Lighting a candle is a an instant way to shift the mood and vibe of your home. And now that we’re heading into fall, there’s no reason not to stock up on feel-good candles. 

While candles make for a great way to bring a distinct scent to your living space, the dirty truth is that scented candles can be one of the most irritating and toxic items in your home. Yes – getting quality candles does in fact matter, even more so if you’re prone to asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and especially if you have pets living in your home. 

So what should you look for/look out for when candle shopping? Here’s the top three things to check:

Wax

One of the biggest issues with candles is toxic wax. Paraffin—a petroleum byproduct—releases carcinogenic soot into the air when burned. The worst part? Many brands that claim they’re made from either soy or beeswax (both safe), but they actually use a mix of the two. So make sure to look for “100%” on the label and opt for ingredients with 100% organic, sustainable, or soy/ beeswax-based when possible. If you can’t find it on the label, check the website’s FAQ’s – if they’re not transparent, good chance it’s got something toxic in it. 

Wicks Non-Toxic Candles

Usually found in older candles, many wicks contain heavy metals that leak into the surrounding air when lit. The manufacturing of these wicks were banned in back in 2003, but many of these candles are still around today – so its always best to double-check before purchasing. Look for wicks that are 100% cotton or made of wood. This will help prevent ashy, sooty residue inside the candle walls.

Fragrance

Many potent-smelling candles (like most conventional perfumes) contain numerous endocrine disruptors. In a report from the Environmental Protection Agency on candle and incense indoor air pollution, the research showed high traces of lead and formaldehyde above the cancer-causing thresholds, in addition to. many other chemicals in candles that are harmful to health. 

Luck for us, there’s plenty of high-quality, clean candles that won’t add to your home’s air pollution levels. Here’s a what to look for when getting your next candle, and a few of our personal faves. non-toxic candles