Are Scented Candles Toxic? The Truth Most Brands Don’t Tell You
It always amazes me how many people don’t know this, but you deserve to know the truth.
Candles should bring peace, not problems. Yet many cheap scented candles are made with paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct - yep that luxury brand you like, it's likely made with paraffin), bulk fragrance chemicals, and sometimes parabens or phthalates. When burned, they can release soot and toxins that linger in the air you breathe.
Some studies have linked these emissions to headaches, irritated lungs, and even long-term health concerns. It’s fair to ask: Are scented candles bad for you? Can scented candles cause cancer?
You don’t need to be a scientist to figure this out. I’ve got you covered. With my background in chemistry and my work at Casa de Coralina, I’ve spent years studying what goes into candles and how they affect the air we breathe. What I’ve learned is simple: not all candles are the same.
And here’s the reality: some can be harmful. If you’re lighting them daily, especially in a home with kids or pets, the risks add up.
Why Some Candles Are Harmful
Science shows that burning paraffin wax can release toluene and benzene - compounds linked to asthma and respiratory problems. Add phthalates and parabens from low-quality fragrance oils, or dyes that add nothing but smoke, and suddenly your cosy ritual doesn’t feel so comforting.
That doesn’t mean you need to give up scented candles altogether - please don’t! It simply means choosing wisely.
So, Are Scented Candles Bad for You?
Not all of them. But let’s be honest: some are. If your candle is made with petroleum wax, hidden chemical blends, or treated wicks, you’re not doing your home (or your health) any favours.
But here’s the good news: safe, non-toxic candles exist - and when you find them, they can be a beautiful part of your wellbeing.
What Safe, Non-Toxic Candles Look Like
If you want to feel at home without the stress, here’s what to look for:
- 100% soy wax or vegetable wax - no paraffin, no blends.
- Phthalate-free and paraben-free fragrance oils - cleaner for your air and body.
- Cotton or wooden wicks - nothing treated, nothing metal.
- Transparency - brands that show you what’s inside their products.
Are soy candles safe? Yes. In fact, soy is one of the cleanest, most sustainable options for home fragrance when paired with high-quality oils and cotton wicks.
That’s exactly why we use it at Casa de Coralina. Every candle we make is vegan, cruelty-free, and hand-poured with soy wax. Because a candle should never be the source of harm or worry in your home.
The Benefits of Safe Scented Candles
When they’re made well, candles are more than decoration. The best scented candles can:
- Calm your nervous system with notes of lavender, chamomile, or lemongrass.
- Boost your mood with bright fruits or uplifting spices.
- Create rituals - the small act of lighting a wick can signal that this moment belongs to you.
- Awaken memory - a coffee-scented candle like our Saudade can transport you to a cosy cafe, or a fruity scent can make you feel you arrived home.
For many of us, especially those juggling family, career, and very long to-do lists, candles become more than fragrance. They’re a way to feel grounded and make our space feel complete.
Final Thoughts
The question are scented candles toxic? doesn’t have a one-word answer. But here’s what matters: you don’t need to give up on candles - that would be too dramatic. You just need to choose better.
If you’re looking for safe, non-toxic scented candles in the UK, discover Casa de Coralina’s hand-poured collection. And if you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, our scented candle gift sets are created with the same care - perfect for sharing calm and belonging with someone you love.
You deserve to feel at home, without worries or stress.
References & Further Reading
If you’d like to explore the science behind candle safety in more depth, here are some of the studies and resources often discussed:
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South Carolina State University (2009) - Research showing that paraffin candles can release potentially harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene when burned.
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National Candle Association & European Candle Association (2014) - Independent reviews concluding that emissions from well-made candles are generally below harmful levels when used as directed.
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EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, 2001) - Report highlighting indoor air pollution sources, including paraffin candles, and the importance of ventilation.
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Journal of Environmental Health (2007) - Study on phthalates in fragranced consumer products, raising concerns about hormone disruption.
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American Chemical Society (2016) - Findings on how scented candles affect indoor air quality, noting the difference between paraffin and vegetable-based waxes.