13 Best Non-Toxic Eco-friendly Candles from Small Businesses
This guide features non-toxic, sustainable, and social impact candle brands that use socially responsible materials to handcraft candles in the USA.
Scented candles can be a wonderful way to relax, but it’s important to make sure your candles are made with natural non-toxic materials.
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Are scented candles toxic?
A lot of scented candles are made with made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct.
IQ Air reports that to create paraffin, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized and made into wax.
When burned, paraffin wax can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air including acetone, benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens.
These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks and skin problems.
Along with the wax used to make conventional candles consumers must consider the scents. Candles scented with synthetic fragrances are known for having phthalates.
The EWG defines phthalates as a common industrial chemical used in PVC plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances and reports that most recently have been linked to asthma and allergies.
Even popular candles such as Bath & Body Works are reported to have toxic synthetic fragrances with phthalates.
Along with the scent and wax we have to be cautious of what’s in the wick of a candle.
Wellness Mama reports that many scented candles also have wicks that contain heavy metals like lead, and even a few hours of burning them can create levels of airborne heavy metals that are much higher than the acceptable limits.
In the US, candle wicks are supposed to be made of cotton or paper, but studies have found that as much as 30% of traditional candles contain heavy metals in the wicks.
What type of candles are eco-friendly?
Due to the process of how paraffin is made from petroleum byproducts, this is not the most eco-friendly option.
Consider candles made with renewable resources such as soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. It’s also important to consider if the scent is made with synthetics.
Consider looking for essential oil based candles. And be sure to consider the candle jar!
Glass jars are a great zero waste option because they can be up-cycled or reused after your candle is done burning.
What is the best type of non-toxic wax for candles?
Natural renewable waxes are great to look for when you’re shopping for candles. In my home I typically keep soy wax and coconut wax candles around. I also know beeswax is a popular eco-conscious candle wax as well.
Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is derived from the soybean making this a renewable resource containing nothing artificial. Soy wax is great and much better for the environment compared to paraffin.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is made of the cold-pressed meat of coconuts and then often combined with soy (vegetable) wax for added firmness. It is made from the coconut itself, like coconut oil, and it is organic, environmentally friendly to produce, and free of pesticides.
13+ Sustainable Non-Toxic Candle Brands Making Eco-friendly Candles
Honestly I LOVE candles. For me it really helps set my mood. I use bright scents to energize me when I’m working from home and I use calming scents for winding down at night. I’ve tried candles from all these brands and am obsessed.
All of these brands create a high-quality product, offer a range of scents, and the best part is they use eco-friendly ingredients and ethical practices. Get ready to discover the best non-toxic candles for your home or they also make a great gift.
Slow Made Eco-luxe Vegan Candles
Slow Made renewable, vegan coconut wax candles are crafted for mindful, sustainable, slow living.
The eco-luxe candles are handcrafted with a base blend of renewable, vegan coconut wax, a lead, and zinc free cotton wick, and phthalate-free fragrance infused with pure essential oils hand-poured in small batches in their Chicago studio.
My personal favorites are Ember and Serene. Serene is a great candle for relaxing after a stressful day. The lavender, chamomile, rosemary, & sage scents make relaxing a breeze.
If you order from Slow Made directly be sure to use the discount code HONESTCONSUMER for 10% off.
Fontana Candle Co. MADE SAFE® Candles
Fontana Candle Co. candles are made with clean ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, and pure essential oils.
Their candles feature wood wicks which their supplier sources the wood from the United States from Forest Stewardship Council Certified mills.
For every $100 Fontana Candle Co. spends on wicks, their supplier plants a tree with Trees for the Future, making the wood wick an eco-friendly and sustainable option.
Fontana Candle Co. candles are MADE SAFE® certified which confirms that a household product is free of any and all toxins known or suspected to harm human health, animals, or ecosystems.
My personal favorite candle from Fontana Candle Co. is the Spiced Latte.
Make Your Own Sustainable Candle with Siblings
Siblings will send you everything you need to easily and quickly make your own candle.
Their 100% compostable bag contains everything you need to make a new candle in your own vessel.
This is so great because you can sustainably repurpose your old candle jars! Siblings candle wax is a 100% natural blend of coconut and soy wax. This brand uses non-toxic, cruelty free fragrance and essential oils.
Their fragrances can be traced from seed to scent, and never contain harsh chemicals.
I’ve been loving the Bergamot, White Rose, & Oakmoss scent! Along with using clean sustainable materials, Siblings is also a carbon neutral company!
Thistle Farms Hand-poured Soy Candles
Thistle Farms’ hand-poured soy candles burn with the promise that Love Heals Every Body.
These socially responsible candles feature essential oils with fresh scents.
Thistle farms is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from trafficking and addiction.
Thistle Farms does this by providing a safe place to live, meaningful employment opportunities, and a supportive community.
Each day, members of the Thistle Farms community light a candle in our Nashville headquarters as a universal symbol of sanctuary and love. The Eucalyptus Mintcandle is my favorite from Thistle Farms.
Hummingbird Candle Co. Coconut Wax Candles
Hummingbird Candle Co. prides itself on being a Black Woman Owned company that creates jobs for women in their community.
