraffin or blends with GMOs or synthetic dyes

  • 🚫 Wicks with metal cores
     ➝ Some older candles still use these, and they can release heavy metals into the air when burned.

👍 What to Look for in Non-Toxic Candles

Clean-burning candles should be made with safe, transparent ingredients like:

  • 🌿 100% natural essential oils (no synthetic fragrance)

  • 🐝 Beeswax or organic coconut wax

  • 🪵 Cotton or wooden wicks (metal-free)

  • ❌ No dyes, phthalates, or petroleum byproducts

Note: Since non-toxic candles are scented with pure essential oils, they tend to have a more subtle scent throw compared to traditional candles.

My Favorite Non-Toxic Candle Brands

🕯 Fontana Candle Company

These are my top pick for fully non-toxic candles. Fontana is the first candle brand certified non-toxic by MADE SAFE: a human health and ecosystem-focused certification. They're also Leaping Bunny Certified, so they're cruelty-free too.

Their candles are made with beeswax + coconut oil, use only essential oils for scent, and are completely dye-free. I’ve tried a handful and I’m obsessed. They also offer a helpful scent quiz if you’re unsure where to start and you can grab a few scents on Amazon to skip shipping fees if you want to test one out before stocking up.  These candles last a really long time at $26.99 for a 9oz jar. They also have mini and 3 wick options available. Make sure to watch out for their sales or use code Welcome15 for a discount on your first order.

Favorites so far:

🕯 Les Crème

This was the first clean candle brand I felt good about burning at home. Les Crème candles are made from 100% organic coconut wax and cotton wicks and have no hidden fragrance chemicals. They're also Leaping Bunny Certified, which I love.

They started as a small biz in San Diego, selling at a local farmers market, and I’ve been a repeat customer for years. The quality and scent profiles are both amazing. At $18 for an 8oz candle they are more affordable than many non-toxic candles and offer 20% off your first order.

Go-to scents:

Other Brands on my list to try next: 

Natural Sloth - They are also MADE SAFE Certified and made with beeswax, wooden wicks and essential oils. Their Home and Breath candles are on the top of my list to try.

Primally Pure - Their candles are made with beeswax, coconut oil and organic essential oils. They are a bit pricier than the others, which is why I haven’t purchased yet and have not gone through any certification processes. The Bergamot & Eucalyptus is at the top of my list to try.

Other Clean Fragrance Options

While candles are my favorite for cozy home vibes, there are other non-toxic ways to scent your space:

✨ Diffusers – Paired with 100% pure essential oils (look for GC/MS-tested brands). This one from Young Living is a great introductory one to try out in a small space if you're new to diffusers. There are tons of different options out there with unique designs as well. 

Stick with reputable brands like Plant Therapy, which offers a KidSafe line, or Young Living, which provides detailed usage guidelines. Always diffuse in well-ventilated spaces and avoid using oils near your pets’ food, beds, or water bowls.

⚠️ A Quick Safety Note on Essential Oils
If you have a newborn, very young children, or pets, double-check the safety of essential oils. Some essential oils aren’t recommended for young children and pets due to their strong properties. According to the ASPCA, oils like tea tree, peppermint, citrus, pine, and eucalyptus can be toxic to pets—even when simply inhaled. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also advises extra caution around kids, especially under age two. Certain oils (like eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint) can cause respiratory issues in young children and should be avoided.

🥣 Simmer Pots – A stovetop favorite! Try simmering water with sliced citrus, herbs like rosemary or thyme, and whole spices like cinnamon or clove:
🍊 Orange slices + vanilla for a dreamy creamsicle scent
🌿 Rosemary + lemon + vanilla for a fresh, uplifting aroma
🍎 Apple slices + cinnamon sticks for a cozy, warm vibe
☕️ Coffee bean, vanilla and cinnamon for a café vibe

These are all safe, clean ways to enjoy scent at home and I’ll be sharing more deep dives on each of these soon!

Want to Learn More?

Here are a few trusted resources if you want to dig deeper into what’s really in your home products:

Looking for More Clean Swaps You Can Trust?

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Thanks for joining me on this clean adventure. Stay beautiful, stay green.
 XoXo,
The Green Hue

Keitha Bialaszewski
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