Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Fragrance-free
No synthetic fragrance
Pillar
Unscented
65 hrs
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The Best Non-Toxic Candles
We vetted candles against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Here's what we look for:
- Unscented or naturally scented with essential oils or herbs
- Wax made from beeswax, coconut, or other natural sources (never paraffin)
- Wicks made from cotton, wood, or hemp (no plastic)
- Free from synthetic fragrance, dyes, phthalates, and unecessary additives
- Low-VOC and fully transparent ingredients
The Best Non-Toxic Candles
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
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The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
EU safety standards
Recyclable packaging
Container
60 hrs
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Hypoallergenic
Refillable
Recycled materials
Container
Lightly scented
18 hrs
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
1 year warranty
Money-back guarantee
Container
Lightly scented
38 hrs
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Made in USA
Recyclable packaging
Money-back guarantee
Container
35 hrs
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Fragrance-free
Taper
Unscented
10 hrs
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Made in USA
Refillable
Container
Medium scented
90 hrs
How to Swap to Non-Toxic candles:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic candles:
What to know about candles
When a candle burns, everything in it—wax, wick, fragrance, dyes—releases into the air you breathe. That makes the materials a candle is made from especially important, since you're inhaling them directly in an enclosed space.
- Candles burned frequently or in small rooms with little airflow deserve the most attention.
- The three things that matter most are the type of wax, the wick material, and whether the scent comes from synthetic fragrance or natural sources.
Review the candles you already have
Check the labels or product pages for each candle you own. Look at the wax type, wick material, and fragrance source. Many candles don't list full details, which is worth looking into.
- Set aside any candle that lists "paraffin," "petroleum blend," "fragrance," "parfum," or doesn't specify its wax or wick type.
- Prioritize checking candles you burn most often or use in bedrooms and smaller spaces where you spend a lot of time.
Use your current candles more safely
If you're not ready to replace your candles right away, a few simple habits can reduce what you're breathing in while you use them up.
- Open a window or door in the room before lighting a candle and keep it open while the candle burns.
- Trim the wick to about ÂĽ inch before each use to reduce soot and keep the flame small and steady.
Choose cleaner replacements
Look for candles made with natural waxes like beeswax or coconut, paired with cotton, wood, or hemp wicks. If you want scent, choose candles that use essential oils or herbs rather than synthetic fragrance.
- Avoid candles that list "fragrance," "parfum," dyes, paraffin, or petroleum-based wax—and be cautious of vague labels that don't disclose ingredients.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved candles.
Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....
Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...