How to Choose Non-Toxic Candles for Your Home

April 2, 2026

How to Choose Non-Toxic Candles for Your Home

Candles are meant to make our homes cozy, inviting, and calming, but not all candles are created equal. Many candles marketed as “natural” or “clean-burning” actually release hidden chemicals into the air. Choosing the right candle isn’t just about aroma, it’s about creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most important factors for selecting non-toxic candles: wicks, wax, oils, and ingredient transparency. You’ll learn how to avoid hidden toxins and why certain materials make a dramatic difference in indoor air quality.

1. Why Wicks Matter: Organic Hemp vs. Cotton or Wood

The wick is the engine of a candle, controlling how it burns and what emissions it produces.

Organic hemp wicks are slow-burning, sturdy, and clean. They produce minimal soot and virtually no VOCs, helping maintain clean indoor air and reduce potential respiratory irritation.
Cotton wicks (even organic cotton) can burn unevenly or faster and sometimes require metal cores, which may release trace metals during combustion.
Wood wicks can be visually appealing and crackle like a fireplace, but they tend to release more particulate matter and are usually chemically treated.

To avoid combustion all together- we recommend lamp warmers you can use with any wax product. Click here to see our wonderful collection of warmers.

Soli Deo Gloria candles use organic hemp wicks to ensure the cleanest burn possible. Paired with pure beeswax and third party tested essential oils, they provide a calm, healthy ambiance without compromising your indoor air quality.

Sources:
EPA Indoor Air Quality & Particulate Matter: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
Emission of air pollutants from burning candles with different composition in indoor environments. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21(6), 4320–4330. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24318837/

2. Oils Matter: Pure Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils, whether synthetic or “natural”, often contain phthalates, aldehydes, and other chemicals that reduce indoor air quality.

In contrast, pure, third-party tested essential oils:

Emit clean, natural aroma without harmful compounds
Support subtle aromatherapy benefits, such as mood enhancement and stress relief
Maintain high indoor air quality even during long burns

Using pure essential oils in candles, wax melts, or room sprays ensures you’re enhancing your home’s ambiance without adding hidden toxins.

Sources:
Steinemann, A. (2015). Volatile emissions from common consumer products. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 8(3), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-015-0327-6

Steinemann, A. C., MacGregor, I. C., Gordon, S. M., Gallagher, L. G., Davis, A. L., & Ribeiro, D. S., Wallace, L. A. (2011). Fragranced consumer products: chemicals emitted, ingredients unlisted. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 31(3), 328–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2010.08.002

3. Wax Matters: Why Beeswax is Superior

The type of wax you choose has a major impact on indoor air quality.

Beeswax:

Beeswax is one of the cleanest-burning candle materials available due to its natural composition and high melting point.

Burns slowly and efficiently, producing a stable flame
Emits extremely low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter.
May help bind airborne particles like dust and allergens, allowing them to settle out of the air
Contains no synthetic additives, resulting in a more stable and predictable burn profile

Paraffin Wax (Petroleum-Derived):
Paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, behaves very differently when burned.

Releases high levels of VOCs (such as toluene and benzene during combustion
Produces more soot and ultrafine particulate matter, which can contribute to indoor air pollution
Burns faster and at a lower temperature, often leading to incomplete combustion
Frequently combined with synthetic fragrance oils, further increasing chemical emissions

Other plant-based waxes like soy, coconut, or apricot often require added oils to improve burn quality. These additives:

Increase particulate matter and VOCs
Lower indoor air quality during combustion
Can create noticeable changes in home air quality tests (we’ve seen this when coconut oil is added to beeswax)

A beeswax candle may raise indoor VOC levels by just a few parts per billion, while paraffin and other wax candles can increase levels by hundreds or even thousands of parts per billion, representing a dramatic difference in what’s released into your air. It's also important to note, many “beeswax candles” are blended with other waxes, reducing the benefits of pure beeswax. When shopping, always check the ingredient list carefully to ensure the wax is 100% pure beeswax.

Sources:
Pope, F. D., Harper, L., Dennis-Smither, B. J., Griffiths, P. T., Clegg, S. L., & Cox, R. A. (2010).
Laboratory and modelling study of the hygroscopic properties of two model humic acid aerosol particles. Journal of Aerosol Science, 41(5), 457–467.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021850208001894
Derudi, M., Gelosa, S., Sliepcevich, A., Cattaneo, A., Cavallo, D., Rota, R., & Nano, G. (2014).
Emission of air pollutants from burning candles with different composition in indoor environments. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21(6), 4320–4330. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24318837/

4. Ingredient Transparency: Look Beyond Marketing

Marketing can be misleading. Many candles claim to be “natural” or “beeswax” but actually contain:

Mixed waxes (soy, coconut, paraffin)
Synthetic fragrance oils or dyes
Additives that lower indoor air quality

Tips for smart shopping:

Always read the ingredient list: pure beeswax, organic hemp wick, third-party tested essential oils
Avoid candles with vague terms, if a label isn’t clear about what’s inside, it’s usually not telling you the whole story
Avoid blending coconut oil with beeswax, which can increase particulate emissions significantly

5. How These Choices Affect Indoor Air Quality

Comparing materials:

Materials	Air Quality Impact
Pure beeswax + organic hemp wick + pure essential oils	Minimal VOCs, particulate matter near zero
Soy, coconut, or blended wax + cotton/wood wick + fragrance oils	Higher VOCs, more particulate matter, noticeable change in indoor air quality
Beeswax + added coconut oil	Significant increase in particulate matter and VOCs in at-home tests

The right combination of wax, wick, and oils makes all the difference in a clean-burning candle, creating a cozy, healthy home without compromising air quality.

Conclusion: Choose Candles That Truly Support Your Home

When selecting a non-toxic candle, focus on:

Wick: Organic hemp for the cleanest burn
Oils: Third-party tested essential oils, not fragrance oils
Wax: 100% pure beeswax
Ingredient transparency: Avoid blended or unclear ingredients

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a healthier, cozier home while enjoying the warmth and comfort of candlelight.

Our candles, wax melts, and room sprays are thoughtfully made with organic hemp wicks, pure beeswax, and tested essential oils, ensuring your home smells inviting without compromising air quality.
Check out our products here:

FAQ

Q: Are beeswax candles really better for your health?
A: Yes — beeswax burns cleanly and keeps indoor air quality high compared to soy, coconut, or blended waxes.

Q: Why should I avoid synthetic fragrance oils in candles?
A: Synthetic fragrance oils often release VOCs that can irritate the lungs and reduce indoor air quality. Pure essential oils are much cleaner.

Q: Can adding coconut oil to beeswax affect air quality?
A: Absolutely — our home air quality tests show significant increases in particulate matter when coconut oil is added to beeswax.

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