All candles are vegan, cruelty free and made in the USA with 98% coconut wax and 2% soy wax.
All Hummingbird Candles are hand-poured in recycled glass vessels and feature FSC Certified crackling wooden wicks. The candles feature essential oils that are paraben and phthalate free.
This eco-conscious candle regularly and consistently give backs to women supporting organizations.
The Hygge Candle is my favorite and one of my go-to fall candles! It features such a cozy scent that is sure to warm up any space. I love that their wooden wick makes a cozy crackling sound too!
They also have DIY candle kits if you and your friends want to be candle makers at home they'll mail you the essential oil blends, soy wax blend, and wick, so you can get crafty and make some clean burning candles.
Seattle Candle Co. Locally Made Candles
Seattle Candle Co. candles are hand-poured in small batches in a Seattle, WA studio.
To create high-quality candles, this brand uses 100% soy wax, coconut oil and cotton and paper wicks, and skips the dyes, parabens and phthalates.
Seattle Candle Co. believes customers deserve long-lasting, clean-burning candles that fill their life with delightful scents.
This is my favorite local candle company and their Coffee candle is my go-to!
228 Grant Street: Black Owned Soy Wax Candle Company
228 Grant Street candles are hand-poured in Baltimore with natural soy derived from domestically grown soy for an eco-friendly, clean burn.
This non-toxic candle brand uses a lead-free cotton wick primed with vegetable based wax and premium grade fragrance oil.
These eco-conscious candles do not have any added dyes or chemicals.
I’ve had a few 228 Grant Street candles in my home and I think my favorite scent is the Wild Blackberry + Absinthe.
Candelles High Quality Non-Toxic Candles
Candelles is a family owned soy candle company in the northeast mountains of Pennsylvania. This brand focuses on small batch production, eco-friendly products, and providing a quality, hand-poured candles.
Candelles candles feature an all natural soy wax blended with only natural, phthalate-free fragrance oils, no additives at all. Candelle’s holiday candles are amazing! My personal favorite scents are Gingerbread Spice and Oatmeal Stout.
Queer Candle Co. Non-toxic Candles
Queer Candle Co. is a queer-couple-owned business crafting soy wax candles with responsibly sourced materials, non-toxic fragrance, and free from paraffins. They also have candle refill kits!
Queer Candle Co. gives back by donating 10% of monthly earnings to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an NYC grassroots organization working to "guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence."
My personal favorite Queer Candle Co. candle is Honey.
Light Shine Candles That Give Back
Light Shine Candles are ethically made in Nashville, TN. Candles are made with non-GMO soy, a cotton wick, a made-in-the USA glass jar, and free of dyes and phthalates.
A portion of proceeds from Light Shine Candles go to Global Outreach Developments International to encourage community development in El Salvador.
I particularly love Light Shine Candle’s holiday scents including Fireside & Sweet Potato Brown Sugar.
Light Shine Candles also has a wonderful candle subscription box. Use HONEST5 for $5 off your first box when you subscribe to the Shine Club.
Prosperity Candle: Empowering Refugees
All of Prosperity Candle’s products are hand-poured by refugee women in the USA using clean, sustainable ingredients.
This social enterprise focuses on creating brighter futures for women artisans and former refugees building new lives for their families in the United States.
Prosperity Candles are made with all-natural soy and coconut wax, 100% pure cotton and sustainably harvested wood wicks, and never any dyes or artificial enhancers. Their premium fragrances are phthalate-free, made with essential oils and skin-safe ingredients for soaps, lotions and candles.
Is candle smoke toxic?
Healthline reports that breathing too much of any type of smoke can potentially damage your health. Burning candles made of paraffin releases soot.
It’s been reported that the combustion products from these candles are similar to those released from a diesel engine.
It’s a good idea to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in by lighting your candles in a well-ventilated room and keeping them away from drafts that can increase the amount of smoke they release. Choosing non-toxic candles will reduce the impact of candle smoke.
Where to find non-toxic & eco-friendly candles?
Along with the sustainable candles listed in this post, your local farmers market and craft fairs can be a great place to find handmade candles that are made with natural ingredients.
If you're specifically looking for seasonal candles we've got guides for candles for the holiday season.
How to shop for non-toxic candles?
Choose natural renewable waxes such as coconut wax, beeswax, or natural soy wax.
Avoid synthetic scents and opt for clean ingredients like essential oils.
When shopping at a store be sure to read the ingredient list to ensure you're choosing clean candles
Make sure wick is lead free
Can Candles Be Organic?
Candles typically are not certified organic by the USDA, but certain waxes can be created from materials that were grown organically.
For example pure coconut wax is typically organic due to the fact that coconut is typically not grown with GMOs.
On top of wax, other ingredients can also be organic such as scented with organic essential oils or made with organic cotton wicks.
So if you're looking for organic candles be sure to ask the brand about the type of wax they use and other materials used to craft the candle.
Hopefully this guide has helped you discover some amazing non-toxic and organic candle brands to make your sustainable home smell amazing! Next time you shoe for candles you'll know to look for natural materials and avoid harmful toxins and toxic chemicals.
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