So you decided to make the switch to clean-burning candles. *High-five* Good for you! You may have even started your research on what's deemed safe or not when it comes to clean-burning candles, but are finding a lot more than you bargained for. Don't know where to begin finding 100% natural wax-based candles with cotton wicks? Have trouble finding a candle that has a phthalate-free fragrance? Don't panic.
A candle fanatic who's totally ingredient-obsessed since becoming a mom, I've done my research, and I'm here to help you. I've combed through tons of candles' ingredients to make sure that these are the top-notch clean-burning candles for your space. Contains a 100% natural wax base? Check. Metal-free wick? Check. Phthalate-free fragrance? Check. Whether it's for your living room, workspace, bathroom, kitchen, or gift for a loved one, keep scrolling for the ten cleanest burning candles that you can buy worry-free.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Clean-Burning Candle:
Wick Type: Stick to candles with 100% cotton or wood wicks. While lead wicks were banned in 2003, some wicks may still contain metal cores. No metal means no potential wick toxins.
Wax Base: Clean burning candles contain natural wax bases such as soy, beeswax, vegetable, and coconut. It's important to note that some candles can have as little as 1% of these waxes and still promote themselves with a said wax base. Make sure that the candle contains 100% natural wax.
Fragrance: As a mindful seeker of safer ingredients in household items, I'm one to err on the side of caution. Look for "Phthalate-free fragrance," or something along the lines of "100% naturally derived essential oils", or "Non-toxic fragrance" on labels regarding fragrance safety.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Benevolence Los Angeles All Natural Soy Candle
For the quality and price, this candle is nearly unmatched! Read more.
Best Beeswax Based Candle:
Root Honeycomb Veriglass Beeswax Candle
The beeswax pros since 1869 - you can trust their beeswax candles.Read more.
Best Cozy Crackle Sound:
Wax & Wick Soy Candle with Double Wood Wick
A full experience in this candle description.Read more.
This Benevolence Los Angeles candle checks all the boxes and more: an all-natural soy wax base, a 100% cotton wick, non-toxic essential oil fragrances, and all for under $20. Oh, AND the company donates 10% of its profits to non-profit organizations from a clean water initiative to helping fund movie nights in children's hospitals. A clean-burning candle that gives back to great causes? I'm sold.
Achieve a cozy mood with this 100% soy-based candle by Wax & Wick. The true mark of character is in the double wood wick that offers a subtle fireplace-like crackle, all while free of toxins in its fresh, woodsy, and spicy scents like Teakwood & Mahogany and Mountain Fig. I love the sound of a crackling candle. There's something oh-so-homey and familiar about it. Grab a blanket and a hot beverage, and light this clean-burning candle. You'll be all snug and toasty in no time.
Seriously, I can go on and on about Voluspa candles, but for the sake of time, here are the key facts: this candle has a blended wax base of coconut and soy with a 100% natural wick, offering a clean burn with its luxurious scents. Voluspa candles are known for their gorgeous candle jars and tins. Treat yourself to have this candle in your home just as I did (I most recently bought in the scent, French Cade Lavender), or gift it to a loved one. No one will be disappointed. Tip: use the jar as home decor (small vase, pen holder, make-up brush holder, etc.) after this candle is all done!
Along with this non-toxic candle's beautiful glass jar, this all-natural soy-based pick has two cotton wicks for an even burn. Glasshouse Fragrances' candles receive consistently high ratings and are known for their long-lasting fragrances like this Amber & Orchid one here. This clean-burning candle also makes a lovely house-warming gift!
Want to keep things simple? Go for this 100% natural soy wax candle by Coco Benjamin for under $20. Richly scented as well as phthalate-free and petroleum-free, this clean-burning candle includes a 100% cotton wick, too. This candle makes a great accent piece in a kitchen or home bar. It's subtle in appearance but notable in scent!
It's all in the name: CLEAN SPACE! This 100% vegan candle has a natural soy blend with two cotton wicks. Fresh and minimal in design, this non-toxic candle has a phthalate-free fragrance and sets a warm glow. As soon as I learned about this clean-burning candle, it was an instant add to cart. This candle is absolutely perfect on my bathroom counter, and I love lighting it to create a fresh and tranquil ambiance.
We can't forget about homes with furry friends! Check out these 100% natural soy wax candles with 100% cotton wicks by Pet House Candles. With your and your pets' safety in mind, these candles don't contain any phthalates, parabens, or dyes. I have a big Labrador Retriever, so I'm happy to know that there's a candle that's safe for my home that also helps eliminate pet odor!
Let's talk about these little decorative picks. Think of how many you can light on your mantel, your entryway table, or as part of your dining table's centerpiece. Even more enchanting? These tea lights are non-toxic with a palm wax base and 100% cotton wicks for a smokeless finish. Available in a pack of 96, you'll be well-stocked and toxin-free!
This cotton wick candle consists of a natural blend of beeswax and other natural waxes without petroleum or paraffin. Root has been in business since 1869, so they definitely know a thing or two about making a clean-burning beeswax candle. I love the classic elegance of this pick and the extra detail of the honeycombs on the lid.
Maybe you're between scents and want to sample them before making a long-term commitment? Not to worry! Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Soy Candles come in a variety of scents in adorable 2.9 oz tins. These candles have a soy and vegetable wax base blended with essential oils, and they are free from parabens, paraffin, and artificial colors. I love that each tin is artfully decorated to go with any room.
Looking for a detailed breakdown of candle components to consider and more guidelines on clean-burning candles? Check out our articles with science-based findings on the safety of candles and these tips for selecting clean-burning candles.
