Which wax is healthiest for candles?

Author: Norma Kiehn DVM  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

Soy and coconut wax are generally considered the healthiest and most sustainable choices due to their clean burning properties and renewable resources. Beeswax offers a natural alternative, but it's crucial to choose from companies committed to sustainable beekeeping practices.

What wax to avoid in candles?

Avoid candles made with paraffin or gel wax, as these are petroleum-based byproducts that can release harmful toxins when burned. Opt for natural alternatives like soy, coconut, or beeswax candles to ensure a cleaner, safer burning experience that's better for your health and the environment.

Which candle wax is best for the body?

Beeswax is natural, neutral to the environment and overall, the healthiest option if burning candles. On the downside, beeswax is relatively expensive due to it's scarcity. However, pure beeswax candles are an excellent non-hazardous and biodegradable product.

What candle wax is body safe?

Soy wax is a natural product that has these general properties: Non-Toxic - meaning that soy wax is not poisonous.

Is paraffin wax or soy wax better for candles?

If you are looking for an affordable option with a long burning time that holds scent well, then paraffin wax may be the better choice for you. But if you are looking for a more eco-friendly option that burns cleanly, then soy wax may be the better choice.

What's the BEST CANDLE WAX - pt.1 Candle wax guide

Are Yankee Candles made from paraffin wax?

What are Yankee Candles made of? Yankee candles are made from paraffin wax, as well as essential oils for fragrance and cotton for the wicks.

What are the cons of soy candles?

These same studies show that when soy and paraffin candles are burnt they release formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and acetone, carcinogens that can lead to cancer and other health problems.

What is the healthiest candle wax to burn?

Natural waxes such as soy, rapeseed, coconut and beeswax are the best choice for those wanting candles that burn cleanly without the worry of indoor air pollution. There are even some reports that beeswax can actually help clarify air.

What wax are Bath and Body Works candles?

Bath & Body Works currently offers two different formulas of wax for our candles. The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles. Although soy is an ingredient, our candles are not considered soy candles.

What are the safest candles to breathe?

Choose Soy Wax Every Time

It's eco-friendly, clean-burning, and safe for your lungs, making it a superior alternative to paraffin and other waxes. By selecting soy candles with natural wicks and high-quality fragrances, you can enjoy a soothing atmosphere without compromising your health or the environment.

What type of candles are best for your health?

Soy wax and coconut wax are two of the most popular choices for healthy candles. They are both made from natural, renewable resources, and they burn cleaner than paraffin wax (which we'll discuss below). This means they release little to no toxins into the air, which can be beneficial for your health.

Is coconut wax better than soy wax?

Regarding burning properties, coconut wax burns cleaner and longer than soy and paraffin waxes. Its high melting point ensures a slow, even burn, reducing the likelihood of tunnelling. Soy wax also burns clean and has a longer burn time than paraffin, but it may be more susceptible to frosting or wet spots.

Which wax is best for body?

Top 10 Body Wax Care Products in India
  • ALOE VERA WAX. Richelon Aloe Vera Liposoluble Wax. ...
  • WHITE CHOCOLATE WAX. Sara Brazilian White Chocolate Wax. ...
  • LIPOSOLUBLE WAX. Richelon Charcoal Liposoluble Wax. ...
  • POST WAX OIL. Richelon Orange Post Wax Massage Oil. ...
  • BRAZILIAN WAX. ...
  • PRE WAX GEL. ...
  • WAXING STARTER KIT. ...
  • WAX HEATER.

What candles have no carcinogens?

Among the toxic free options, beeswax candles truly shine as the best choice. Beeswax - The Best Choice: Beeswax candles are the top choice for non-toxic options. They burn cleaner, purify the air, and have a longer burn time compared to other natural waxes like soy or coconut.

Is beeswax or soy wax healthier for candles?

Both soy and beeswax candles are healthy options with unique benefits. Soy wax is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and burns cleanly with a strong scent throw, while beeswax offers natural air-purifying qualities and the longest burn time. Both outperform paraffin in health and sustainability.

Are candle warmers healthier than burning?

Open flames, even when attended, pose risks to children and pets who come in contact with them, and can also start unintentional fires. Using a candle warmer or candle lamp negates that risk, though, as with any powered heat device, other accidents are possible.

What type of wax is used in yankee candles?

They use fragrance extracts and real essential oils to scent their candles. A direct call to the company confirmed that Yankee uses refined paraffin wax in their candles.

What happened to Bath and Body Works candles?

The candle's label was compared to Ku Klux Klan hoods, prompting Bath and Body Works to pull it from shelves. Bath & Body Works, Inc. Bath and Body Works has stopped selling a candle that was emblazoned with a winter theme that many commenters online compared to a Ku Klux Klan hood.

Which candle wax is best for fragrance?

Paraffin wax is most widely used across candle brands, notes Fitchl, because it can hold a high amount of fragrance and color. Plus, it's fairly inexpensive. It also comes in various melt points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles, from containers to pillars.

What candle waxes should I avoid?

Avoid aromatherapy candles made of paraffin or gel, both petroleum byproducts. In all things, avoiding the fossil fuel industry when you can makes sense for living a green life. Just like if you don't have to drive a car to get to your destination, don't; if you don't have to burn a petroleum-based candle, don't.

Are Goose Creek candles toxic?

We're proud to produce all of our Goose Creek candles in the U.S. using only safe ingredients. No harmful or banned chemicals are ever included, and our fragrances are all IFRA-approved and safe for your home.

What is the best candle to burn at home?

Burning beeswax candles is better for you and the environment for so many reasons. First, burning beeswax produces negative ions, which benefit us and the air we breathe by attracting pollutants, in much the same way that a magnet attracts iron fillings.

What is the healthiest candle to burn?

It's important to look for natural wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. These plant-based waxes not only burn cleaner but also produce minimal soot and smoke, unlike paraffin candles. Beeswax has some added benefits, as it releases negative ions. This can help remove odors and more from the air.

What are the side effects of soy wax?

However, concerns have been raised about the potential for soy candles to produce small amounts of harmful substances. If not adequately manufactured or if they contain certain additives, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been linked to health issues such as headaches, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

Is burning candles bad for your lungs?

Burning candles at home emit small particles and gases that pollute indoor air. Exposure to fine particles in outdoor air has been convincingly linked to cardiovascular and respiratory events, while the associations with fine and ultrafine particles from candle burning remain unexplored.

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