The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic Fall Candles
As candle season approaches, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at what you're burning in your home. In this guide, we'll explore the differences between paraffin, soy, coconut, and beeswax candles, compare wick materials, and find where to buy non-toxic fall candles
The Truth About Non-Toxic Candles: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
As the days grow shorter and the first hints of autumn arrive, many of us instinctively reach for a favorite candle. There's something comforting about the warm glow of a flickering flame and the familiar scents of cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, or sweet orange filling our homes.
Candle season has officially arrived.
But while most of us choose candles based on their scent or appearance, there's something even more important to consider: what's actually inside the candle.
Not all candles are created equal. The type of wax, the wick, and the ingredients used to create the fragrance all play a role in how a candle burns and the overall experience it creates in your home.
As I've become more intentional about the products I bring into my home, I've also become more mindful of the candles I choose to burn. Today, I pay just as much attention to a candle's ingredients as I do its scent because I believe they're every bit as important.
If you're looking for a cleaner, more thoughtfully crafted candle this fall, here's what you should know.
Why Candle Ingredients Matter
Candles are unique because they're designed to burn indoors, often for several hours at a time. That's why I think it's worth understanding what they're made from before bringing them into your living room, bedroom, or kitchen.
Every candle has three primary components:
Wax
Wick
Fragrance
Each one plays an important role in how cleanly a candle burns, how much soot it produces, and how enjoyable the overall experience is.
Once I understood the differences between these ingredients, I stopped focusing solely on beautiful labels and seasonal scents and started paying much closer attention to the quality of what I was actually burning.
Candle Waxes Explained
There are several different types of candle wax available today, and each has its own strengths. Here's a quick look at the most common options.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most common candle wax on the market, and for many people, it works just fine. It's affordable, holds fragrance well, and has been used in candle making for decades.
That said, it's not the wax I choose for my home.
One of the main reasons is that paraffin is a petroleum-derived product. Even though the wax used in candles is highly refined, I try to reduce my reliance on petroleum-based products whenever possible by choosing ingredients that come from natural sources instead.
Another consideration is indoor air quality. Paraffin produces combustion byproducts, including fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Research shows that the amount and type of emissions depend on several factors, including the wax, wick, fragrance, additives, and even how the candle is burned. A poorly formulated candle—or one with an overgrown wick—can produce significantly more soot and particulate matter than a well-made candle.
While studies have generally found that candles used as intended do not expose consumers to harmful levels of these compounds, I still prefer to minimize unnecessary indoor emissions whenever I reasonably can. For me, choosing candles made with simple, transparent ingredients is one way to do that.
Soy Wax
Soy wax has become one of the most popular natural alternatives over the past two decades.
Because it's made from soybeans, it's renewable and generally burns cleaner than paraffin. However, something many shoppers don't realize is that not every soy candle is made from 100% soy wax. Many products marketed as "soy candles" are actually soy blends combined with paraffin or other waxes to improve scent throw, appearance, or performance. That's why I always recommend reading the label carefully and choosing companies that are transparent about exactly what's in their candles.
Another factor worth considering is how the soy itself is grown.
Soybeans are one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, and the majority of conventionally grown soy is produced using herbicides, including glyphosate. Glyphosate has been the subject of ongoing scientific research and public debate regarding its potential health and environmental impacts. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. Other regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have reached different conclusions when glyphosate is used according to label directions, illustrating that this remains an area of scientific discussion.
While there is limited research on glyphosate residues in finished soy candle wax specifically, I still believe ingredient sourcing matters. Whenever possible, I choose candles made with organic soy wax or alternatives like 100% pure beeswax, allowing me to support products made with carefully sourced, minimally processed natural ingredients.
Whether you're shopping for soy or beeswax candles, I also recommend choosing products that clearly disclose their ingredients and avoiding vague terms like "soy blend." To me, transparency is one of the strongest indicators that a company values quality as much as you do.
