What's Really in Your Candle? A Conscious Guide to Cleaner Ingredients

Candles do more than light up a room. They set the mood, help us unwind, and add a special kind of warmth to our homes. But there's something many people don't think about: what's actually in that candle? 

Just like with the food you eat or the clothes you wear, the ingredients in your candles matter. They affect your air quality, your health, and the planet. If you're a conscious customer who values sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethical business, it's time to take a closer look. 

Let's explore what makes a truly clean candle. We'll walk through the waxes, wicks, scents, and colorants to look out for, and just as importantly, what to avoid. You'll leave this guide feeling empowered to make candle decisions that align with your values. 

Why Ingredients Matter in the Candles You Burn

Health, Air Quality, and Peace of Mind

When you light a candle, it releases substances into the air around you. With clean ingredients, that means gentle fragrance or a natural beeswax scent. But with cheap or synthetic materials, you could be breathing in toxins that irritate your lungs or trigger allergies. 

Choosing candles made with safe, simple ingredients creates a healthier home environment. 

Conscious Choices That Reflect Your Values 

More and more people are thinking about how their purchases impact the world around them. Taking a closer look at ingredients is a small but meaningful way to align your purchases with your values and bring more intention into your space. 

The Wax: The Heart of Every Candle

The type of wax used in your candle says a lot. It affects how cleanly the candle burns, how long it lasts, and how eco-friendly it really is. 

Beeswax: Nature's Best 

Beeswax is one of the cleanest burning waxes available. It's natural, non-toxic, and renewable. With its natural subtle honey-like scent and soft golden glow, it creates a calm, grounding atmosphere without the need for added fragrance or color. 

It burns slowly and produces very little soot when used with a properly trimmed wick. Beeswax is also biodegradable and requires minimal processing, making it a strong choice for those seeking a more sustainable option. 

Soy Wax: A Plant-Based Favorite 

Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable and biodegradable crop. It's a popular natural wax because it burns cleanly, has a smooth finish, and holds scent well. It's widely used in candles and blends easily with essential oils. 

Like many agricultural products, soybeans are grown at a large scale, often using conventional farming methods. For customers focused on traceability or organic sourcing, it may be helpful to check whether a candle brand shares details about where and how their soy wax is produced. But in general, soy wax remains a solid plant-based alternative to petroleum-based waxes. 

Coconut Wax: Soft, Slow-Burning, and Gaining Popularity

Coconut wax is a newer addition to the natural wax world and is loved for its creamy texture and excellent scent throw. It burns slowly and produces very little soot, making it a gentle option for indoor spaces. 

Coconuts are a high-yield crop that typically requires less land and water than other oil crops, which gives coconut wax some environmental advantages. Because it's naturally very soft, coconut wax is often blended with harder waxes like soy or palm to help it hold its shape and improve durability. It's most commonly used in container candles, where structural strength is less of a concern. 

Palm Wax: Used Sparingly, But Sustainably 

Palm wax can be controversial due to the environmental impact of unsustainable palm oil farming. However, when sourced responsibly from suppliers committed to ethical land use and fair labor, palm wax can be a viable natural wax option. 

It has a crystalline finish and holds shape well, which makes it ideal for certain candle types like select taper variations. It's best used in moderation and with full transparency around sourcing. 

Why We Don't Use Paraffin Wax 

Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, it can release potentially harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene, both of which are classified as carcinogens by the EPA. Long-term or repeated exposure to these chemicals through inhalation may contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches, or even hormonal disruption in sensitive individuals. 

These compounds don't just affect humans. Pets, especially birds, are more sensitive to airborne pollutants because of their smaller size and faster breathing rates. Cats and dogs may also be affected by prolonged exposure to synthetic fragrances and soot from paraffin-based candles. 

While occasional use of paraffin candles in a ventilated room may not be a major concern for everyone, switching to cleaner-burning waxes like beeswax, soy, or coconut can help support better indoor air quality, especially in homes with pets, children, or anyone with sensitivities.

Wicks: Small Part, Big Impact 

Wick are often overlooked, but they play a huge role in how a candle burns and what is releases.

Cotton and Hemp Wicks: Clean & Natural 

Unbleached cotton and hemp wicks burn cleanly and safely. They're free of metals and toxins, and they provide a stead even flame. Sunbeam Candles only uses 100% lead-free cotton wicks. 

