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For a truly sustainable scent, shop these eco-friendly, natural candles for an ambiance that keeps the planet top of mind.
From aromatic notes of lavender and eucalyptus to classic fall scents of pumpkin spice and vanilla, candles certainly smell good. And consumers love them; the candle industry is booming. According to the National Candle Association, candle products raked in about $3.14 billion last year.
The majority of candles are made from paraffin wax — also known as mineral wax — a petroleum-derived wax, as well as synthetic fragrances. Although they may be cozy and pleasing to the nose, these flickering candles can release microscopic pollutants and toxins like toluene, formaldehyde, and benzene into the air as they burn.
Studies into whether or not candles are harmful to human health have been contentious, but the consensus is that they are usually safe for consumer use, according to the Office for Science and Safety. Sobia Farooq, MD, says there’s usually no need to change candle-burning habits when using high-quality candles. But for those with (or in remission from) bladder cancer, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — may want to reconsider candle burning. “All these volatile organic hydrocarbons accumulate in the blood,” Farooq told the Cleveland Clinic. “They eventually get excreted through the bladder, hence the link with bladder cancer.”
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, though, studies show that natural candle options made from the likes of soy, coconut, and vegetable wax do have smaller footprints — both for your health and the planet — releasing less soot and toxic chemicals into the air than their paraffin-based counterparts.
Dr. Farooq also recommends always lighting candles in well-ventilated areas. She says candles made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct, “generates greater emissions than other waxes.” Instead, look for plant-based waxes like coconut wax or soy wax. They may be a bit pricier, but the benefits are notable.
“In some cases, these cheaper products have more formaldehyde-generating materials and a lower melting point. It’s been suggested — but not proven — that cheaper candles are more dangerous because they have more volatile organic carbons in them,” she says. “The dye used to color the candles has benzidine in it, which is also linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.”
Buying guide: what to look for
To ensure you’re choosing truly sustainable, eco-friendly candles, check for these features:
Wax type: Prefer plant-based waxes such as soy, coconut, or vegetable blends. Candles made from natural materials like soy and coconut wax offer a healthier, eco-friendly option.
Wick material: Look for untreated cotton, wood wicks, or other non-metal core wicks — metal cores can release unwanted by-products when burned.
Fragrance and ingredients: Ideally, the fragrance should come from essential oils or plant-based materials rather than synthetic fragrance compounds. Typical paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance candles can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful by-products.
Packaging and reuse: Eco-friendly packaging, recycled or reusable vessels, minimal waste — these matter. Some brands are highlighted for using up-cycled materials or vessels designed for reuse.
Indoor air quality and health: Even the best candles should be burned in well-ventilated spaces. Candles made from paraffin wax especially generate greater emissions than other waxes.’
The best natural candles
For a truly sustainable scent, light up these natural candles that avoid harmful synthetics.
Le Labo
The clean scent wizards at Le Labo bring their addictive fragrances to showstopping candles, too, as part of their obsessions with craftsmanship. A stunning concrete vessel is handcrafted in Maine with recycled stone dust, for unique vessels with varying shades, and tactile qualities. Le Labo’s candles come with the fragrance oils on extra, for a scent that refreshes and lingers. Its custom blend of waxes, and wicks are constructed with natural fibers, and the candles are packaged in upcycled materials. It’s a must for any candle aficionado.
Nette Candle
This luxury candle maker offers clean and sustainable scents for all. Free of paraffins, parabens, sulfates, and dyes, the candles are made from natural coconut soy wax and are contained in handmade vessels. Plus, one tree is planted for every purchase.
For an intoxicating floral scent, shop The Another Life, which features vanilla, cocoa, cedar wood, and patchouli. Or for a candle that smells like summer, the Georgica, which conjures scents of scorched dunes, rose vines, clean linens, and old leather chairs.
P.F. Candle Co.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free scented soy candles. Need we say more? The Los Angeles-based brand, which makes its candles with 100 percent soy wax, partnered with Climate Neutral to help offset and neutralize its carbon footprint.
The company also makes shopping for the perfect scent extra easy. Choose from a myriad of options, including Black Fig, Sweet Grapefruit, Ojai Lavender, Spiced Pumpkin, Apple Picking, and more.
Homecourt
From Courteney Cox’s Homecourt, a clean-burning and indulgently fragranced Steeped Rose-scented candle for any room of the home. Soy wax blends with organic cotton wicks; each candle is hand-poured into kiln-fired ceramic vessels for an eco-friendly experience for the senses.
Like all of its products, Homecourt selects its ingredients carefully to be non-toxic and safe for people and pets. Whenever possible, the company uses upcycled, plant-derived, and skincare-level ingredients.
Keys Soulcare
From Alicia Keys’ minimalist skincare company, Keys Soulcare, this soothing and calming artisanal, hand-poured candle scented with sage and oat milk invites you to relax, put your senses at ease, and enjoy the moment.
The scent of oat milk brings relaxation, and sage calms and restores. Made with soy wax, pure essential oils, and developed by dermatologist experts, this candle won the Pop Sugar Beauty Awards – Best Self Care Products: Scent Superstars.
Homesick
Candles are for the home, so it makes sense they should remind you of home, too. Homesick does just that with its regionally focused scents for the candle lovers who’ve since moved away or simply can’t get enough of their hometown fragrances. Made with eco soy wax and recyclable vessels, bring the scents of home to your home.
LAFCO
Focusing on a scent can help with meditation time, and LAFCO brings the sanctuary to you with its stunning Retreat blend that features matcha, clary sage, and palo santo. The candles are all made with eco soy wax, clean fragrances, and come in gorgeous reusable and recyclable vessels.
Olives + Elephants
Light up your space with peace of mind, with Olives + Elephants’ non-toxic candles that prioritize your health and the planet. The scents are transcendent journeys, transporting you around the world, from the waves of the Hamptons to the souks of Marrakech. Once the slow-burning soy wax melts down, repurpose the elegant brass vessels as chic décor or storage, extending their life beyond the flame. Plus, with an extra-long burn time, you’ll enjoy hours of warm ambiance, making these candles as practical as they are beautiful.
Salt + Stone
Salt + Stone’s candles are comprised of coconut and soy-based wax and natural botanicals for a clean, long burn. This home fragrance gives you up to 55 hours of burn time. The L.A. based label, created by former professional snowboarder Nima Jalali, also offers a range of clean skin care and personal care products — all built on and from a connection to the natural world.
Vieve
Vieve’s Signature Candle is made from natural oils and comes in an amber hand-blown, and hand-cut glass jar that can be reused or recycled. Founded by a professional makeup artist, Vieve is a skincare and makeup label focused on clean ingredients. The candles have a 70-hour burn time.
D.S. & Durga
Made from vegetable-based wax, D.S. Durga’s candles come in a range of scents like Big Sur After Rain and Pasta Water. Candles come in a hand-cast, reusable porcelain black bowl by Sarah Cihat with 22k white gold detailing or glass vessels — both meant to be reused and repurposed. 60 hours burn time.
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