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Let’s Actually Talk About Candles
Candles are one of those things people don’t want to hear the truth about.
They’re tied to comfort. Ritual. Aesthetic.
And trust me — I get it. I’ve always loved candles.
This isn’t coming from someone who never used them. This is coming from someone who used them all the time… and then actually looked at what they were made of.
Here’s the reality:
Most candles are actively contributing to your toxic load.
When you light a candle, you are creating indoor air pollution. Period.
What’s Actually in Most Candles
The majority of candles sold are made from paraffin wax — a petroleum byproduct.
When burned, paraffin releases:
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
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Soot (particulate matter)
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Known carcinogens like benzene and toluene
These are linked to:
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Respiratory irritation
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Hormonal disruption
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Long-term health impact with repeated exposure
And here’s where I’m going to be very clear:
“Low levels” does not mean safe — especially when exposure is repeated daily.
You’re not exposed once.
You’re exposed every time you light it.
The Wick Isn’t the Win You Think It Is
Yes — lead wicks were largely banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
But that doesn’t make modern candles safe.
Many still use:
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Metal-core wicks (zinc/tin)
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Lower-quality materials that increase soot
The real issue isn’t just the wick — it’s everything being burned.
Synthetic Fragrance Is the Bigger Problem
“Fragrance” is a catch-all term that can include:
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Phthalates (endocrine disruptors)
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Aldehydes
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Petrochemicals
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Dozens to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals
And when burned?
You inhale them.
So now you have:
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Petroleum-based wax
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Combustion byproducts
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
All circulating in your home.
Why Soy Candles Are Greenwashed
Soy candles are marketed as the “clean” alternative.
They’re not.
Heavily Processed
Soy wax goes through:
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Chemical extraction (often with solvents like hexane)
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Bleaching
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Deodorizing
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Hydrogenation
It ends up as a highly processed industrial material — not a clean one.
Largely GMO
Most soy in the U.S. is genetically modified and heavily sprayed.
Unless a brand is explicitly:
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Organic
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Non-GMO
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Transparent
You’re not getting a clean product.
Often Blended
Most “soy candles” are not pure.
They’re blended with:
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Paraffin
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Additives
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Stabilizers
So you’re often still burning petroleum — just marketed differently.
Fragrance Still Applies
Even with soy, most candles still use synthetic fragrance.
So the same problems remain:
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Endocrine disruption
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VOC exposure
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Indoor air pollution
Bottom Line on Soy
Soy candles are:
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Highly processed
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Often GMO
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Frequently blended
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Still fragranced with chemicals
They’re a marketing upgrade — not a health upgrade.
Candles + Indoor Air Quality = Problem
We spend about 90% of our time indoors.
Adding candles:
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Increases particulate matter
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Degrades air quality
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Adds to cumulative exposure
And if you’re burning them regularly?
It adds up.
So Here’s My Actual Stance
I’m not going to give you a blanket “just burn whatever.”
I do not recommend conventional candles as part of a daily routine.
They are:
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A source of indoor air pollution
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A contributor to endocrine disruption
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An unnecessary exposure
But…
This is not an all-or-nothing conversation.
What I Actually Use + Recommend
If you love candles (like I do), here’s how I approach it:
Beeswax Candles (The Only Ones I Stand Behind)
I personally use and recommend Fontana Candle Company candles.
Why:
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100% beeswax
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No synthetic fragrance
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Clean-burning
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Minimal soot
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Transparent ingredients
These are the only candles I feel comfortable using in my home.
Room Sprays (Better Everyday Option)
For daily use, I actually lean more toward room sprays like Root & Splendor.
Why:
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No combustion
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No soot
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No continuous air pollution
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Still gives you that fresh, clean scent
This is a much better option if you’re someone who wants your home to smell good every day without constantly lighting something.
If You’re Still Going to Burn Candles
At minimum:
Wax
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100% beeswax only
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Coconut wax as a secondary option
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Avoid paraffin + soy blends
Fragrance
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No “fragrance” or “natural fragrance”
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Only pure essential oils
Wick
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Cotton or untreated wood
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No metal cores
Habits
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Ventilate
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Short burn times
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Don’t burn daily
This is harm reduction.
Better Alternatives for Home Fragrance
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Room sprays (like Root & Splendor)
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Essential oil diffusers
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Simmer pots
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Opening windows
Bottom Line
Candles aren’t inherently harmless.
Most are a controlled source of combustion + chemical exposure inside your home.
But with the right standards?
You can still enjoy them — just not blindly.
Health starts at home — and that includes the air you breathe.