Lead-Free Is a Must

Lead in wicks has been banned in the United States, but some imported candles still contain metal-core wicks. Always look for a label that clearly states lead-free. It's  a small detail that makes a big difference. 

What to Avoid 

Avoid any candle that doesn't specify what kind of wick it uses. If it includes metal or synthetic treatments, it's best to skip it. Your air and health deserve better. 

Fragrance: What You Smell Shouldn't Be a Mystery 

Scents are a big part of what makes candles so special. It can set a tone, support relaxation, or simply make a space feel more like home. But not all candle fragrances are created equally - and what's left off the label is often just as important as what's on it. 

Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Candles

Many natural candles are scented with essential oils; concentrated plant extracts that carry the true essence of the plant they're derived from. These oils are familiar, recognizable, and favored by those seeking a more natural candle experience. 

Synthetic Fragrance: When Labels Get Vague

The biggest issue with synthetic fragrance is a lack of transparency. When a candle lists "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label with no other details, it usually refer to a proprietary blend of lab-created chemicals. These formulas may includes phthalates, petroleum-derived compounds, and other substances that aren't disclosed - making it difficult to know what you're actually breathing in. 

Phthalates are commonly used in synthetic fragrance to help scents last longer, but they've been linked to potential health risks. Some studies suggest that phthalates may act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormone systems. Long-term exposure has been associated with reproductive and developmental issues, and phthalates have been restricted or banned in certain products in the U.S and abroad. 

People who live with asthma, migraines, or chemical sensitivities may also react to synthetic fragrance blends. Reactions can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathing difficulties, or skin irritation. Pets - especially birds - can be even more sensitive to airborne chemicals in confined indoor spaces. 

Because companies are not required to disclose the full list of ingredients in synthetic fragrances, it's hard to make informed choices. Choosing candles scented with essential oils or natural botanical fragrance blends is one way to reduce exposure to these potentially harmful ingredients and support a healthier home environment. 

Why Transparency Matters Most

Not all non-essential oils scents are problematic. Many natural fragrance ingredients and botanicals are derived from plants through careful extraction processes. What matters most is that brands are clear and open about what they use. 

If a company takes the time to explain how its candles are scented and where those ingredients come from, that's a strong indicator of integrity and care. 

Colorants and Additives: More than Just Looks

Color can add a beautiful dimension to candles, but it's important to understand what goes into creating that color or finish and whether it aligns with your values. 

What to Know About Candle Dyes

Most conventional candle dyes are synthetic and petroleum-based. While they're common in the industry, some may release trace toxins when burned or contribute to indoor air pollution. What's why it's worth looking for candles that use safer alternatives. 

We use eco-friendly dyes that are free from any prop 65-listed compounds, which means they don't contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. These dyes allow for gentle, vibrant color while still aligning with out commitment to cleaner ingredients. 

Why Many Beeswax Candles Skip Added Color

Beeswax has a natural golden tone that's beautiful on its own. In many cases, natural beeswax candles don't need added color to feel warm, grounding or complete. Choosing a candle in its natural state is a subtle way to prioritize simplicity and purity in your space. 

What About Additives? 

Some candles contain added chemicals to harden the wax, boost scent throw, or preserve shelf life. These additives aren't always disclosed and can introduce unnecessary complexity by something that should be simple and clean. 

Candles made without unnecessary additives tend to burn more cleanly and support better indoor air quality, especially for those with sensitivities.  

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability in Candle Making 

Candles may be small, but how they're made can have a big impact. From ingredient harvesting to studio operations, every part of the process offers an opportunity to choose better, for people, and the planet. 

Responsible Sourcing Starts with Ingredients 

The raw materials in candles - waxes, wicks, scents, and colorants - all come from somewhere. Ethical candle making begins with understanding and respecting the origin of those materials. That means partnering with suppliers who share a commitment to fair labor, safe working conditions, and responsible land use. 

Whether it's wax harvested from beekeepers or plants used in essential oils for fragrance, every choice affects ecosystems and communities. Knowing how ingredients are sourced helps ensure that every part of the candle reflects the values behind it. 

How to Read a Candle Label Like a Pro

Understanding what's in a candle starts with knowing what to look for on the label. Unfortunately, not every candle company offers full transparency, and some terms are used more for marketing than for meaning. 

