Non-Toxic Candles: What Should You Look For?

So you want to live on the clean side of things? What does that mean? Well for starters–make sure you’re reading labels! If you're not sure what to look for, we have a blog that breaks it all down for you. Read How to Read a Skincare Label Like a Pro for a helpful breakdown on what to look for and avoid in a general skincare label.

Trying to move to “clean” products can be overwhelming, so we are going to focus on one thing: candles.

Even though you’re not rubbing candles into your skin (at least we hope you're not), it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still be vigilant about their makeup. 

Of course we’re not saying to swear off candles indefinitely–if there is one thing that the Flying Cow fam has in common, it’s our love of candles (My West Texas house smelling like a Colorado pine? Yes please!). 

When in search of a non-toxic candle the first thing to ask is what wax is being used? If non-toxic is the goal, then it’s best to stay away from candles made from paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct and when burned leads to indoor pollution and the releasing of chemicals - some being carcinogens. Overall, “Petroleum is the source of 95% of the chemicals used in synthetic perfumes and scented candles and contains benzene derivatives” [1]. In short, it’s not really something you want to be breathing in.

So what type of wax is preferred? There are few non-toxic wax options: soy, beeswax, and coconut. Moving away from paraffin wax and towards these cleaner options gives you peace of mind in knowing you are not polluting your home. 

Beyond wax, another important aspect of a candle is, you guessed it, scent. It’s also the best part of the candle burning experience. Picking out the perfect candle can be a ritual all unto itself, not to mention, it’s just fun. Sadly, some of that fun is dulled once you realize what you may be breathing in when you light a run-of-mill scented candle.

But when you take a non-toxic wax and add scent derived from essential oils, you have a perfect match! 

Although, if  a candle isn’t scented a hundred percent with essential oils, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can’t burn it. This is where we take it back to reading the label. There are amazing candle makers that though they don’t only use essential oils, they’re candles are still free of parabens and phthalates.

One of my favorite brands is Lost Canyon (you may have seen it in our stores 😉), and each candle  “is made by hand in small batches with ingredients that are cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and free of any ingredients on California's Prop 65 list”[2]. This means that when you are burning a Lost Canyon candle, you are not polluting your home with carcinogens. 

The last thing that makes up a candle is the wick. The wick is just as important as the wax and scent. Concernedly, there was a time when lead in wicks was the norm in the US. Up until 2003. Why 2003? Well that’s when “The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to ban the manufacture and sale of lead-cored wicks and candles with lead-cored wicks" [3].Maybe it’s best that you don’t burn that candle grandma was holding on to before she gave it to you.  

Even though there is more regulation in the type of wicks a candle can have, it’s still good to be just as picky with the wick as you are with the wax and fragrance of your candle. It’s best to choose 100% cotton or wood wicks. 

We know it can be stressful when you begin switching to non-toxic products. The good thing is that you can take it one step at a time. You don’t have to immediately overwhelm yourself with all the products that are actually clean and what’s just green-washed. Instead just do one thing - find your new favorite non-toxic candle. 

Here are some of our favorite brands that we carry in our stores.

Lost Canyon

James & Maria

Each candle is hand poured and labeled right here in Texas. James and Maria Organics Co. focus on quality non-toxic ingredients and have a mission to make sure children in low income families get a good education.

Every product you purchase helps a student in need. James & Maria Organic Co. raise thousands of dollars a year, and they give 20% of their profits to help educate underprivileged kids in third world countries by giving them uniforms, materials and means of transportation!

Amazing products with an amazing mission!

Milkhouse Candle Co.

Milkhouse Candle Company founders, Eric and Janet Sparrow, have strong ties to agricultural America. It's their Midwest upbringing that inspired the creation of a cleaner, healthier candle experience.  

The Milkhouse blend of waxes is simple: pure beeswax and natural soy wax from soybeans grown in America’s Midwest. No artificial dyes are added and there is no lead in the wicks. Their blend of waxes provides a safe and clean-burning alternative to paraffin candles.

Flora + Moon

Flora + Moon is more than candles. It’s a reflection of care, creativity, and connection. Each product is made with intention, in small batches, with love. Whether you're lighting a candle to mark a quiet moment or filling your space with a scent that feels like home, Flora + Moon so grateful to be a part of that experience.

Author:  Ally Rankin 

Ally is a beloved part of the Flying Cow Fam. She manages our Lubbock, TX store with her BFF Atlas (shop pup!), who is usually found snoozing in the back. She got her Bachelors degree from Texas Tech where she majored in English and minored in Technical Communications. When she’s not creating content, managing her team, or writing blogs, she can usually be found making a new cup of coffee–she promises it’s not a problem.