Source:
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2017). Some organophosphate insecticides and herbicides (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 112). World Health Organization. IARC Monograph Volume 112
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its creamy appearance, excellent scent throw, and slow, even burn. It's often considered one of the more luxurious natural waxes and has become a favorite among many artisan candle makers.
Like soy, however, many coconut candles aren't made with 100% coconut wax. Because coconut wax is naturally soft, it's commonly blended with soy, paraffin, or other waxes to improve firmness, appearance, and performance. That's why I always encourage reading the label carefully—"coconut wax" doesn't necessarily mean it's the only wax in the candle.
Another factor I consider is how the coconut oil used to make the wax is processed. Some refined vegetable oils are produced using chemical solvents such as hexane during the extraction process before undergoing additional refining steps. While food-grade and cosmetic-grade refining is designed to remove these solvents, I prefer products made from organic, cold-pressed, or minimally refined coconut oil whenever possible. Choosing organic also supports agricultural practices that avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
When sourced responsibly, organic, unrefined coconut wax can be an excellent natural candle wax. It burns beautifully, provides a smooth finish, and offers excellent scent performance. If I'm choosing a coconut candle, I look for brands that are transparent about where their coconut wax comes from, whether it's organic, and whether it's blended with other waxes.
As with any candle, I believe ingredient transparency matters just as much as the wax itself.
Beeswax
Of all the natural waxes available, 100% pure beeswax continues to be my favorite—and it's the only wax I choose to burn in my home.
Beeswax has been used for candle making for thousands of years. Produced naturally by honeybees, it requires very little processing before becoming a candle, making it one of the simplest and least processed waxes available.
What I love most about beeswax is its:
Exceptionally long burn time
Beautiful warm, golden glow
Naturally subtle honey aroma
Renewable origin
Minimal processing
Clean-burning performance
Very little visible soot when paired with a properly sized natural wick
Unlike many plant-based waxes, beeswax doesn't need to be blended with other waxes to perform well. It stands beautifully on its own, offering a slow, even burn with remarkable durability.
One of the reasons beeswax has earned such a loyal following is its reputation for producing very little soot. While all candles produce some combustion byproducts, research has shown that a candle's emissions are influenced by the wax, wick, additives, fragrance, and burn conditions. High-quality candles made with thoughtfully selected ingredients and properly sized wicks generally burn more cleanly than poorly formulated candles, and beeswax is widely recognized for its naturally clean-burning characteristics (Andersen et al., 2021).
When I'm choosing a candle, I almost always reach for 100% pure beeswax. Paired with an organic hemp wick and pure, third-party tested essential oils, it represents exactly what I look for: thoughtfully sourced ingredients, exceptional craftsmanship, and a candle that lets nature speak for itself.
Sources:
Andersen, C., et al. (2021). Candles and indoor air pollution: An update. Indoor Air, 31(6), 1682–1703.
Which Candle Wick Is Best?
Wax often gets all the attention, but the wick is just as important.
A well-made wick helps a candle burn evenly, minimizes excess soot, and allows the wax to melt efficiently.
Here are the most common options.
Cotton Wicks
Cotton wicks are the most common natural wick used in candle making. When they're properly sized for the candle and trimmed before each burn, they produce a steady flame and perform reliably with a wide variety of waxes.
However, cotton wicks can begin producing more visible soot if they're too large for the candle, develop a "mushroom" carbon buildup at the tip, or are burned for extended periods without trimming. Keeping the wick trimmed to about ¼ inch before each burn encourages more complete combustion while helping reduce excess smoke and soot.
Wooden Wicks
Wooden wicks have become increasingly popular for the cozy crackling sound they create and their modern aesthetic.
They can produce a beautiful flame, but they also require more precise engineering than cotton wicks. The width, thickness, and even the wood species all affect how efficiently they burn. If a wooden wick is too wide, it can create a larger flame and generate more soot. If it's too narrow, it may struggle to stay lit or tunnel down the center of the candle.
