Find Your Best Candle: A Simple Guide to Clean-Burning Scents You’ll Love

You want a candle that actually smells good, burns clean, and doesn’t leave you wondering what’s in the wax. Oh, and no smoky glass or headache-inducing scents, please.

Whether you’re winding down, styling your table, or hunting for a perfect gift—this is your guide to choosing the clean-burning candle that feels just right.

---

What Does “Clean-Burning” Really Mean?

Let’s decode the candle buzzword. “Clean-burning” means fewer toxins, less soot, and ingredients that won’t make you side-eye your own air quality.

The Ingredients Matter

Start with the wax. Clean-burning candles use plant-based waxes (like soy, apricot, or coconut) or good old-fashioned beeswax. Stay away from petroleum-based paraffin if you want something better for your lungs (and your walls).

Wick Types and Why They Count

The wick isn’t just the flame—it’s the heartbeat of the candle.

• Cotton wicks give you a steady, quiet burn.

• Wooden wicks offer a cozy crackle and wider melt pool.

Both can burn clean—as long as they’re the right size for the candle.

Trim for a Cleaner Burn

Before every light, trim your wick to about ¼ inch. This keeps the flame from mushrooming and smoking like it’s trying to join a fog machine band.

Avoid the Draft—Seriously

Wind and candles do not mix. Drafts make flames flicker, which leads to tunneling, smoking, and uneven melts. Keep your candle away from vents, windows, or anything breezy.

Let it melt edge-to-edge on the first burn to “set its memory”—that’s candle-speak for helping it burn evenly next time.

Sensitive to Scent? Read This

If you’re scent-sensitive, go for unscented candles or ones scented only with essential oils. Skip synthetic fragrances—they’re often the culprits behind headaches and allergy flare-ups.

---

Fast Candle Q&A: Your Top Questions, Answered

What’s the Best Type of Candle for Me?

It depends on what you’re after:

• For long, steady ambiance → go with beeswax pillars

• For everyday coziness → soy wax in jars is your friend

• For scent-free focus → stick to unscented beeswax

What’s the Most Popular Candle Scent Right Now?

Every year, citrus, vanilla, and lavender top the charts. They’re fresh, familiar, and almost universally loved. Want something crowd-pleasing? Try:

• Balanced citrus

• Herbal lavender

• Warm amber-wood blends

Are Soy Candles Actually Made from Soy?

Yes—at least, the good ones are. For example:

• Ash + Amber: 100% soy wax, nothing synthetic

• SunCatcher: A blend of apricot, coconut, and soy

Both are clean-burning and scented naturally.

Are Candles Bad for Your Health?

Not when you choose clean ingredients and burn them wisely. Keep the room ventilated, skip synthetic scents, and trim those wicks. For the gentlest option, go with beeswax or plant-based waxes + essential oils.

---

Meet the Clean-Burning Candle Families

Let’s break it down by vibe.

Beeswax Pillars: Golden Glow & Classic Vibes

When You Want Unfussy, Elegant Light

• Naturally honeyed scent—even unscented.

• Gorgeous golden glow.

• Super long burn times.

Perfect for meditation, dinner parties, and seasonal décor.

Pair a beeswax pillar candle with a few votives and boom—instant peaceful ambiance.

Ash + Amber: 100% Soy for the Everyday Wind Down

Cozy, Clean, and Gift-Ready

• 100% soy wax

• Scented with essential oils

• Calm, grounding aromas

Light one up while you read, journal, or finally watch that show your friends won’t stop recommending.

Great for gifting—feels thoughtful and cozy without trying too hard.

SunCatcher: The Bright, Modern Blend

Mood-Lifting, Shelf-Ready Jars

• Apricot, coconut, and soy blend

• Essential oils + botanical fragrances

• Eye-catching, iridescent jars

If your vibe is playlist on, windows open, candles lit, SunCatcher will fit right in. These candles look as good as they smell.

---

Unscented vs. Essential Oil Scented Candles

When to Go Fragrance-Free

• Dinner parties (so the food takes center stage)

• Meditation (no distractions)

• Scent sensitivities

Unscented beeswax is your go-to here—just light, glow, and chill.

When You Want a Natural Aroma Boost

Choose essential oil candles for a subtle lift:

• Lavender = calm the chaos

• Citrus = fresh energy

• Woods & amber = cozy up the night

Simple blends are great if you’re just easing into scented candles.

---

Quick Candle Picks by Mood & Purpose

Relaxation Mode

Go with Ash + Amber or SunCatcher—both have soothing essential oil blends.

The Perfect Gift

• SunCatcher = modern + stylish

• Ash + Amber = classic + comforting

Seasonal Styling

You can’t go wrong with beeswax pillars. Warm glow. Long burn. Beautiful any time of year.

Meditation Must-Haves

Stick to unscented beeswax or super light essential oil scents. Let the calm in.

---

Candle Care 101: Get the Most from Every Burn

Snip That Wick

Every single time. ¼ inch. No excuses.

Set the First Burn Memory

Burn to the edges the first time to avoid tunneling. This sets the “memory ring” and helps future burns stay even.

Don’t Let It Dance (Airflow Tips)

Keep away from vents, fans, or open windows. A flickering flame is a messy flame.

Know When to Blow It Out

Most jars are good for 2–4 hours. Pillars: 1–2 hours. Always let cool before relighting.

---

Why We Love Sunbeam Candles

Handmade. Solar Powered. Good Vibes Only.

All Sunbeam candles are made in the U.S., in a solar-powered workshop. Earth-friendly ingredients, no plastic packaging, and zero synthetic fragrance.

Lighting With Intention (And Giving Back)

5% of profits support pollinator health and medical care for kids. So every flicker gives a little something back.

---

Ready to Explore? Start Here

• ➤ Beeswax Candles: Tap into long burns and natural glow

• ➤ Container Candles: Everyday jars in your perfect size

• ➤ Aromatherapy Candles: Essential oil blends made to soothe

---

Final Thoughts: Let the Right Candle Find You

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Whether you’re drawn to the golden warmth of beeswax pillars, the steady calm of soy wax jars, or the bright mood of a SunCatcher blend, the perfect candle is the one that fits you.

Trim your wicks, light with care, and enjoy the clean glow. You deserve it.

---

FAQs

What makes beeswax candles better?

They burn longer, drip less, and naturally purify the air. Plus, the golden glow? Total bonus.

How long should I burn a candle for?

Stick to 2–4 hours for jars, and 1–2 hours for pillars. Overburning ruins the wick and shortens life.

What’s the cleanest candle wax to use?

Beeswax is queen for clean burns. Soy and coconut blends are great, too—especially when scented naturally.

Are wooden wicks better than cotton?

They’re different, not better. Wooden wicks crackle and create a wide melt pool. Cotton is quiet and classic. Both can be clean-burning.

How do I stop my candle from tunneling?

Burn to the edge the first time. That sets the “memory” and keeps things even from then on.