Are Candles Toxic? The Truth About Soy, Paraffin, and ‘Non-Toxic’ Candle Claims

The Truth About “Non-Toxic Candles”

Candles are a beloved source of warmth, fragrance, and relaxation. These days, many brands market their candles as “non-toxic,” but it’s important to separate marketing buzz from science.

1. No Candle Is Truly 100% Non-Toxic

Even in ideal conditions, burning a wick releases trace emissions—volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, soot, and particulate matter—simply because any combustion process produces byproducts, whether from a candle, fireplace, or gas stove.

2. What Does the Science Say?

Comparative Emissions Study (2007, Ökometric)

A rigorous, internationally funded study tested candles made from paraffin, soy wax, stearin, palm wax, and beeswax. It burned them in controlled chambers and measured more than 300 compounds—including VOCs, dioxins, PAHs, and aldehydes. The result? All wax types burned cleanly and safely with nearly identical emissions, all far below even the strictest indoor air-quality standards. (National Candle Associationcandleseurope.com)

2014 Modeled Exposure (Petry et al.)

Another comprehensive analysis modeled consumer exposure to Formaldehyde and Benzene from scented candles using real-world scenarios and indoor-air models. The conclusion: under normal use, candle emissions are unlikely to pose long-term health risks, although short-term peaks might affect especially sensitive individuals. (britishcandles.org)

Healthline Summary (2019)

Healthline also confirms that although burning candles emits VOCs and particulate matter, the levels are low, and—when burned properly in ventilated spaces—are unlikely to significantly affect health. (Healthline)

3. The “Non-Toxic Candle” Trend: A Marketing Hype

Today, it's common to see phrases like “100% non-toxic” and “clean burn” as buzzwords. Yet the science doesn’t support bold claims of zero emissions. These labels often oversell—creating misleading distinctions when all candles emit similarly low levels of byproducts under responsible use.

Proper Wick Maintenance Matters

Another key factor often overlooked is the wick itself. A poorly trimmed or oversized wick can produce excess soot and smoke, regardless of the wax type. Keeping the wick trimmed to about ¼ inch helps the candle burn cleanly, minimizes soot, and ensures the fragrance disperses evenly. In fact, how well a candle is wicked often has a bigger impact on soot and indoor air quality than whether it’s soy, paraffin, or a blend.

What truly matters is good usage practices: trimming the wick, burning in a ventilated area, and avoiding prolonged burns. These steps impact safety more than the type of wax itself.

“Non-Toxic” Labels and Phthalate-Free Oils

Many brands back their “non-toxic” claims by using phthalate-free fragrance oils. While this is a positive step, it’s not enough to justify calling a candle truly non-toxic. Even phthalate-free candles release trace VOCs and particulate matter when burned. Without comprehensive scientific testing on all emissions, these claims are largely marketing hype rather than evidence-based.

4. Why We Use Soy–Paraffin Blends

We choose to be transparent rather than engaging in marketing hyperbole. Our soy–paraffin blend (52% soy, 48% Paraffin) is carefully formulated and aligns with the evidence: it's no more harmful than 100% soy candles when burned responsibly and in well-ventilated environments. Pair that with quality fragrance oils and thoughtful production, and you get clean, enjoyable ambiance without exaggerated safety claims. Paraffin added to our wax allows for our fragrance blends to provide more cold/hot throw than just using soy wax. 

“Soy Blend” Doesn’t Mean 100% Soy

It’s common to see candles labeled as “soy” or “soy blend,” which can be misleading. By law, a candle only needs to contain 50% soy wax to be labeled as a “soy candle.” This means many so-called “soy” candles actually contain a significant amount of paraffin or other waxes. Transparency matters: our soy–paraffin blend is carefully formulated for performance, fragrance, and a clean burn, rather than relying on marketing buzzwords that exaggerate purity.

5. Bottom Line: Candles—Safe When Used Responsibly

Candles, including scented ones, do emit trace chemicals, but scientific evidence shows emissions are well within safe limits for most people. Don’t let the “non-toxic” label fool you—it’s often more marketing than substance. Prioritize smart usage and proper ventilation—and enjoy your candles with peace of mind.

---

Citations 

• 2007 Ökometric Study: Emissions test across wax types with nearly identical, safe results. National Candle Associationcandleseurope.com

• 2014 Petry et al. Model: Candle emissions unlikely to cause long-term health issues. britishcandles.org

• Healthline Summary: Emissions exist but are low; safe with proper candle hygiene. Healthline