What Makes a Candle Truly Non-Toxic?
- Dave Shillingford
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
In recent years, the phrase "non-toxic candles" has become a popular buzzword for wellness-conscious consumers. But what does it actually mean?
At Lily-Rose Candles Co., we believe in full transparency when it comes to what goes into our candles and what makes them safer for your space.
In this guide, we’ll break down what “non-toxic” really means, how to spot clean-burning alternatives, and why the ingredients you don’t use matter just as much as the ones you do.
Wax, Wicks & Additives.
Not all wax is created equal. In fact, many candles on the market today are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product that can release soot, toxins, and carcinogens like benzene and toluene when burned. While still widely used, paraffin is not the cleanest choice for indoor air quality.
At Lily-Rose, we use only BP-grade beeswax, a natural wax derived from honeybees that burns cleaner and longer than paraffin or soy. Beeswax doesn’t require chemical processing and emits little to no smoke when used properly. It also releases negative ions which may help purify the air, although scientific consensus on that is still emerging.
Our wicks are made from natural wood, ensuring a steady, safe flame. We never add dyes, parabens, or synthetic enhancers to alter burn or appearance, purity comes first.
Beeswax vs Soy vs Paraffin: A Cleaner Comparison.
If you’re choosing a non-toxic candle, wax type is the first place to start:
Paraffin Wax: Cheap and easy to produce, but petroleum-based. Linked to indoor air pollution and potential respiratory irritation.
Soy Wax: Plant-based and popular, but often blended with paraffin and heavily processed. It’s biodegradable, but less stable and sometimes contains pesticides depending on sourcing.
Beeswax: 100% natural, renewable, and burns with virtually no soot. It's hypoallergenic and requires no chemical hardeners or preservatives.
The verdict? Beeswax is the gold standard for non-toxic candles, especially when paired with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
The Role of Fragrance: Essential Oils vs Synthetic Scents.
Fragrance is often where even "natural" candles fall short. Most mainstream candles use synthetic fragrance oils, chemical blends made to mimic natural scents. These can contain phthalates, parabens, and other undisclosed chemicals linked to hormone disruption and headaches.
Our candles are scented exclusively with pure essential oils never synthetic or “fragrance oil” blends. While essential oils are natural, they’re also powerful, so we use them thoughtfully in safe concentrations for ambient diffusion. We always recommend burning in a well-ventilated space.
What to Avoid: Additives, Dyes & Other Hidden Ingredients.
Here’s what you won’t find in a Lily-Rose candle:
Artificial colourants or dyes
Phthalates or parabens
Petroleum derivatives
These additives not only compromise air quality but also distract from the therapeutic purpose of candlelight. When we say non-toxic, we mean it.
Our Process: Intention, Testing & Transparency.
Every candle we make is hand-poured in small batches, with complete ingredient traceability. We tested our formulas over two years in a real home setting, mindfully observing burn time, scent throw, and air quality.
We don’t cut corners or chase trends. Our commitment to non-toxic crafting is part of a larger mission: to support emotional wellness through intentional, safe, and beautiful products.
How to Choose a Truly Non-Toxic Candle.
When shopping for candles, look for:
Clear disclosure of ingredients
Natural waxes like beeswax or coconut (avoid paraffin blends)
Essential oils over synthetic fragrance
Wood wicks, as some cotton wicks contain toxins.
No artificial dyes or preservatives
If the product doesn’t disclose its full ingredients, it’s worth asking or moving on.
Best Practices for Safe Use.
Even the cleanest-burning candle should be used with care:
Always trim the wick to 5mm before lighting
Burn in well-ventilated rooms
Never burn for more than 3–4 hours at a time
Keep away from children, pets, and flammable objects
Stop burning when 1cm of wax remains
Proper care not only keeps you safe, it extends the life and performance of your candle.
FAQ: Common Questions About Non-Toxic Candles.
Q: Are non-toxic candles completely safe for pets or children?
A: While our ingredients are natural and paraffin-free, essential oils can still affect sensitive individuals and animals. We recommend using candles in ventilated spaces and out of reach of pets or young children.
Q: Do beeswax candles have a strong smell?
A: Pure beeswax has a soft, honey-like scent. Our essential oil blends are subtle, designed to enhance rather than overwhelm.
Q: Why are non-toxic candles more expensive?
A: High-quality, natural ingredients (like BP-grade beeswax and essential oils) cost more to source and process. You're paying for purity, sustainability, and peace of mind.
The Final Glow: Choose Candles That Align With Your Values.
When you light a candle, you’re inviting something into your space. With non-toxic candles, that invitation is grounded in care, for your home, your health, and the environment.
Explore our non-toxic candle collection and discover blends that support your emotional wellness, without compromising what matters most.
