No matter the season, there’s nothing quite like a beautifully scented candle to brighten up a room, literally and figuratively. If you’re like us, then lighting candles at home is equally about enhancing your mood as it is improving the aroma. Self-care comes in many different forms, after all. So why not treat yourself to one (or more!) of the best non-toxic candles on the market.

Did you know that not all candles are created equal? Many major candle brands have made the switch to using clean, all-natural ingredients in their products, but not all of them provide an ingredient list. That makes it nearly impossible to figure out which ones are healthier for our homes and our bodies. It also negates the whole relaxing vibe that candles create if you’re breathing in fumes that aren’t great for you. In fact, it’s completely counterintuitive!

Feature image by Riley Reed.

In our research for this story, we stumbled on a few different elements that can help determine if a candle is lower in toxicity. In general, it’s good to know about the different kinds of wax, wicking, and fragrance you’re dealing with. Healthier waxes, like soy, beeswax, and coconut oil burn cleaner than paraffin, which is essentially petroleum waste! You’ll also want to be on the lookout for natural scents derived from essential oils and botanical ingredients since synthetic fragrances generally contain phthalates. Then, make sure your candles have paper or 100% cotton wicking.

We know how this can feel overwhelming and we wish non-toxic candles were the norm, but in the meantime, we’ve got you covered.

Read on for our curated list of the best non-toxic candles to set a cozy mood in your home.

This post was originally published on March 20, 2021 and has since been updated.