Like any wick, wooden wicks perform best when they're properly sized and regularly trimmed.
Organic Hemp Wicks
One of my favorite discoveries has been organic hemp wicks.
Made from natural plant fibers, hemp wicks pair especially well with beeswax and are designed to promote a steady, controlled flame. When paired with a well-formulated candle and properly maintained, they support a clean, even burn with very little visible soot.
I also appreciate how well organic hemp wicks align with my overall philosophy of choosing simple, naturally derived ingredients whenever possible. Rather than relying on synthetic materials or unnecessary additives, they complement the minimal processing and renewable nature of beeswax beautifully.
Because the wick plays such an important role in how a candle performs, I now actively look for candles made with organic hemp wicks whenever possible.
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils
Perhaps the biggest difference between candles comes down to what creates their scent.
Synthetic Fragrance Oils
Most candles on the market are scented with synthetic fragrance oils or proprietary fragrance blends.
These fragrances can recreate virtually any scent imaginable—from pumpkin pie and fresh linen to birthday cake and ocean breeze—and they often provide a stronger scent throw than essential oils.
The challenge, however, is that "fragrance" or "parfum" is often considered a trade secret. Instead of listing every ingredient used to create the scent, manufacturers are typically allowed to disclose the blend simply as "fragrance." As a result, consumers often have little information about the chemicals used, how the fragrance was manufactured, or where its ingredients were sourced.
Another reason I value ingredient transparency is that some synthetic fragrance formulations have historically contained phthalates, a class of chemicals commonly used to help fragrances last longer. Phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormone system. Although many candle and fragrance manufacturers have moved away from using specific phthalates in response to consumer demand and evolving regulations, ingredient disclosure requirements still vary. That can make it difficult for shoppers to know exactly what's included in a proprietary fragrance blend—or what other potentially problematic compounds may have been used.
A recent review on scented candle exposure also noted that synthetic fragrances used in candles may contain phthalates and emphasized that fragranced products—including candles labeled as "green" or "organic"—can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during use. While the health effects depend on many factors, including the specific ingredients, ventilation, and frequency of use, it's another reason I believe ingredient transparency is worth paying attention to.
Source:
Alshammari, T. K., AlShammari, M. T., Alshammari, A. M., Alshammari, N. M., Alrashidi, M. M., Alrashedi, N. M., & Alshammari, F. A. (2023). Extent of exposure to scented candles and prevalence of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms amongst young university students. BMC Public Health, 23, 88. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14901-7
100% Pure Essential Oils
Essential oils are extracted directly from botanicals such as flowers, herbs, citrus fruits, woods, and spices. Rather than recreating a scent in a laboratory, they capture the naturally occurring aromatic compounds found within the plant itself.
To me, there's simply no comparison.
Lavender smells like freshly harvested lavender.
Sweet orange smells like peeling a ripe orange.
Cedarwood carries the warm, grounding aroma of walking through a quiet forest.
Peppermint is crisp and invigorating.
Each scent reflects the complexity of the plant it came from, creating an aroma that feels layered, authentic, and deeply connected to nature. Rather than filling a room with an artificial perfume, essential oils tend to create a more subtle, balanced fragrance that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
One of the things I appreciate most is knowing exactly where those aromas come from. That's why I choose candles scented with 100% pure essential oils instead of proprietary fragrance blends.
Just as importantly, I look for third-party tested essential oils.
Third-party testing provides an independent way to verify an essential oil's identity, purity, and quality. Depending on the testing methods used—such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS)—it can confirm that an oil is what it claims to be while also helping detect dilution, adulteration, or contamination with synthetic compounds. In an industry where purity can vary significantly, that added level of verification gives me confidence that I'm getting authentic botanicals rather than a diluted or altered product.
That level of transparency matters to me.