What Labels Tell You - and What They Don't 

Terms like "natural," and "clean-burning" are common on candle labels, and they can be meaningful when they reflect real practices and ingredients. The key is to look beyond the words and see whether the company explains what those claims are based on. 

A thoughtful label will often share details like: 

• The type of wax used 
• Whether the scent comes from essential oils, natural fragrance or synthetic perfume
• The wick material (like cotton or hemp) 
• Where the candle is made 

If some of this information isn't on the packaging, a quick visit to the brand's website can often fill in the gaps. 

Were to Learn More 

We believe transparency matters. That's why we've created an ingredients page where you can explore exactly what goes int our candles - from wax to wick to scent. Whether you're shopping for your yourself or looking for a gift, we want you to feel confident in your choices. 

Types of Clean, Conscious Candles to Look For 

When you're trying to choose a candle that aligns with your values, whether for your home, a thoughtful gift, or a gathering, the type of candle matters just as much as the ingredients inside. Clean-burning wax, safe lead-free wicks, and transparency around fragrance all contribute to a better candle experience. 

Here are a few types of candles to look for when shopping more consciously: 

Unscented Beeswax Candles

Sometimes the cleanest scent is no added scent at all. Beeswax has a naturally warm, subtle honey aroma that doesn't overpower a space and it doesn't need added fragrance to feel comforting. Unscented candles are a great option for those with sensitivities or for settings like dinner tables where you don't want the scent of the candle to overwhelm the food. 

We offer a collection titled 'Beeswax Basics', which includes unscented pillars, tealights, tapers and votives, all crafted from 100% domestic beeswax and cotton wicks. They're simple, clean, and intentionally designed for everyday use. 

Aromatherapy Candles 

For those seeking a gentle, plant-based scent, aromatherapy candles are a beautiful way to bring nature indoors. Look for options scented with 100% pure essential oils, rather than synthetic blends or perfume. 

Our aromatherapy pillars are scented with pure essential oil blends, never synthetic fragrance, and are designed to support focus, relaxation, or grounding depending on the blend. 

Container Candles for Gifting and Everyday Use

Container candles are practical, portable and make beautiful gifts. They're great for smaller spaces and easy to bring along when traveling or visiting with friends. When made with beeswax, soy wax or coconut and in reusable containers, they're a functional and sustainable choice for both home and gifting. 

Light with Care, Choose with Intention

Candles have a quiet way of transforming a space, whether you're winding down at the end of the day, welcoming guests or simply enjoying a moment of stillness or celebration. Choosing candles made with clean ingredients and ethical practices is a small but powerful way to bring more intention into your daily life. 

From the wax to the wick to the scent, each element matters. And when those elements are sourced responsibly and crafted with care, the light you bring into your home carries more meaning. 

Thank you for being a conscious customer. Your curiosity, care and attention help shape a better way of doing business. One that honors people, the planet, and the beauty of everyday things. 

FAQs 

1. Are synthetic fragrances always harmful?
   A: Not necessarily, but many synthetic fragrance blends contain undisclosed chemicals including phthalates and petroleum-derived compounds. These can trigger headaches, respiratory irritation, or hormone disruption. That's why we focus on using essential oils and natural botanical blends that are safer for both people and pets. 
   
   
2. Do I need to avoid candles altogether if I have asthma or allergies? 
   A: Not at all. Many people with sensitivities find that unscented candles made from clean waxes like soy, coconut and especially beeswax, are much easier to enjoy and don't trigger flare ups. 
   
3. Is all soy wax the same? 
   A: No. Soy wax varies depending on how it's sourced and processed. Some soy wax is blended with paraffin or contains additives. If you're choosing soy, look for brands that disclose their sourcing and avoid unnecessary ingredients. 
   
   
4. Why don't all candle companies list ingredients? 
   A: In the U.S candle makers aren't required to list ingredients, especially fragrance. That's why it's important to buy from companies that are transparent about what they use and why. We offer a full ingredients page on our website for anyone who wants to learn more about our candles. 
   
   5. Do candles made with essential oils still smell strong? 
   A: Essential oils tend to create a more subtle and natural scent throw compared to synthetic fragrance. They won't overpower a room, but they're designed to a offer a gentler aromatic experience, one that feels more grounded and natural.