For many people, scented candles are a favorite go-to gift and household item.

So it often comes as a shock to learn that most scented candles are indeed bad for us!

We wish it weren't true, but it is, and you and your family deserve better.

In this article, we share why scented candles are (typically) bad for you and provide simple tips for sourcing and buying healthy and sustainable candles.

Are Scented Candles Bad For You? Yes. Here's Why

Unfortunately, most scented candles contain synthetic fragrances and are made of paraffin, a petroleum-based product, that can release dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) even at room temperature.[1][2][3][4]

These include phthalates that disrupt hormones, asthmagens that cause asthma, carcinogens that cause cancer, obesogens that cause weight gain, and neurotoxins that affect mood and brain function.

Light them up and from the wax to the wick, more problems are generated.

When burned, they release formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, benzene, acetone and more especially if it is a dyed candle!

In addition to releasing carcinogenic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces ultrafine soot with particulates that can remain suspended in the air for hours

They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream. 

These ultrafine particles have been directly associated with allergies, respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, as well as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.

The wicks are another issue of concern because the fragrance chemicals soften the wax so much that, without metal, non-cored wicks go limp.

Therefore many have a cored wick made from cotton wrapped around a metal support which keeps the wick from falling into the wax. 

In 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture of all candles with lead cores. However, they are still in many homes, and candles made overseas may still have lead-containing wicks.*

It has also been found that zinc and tin-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals, sometimes even lead. [6] Burning these candles puts a very dangerous toxic load into the air. 

*To check to see if a wick contains lead, take a sheet of white paper and rub it on the wick of the unused candle. If there is a grey pencil-like mark on the paper, then the wick contains lead.

Healthy Candle Options

Replace scented candles with 100% pure, unscented beeswax candles with a cotton or wood wick, like our Beeswax Candle.

It's made with 100% pure beeswax, straight from the hive to your home. And it's organic cotton wick is free of pesticides. 

When burned according to directions, beeswax burn clean with minimal soot and no emission of chemicals. This means that instead of polluting the air, they give a clean burn. 

Beeswax candles are ideal for those with allergies, asthma, and sensitivities.

You can feel good about enjoying the relaxing candlelit atmosphere provided by beeswax candles.

Our Favorite Pure Beeswax Candle

At Branch Basics, we’re passionate about helping families make healthier choices.

Our mission has always been to create human-safe, fragrance-free products that you can trust.

That’s why we created our beautiful 100% pure Beeswax Candle as a way for you to enjoy that cozy candle glow without worrying about harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

Our beeswax candle is the healthy home choice. 

If you're looking for other brands, all you need to do is look for unscented beeswax candles made with 100% beeswax, with 100% cotton wicks.

If you choose a scented version only use those with wildcrafted or organic essential oils processed without solvents.

But buyer-beware: candles can be labeled “beeswax candles” yet contain up to 50% paraffin or other material.

Other healthy brands include:

• Welch Candle Company
• The Beeswax Company
• Happy Flame
• Beverly Bees
• Bluecorn
• Beelite Candles
• Heaven Scent Wellness
• Lomar Farms
• Primally Pure

You can also find great deals on local beeswax at farmers’ markets, natural food stores, and through CSAs.

Beeswax candles give off a subtle fragrance that is naturally scented by the nectar of flowers and honey.

For the very best ambiance of a flickering candle plus aroma, not combining a scent with combustion is desirable.

Toss The Toxins For Your Health

Since scented candles are among the most hazardous items in our homes, grab a box, go through your house, and remove them.

This simple act (that is FREE!) is an act of love and a gift to your family.

This process eliminates significant immune stressors from your household.

As we’ve discussed at length in previous articles, synthetic fragrances are one of the world’s top allergens, can contain dozens to hundreds of undisclosed chemical ingredients per scent, and have been referred to by scientists as “the new second-hand smoke”.

This explains why these VOC-laden products have been linked to such pervasive health issues as headaches, migraines, asthma, lung disease, cancers¹, hormonal issues, infertility²...the list goes on and on. 

Breaking yourself from toxic candles will literally lift your mood and holiday spirit.

Other Options for Holiday Ambiance

Put on a pot of simmering spices, make a stovetop potpourri, or create a pomander as a Christmas project with your kids!

Consider flameless candles. These are flickering candles that glimmer like natural candles but are powered by batteries. There are many types and sizes available online.

We hope this helps you create the ambiance you want while not sacrificing your health.

References:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10783381/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9832800/
3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.3c07574
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25588193/
5. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c07574
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969700003594