When I choose a candle, I want to know that every ingredient has been selected with intention—from the wax and wick to the essential oils that create its fragrance. That's one of the reasons I continue to reach for candles made with 100% pure beeswax, organic hemp wicks, and third-party tested essential oils. They reflect the same values I try to bring into my home: simplicity, quality, and a deep appreciation for nature.
What "Non-Toxic" Really Means
The phrase "non-toxic" gets used frequently in the candle industry, but it isn't a regulated marketing term.
Rather than relying on marketing claims alone, I think it's more helpful to focus on the actual ingredients.
When I'm shopping for candles, here's what I look for:
100% beeswax whenever possible
Organic hemp wicks
100% pure, third-party tested essential oils
Transparent ingredient lists
No unnecessary dyes or fillers
Thoughtful craftsmanship
How to Shop for a Better Candle
The next time you're shopping for candles, here's the checklist I keep in mind:
✔ Is the wax clearly identified?
✔ Is it made with 100% beeswax or another high-quality natural wax?
✔ Does it use an organic hemp or natural cotton wick?
✔ Are the scents created with 100% pure essential oils and botanical extracts?
✔ Are those essential oils third-party tested?
✔ Is the ingredient list transparent?
✔ Does the maker clearly explain how their candles are crafted?
The more transparent a company is about its ingredients and how its candles are made, the more confident I feel supporting them.
The Brand I Recommend
Now for the part you've probably been waiting for... or maybe you scrolled here first. 😉 If so, no judgment!
After years of reading labels, researching ingredients, and searching for candles that truly align with my standards, the brand I keep coming back to is Soli Deo Gloria Candle Co. (link)
Their candles check every box on my list:
100% pure beeswax
100% pure, third-party tested essential oils and botanical extracts
Organic hemp wicks
Hand-poured in small batches
No wax blends
No synthetic fragrance oils
No fillers or unnecessary additives
Complete ingredient transparency
It's incredibly difficult to find a candle that meets all of those criteria, which is why I was so excited when I discovered this brand.
One of the things I appreciate most is their commitment to keeping their ingredient list simple and honest. You know exactly what you're bringing into your home—no vague "fragrance" blends, no hidden ingredients, and no shortcuts. Just thoughtfully sourced materials crafted into a beautiful, clean-burning candle.
Because they're made with 100% beeswax and organic hemp wicks, they burn beautifully with minimal visible soot when properly cared for. That makes them exactly the kind of candle I feel good about lighting in my home.
Their scent collection continues to grow, and if you're reading this as we head into fall... you're in for a treat. Their autumn collection is absolutely incredible, featuring warm, cozy botanical scents that capture the season without relying on synthetic fragrances.
I'm genuinely obsessed.
If candles aren't your thing, they also offer beeswax wax melts and essential oil room sprays, so you can enjoy the same commitment to clean, transparent ingredients throughout your home.
Just to be completely transparent: I am not affiliated with Soli Deo Gloria Candle Co. I don't earn a commission if you purchase from them, and this isn't a sponsored recommendation. I simply believe they've created one of the cleanest, most thoughtfully crafted candle lines I've come across, and I'm always happy to support businesses whose values align so closely with my own.
Final Thoughts
Autumn has always been my favorite season—a time for slowing down, gathering with loved ones, and making home feel just a little cozier.
Lighting a candle is one of those simple rituals that can instantly transform a space, but I also believe it's worth paying attention to what's inside the candle—not just how it smells.
Over the years, I've found myself coming back to the same combination time and time again: 100% pure beeswax, an organic hemp wick, and pure, third-party tested essential oils.
For me, it's the perfect balance of beautiful craftsmanship, simple ingredients, and authentic botanical fragrance.
This fall, whether you're curling up with a good book, decorating for the season, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, I hope you'll choose candles made with ingredients you can feel good about bringing into your space.
Because creating a cozy home shouldn't mean compromising on quality. It should begin with it.
