What Makes a Candle Non-Toxic? How to Decode Ingredients Like a Pro

Candles should make your home feel like a sanctuary. But if you’ve ever worried about what you’re actually breathing in when you light one, you’re not alone.

Let’s dive into what really makes a candle non-toxic—and how to shop smarter for the scents you love.

What Is a Non-Toxic Candle, Really?

The term “non-toxic” gets thrown around a lot, but it doesn’t mean the same thing for every brand. At its core, a non-toxic candle is one that doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air when burned.

Unfortunately, many traditional candles are made with ingredients that do just that. Here's what to avoid:

1. Paraffin Wax

One of the most common candle waxes on the market, paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, it can release toluene and benzene—both known carcinogens linked to headaches, asthma, and hormone disruption.

2. Phthalates

Used to make synthetic fragrances last longer, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can impact reproductive health and cause allergic reactions in both humans and pets.

3. Synthetic Dyes and Additives

Colorful candles may look fun, but synthetic dyes can release toxins when burned. Preservatives and UV inhibitors (used to extend shelf life) also introduce unnecessary chemicals.

Ingredients to Look for in a Non-Toxic Candle

A true non-toxic candle will be transparent about its materials and formulation. Here’s what to look for:

🌿 Clean Wax Bases

• Coconut Wax: Super clean-burning, renewable, and slow to melt (so your candle lasts longer)

• Soy Wax: Natural and biodegradable, though often blended

• Beeswax: Great for purifying air but not vegan-friendly

🌺 Safe, Transparent Fragrances

• Look for essential oils that pets are not allergic to or IFRA-compliant fragrance oils

🔧 Wick Quality

• Choose cotton or wood wicks with no metal core

• Metal-core wicks (especially those with lead) are outdated and can emit heavy metals into the air

Why Companion Candles Is Different

At Companion Candles, we don’t just slap the words "non-toxic" on our labels. We back it up with formulation science.

All of our candles are:

• Made with a coconut soy wax blend

• Fragranced using non-toxic, vet-considered scent blends

• Free of over 250 harmful ingredients like carcinogens, mutagens, endocrine disruptors, and acute toxins

We even go a step further by designing candles for households with pets, so you can trust what’s in the air.

And yes, we still care about aesthetics. Our jars are sleek, recyclable, and designed for real homes.

How to Read a Candle Label Like a Pro

Here are a few quick tips to decode what you’re buying:

• "Parfum"? Red flag.

• No mention of wax type? Ask.

• No ingredient list at all? Move on.

Transparency isn’t optional anymore. If a brand can’t tell you exactly what you’re burning, it probably isn’t non-toxic.

Your Air. Your Pets. Your Choice.

Choosing the right candle is about more than scent—it’s about safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re snuggling on the couch with your dog or setting the mood for a self-care night, what fills your air matters.

👉 Explore Our Candles