Candle Ingredients That Actually Matter

The world of candles looks beautiful on the shelf—but what’s inside the jar matters even more. A great candle shouldn’t just smell nice; it should also be safe to burn, non-toxic, and made from high-quality ingredients. The problem? Most people never look past the scent name or packaging. If you’ve ever picked up a candle and wondered whether it’s actually clean or safe, learning how to read candle labels is essential.

Labels can be confusing or misleading, often using terms like “natural” or “eco” without regulation. But once you know what to look for, you’ll quickly see which candles are worth your money—and which could be filling your home with harmful chemicals.

If your goal is to find a non-toxic candle with a strong scent throw that burns clean, this guide will help you decode the ingredients that actually matter.

Why Candle Labels Matter

Most people shop for candles based on scent, color, or design. But what’s written on the label tells you how that candle will burn—and whether it’s safe to light around your family.

When you learn how to read a candle label, you can avoid buying candles with paraffin wax, synthetic fragrance oils, or other ingredients that may release indoor air pollutants. A label may not always list everything, but it gives important clues. The better you understand these clues, the easier it is to choose a non-toxic candle with a clean burn and a lasting scent.

A proper label helps you make informed decisions. It reveals the wax type, the scent source, and possibly the wick material—all of which affect how well a candle performs and how safe it is to burn.

What the Law Doesn’t Require

Unlike food or cosmetics, candles are not heavily regulated in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not require candle companies to disclose full ingredient lists, and the FDA doesn’t classify candles as products it needs to regulate.

That means many brands can use generic terms like “natural” or “clean” without backing them up with real transparency. Labels can say “eco-friendly” or “non-toxic” while still including paraffin, phthalates, or low-quality fragrance blends.

Because of this, consumers are left in the dark—literally and figuratively. Unless a company voluntarily discloses its ingredients, you could be burning a synthetic candle in your home, unaware of what it’s releasing into the air.

Wax Types: The First Thing to Check

The first and most important part of any candle label is the wax type. Wax determines how the candle burns, how long it lasts, how it smells, and how clean it is for indoor use.

If a label doesn’t list the wax type, that’s a red flag.

Paraffin wax is cheap, widely used, and derived from petroleum. While it holds scent well, it burns fast, releases soot, and has been linked to indoor air pollution.

Beeswax candles, by contrast, are made from a natural substance produced by bees. They burn cleaner, slower, and produce very little smoke. Pure beeswax also has a mild honey scent and natural air-purifying properties. Look for the phrase “100% beeswax candle” to know you’re getting the real thing.

Fragrance Oils: Natural vs Synthetic

Many candles use synthetic fragrance oils, which are cheaper and easier to mass-produce. These can include phthalates, a group of chemicals linked to respiratory and hormonal issues.

Labels that list only “fragrance” or “parfum” without explanation are likely using synthetic blends.

Look for labels that say:

“Scented with essential oils” “Plant-based fragrance oils” “Phthalate-free”

These indicate that the candle uses safer, non-toxic fragrance ingredients. While essential oils can be more expensive, they’re also more stable and less likely to break down under heat.

Wicks, Dyes, and Additives

Metal-core wicks can contain lead or zinc. These metals can release particles into the air as the candle burns. Look for labels that say cotton wick, lead-free wick, or wooden wick.

Brightly colored candles often use synthetic colorants, which may release unwanted fumes or soot. A clean candle usually avoids synthetic dyes. Labels like “dye-free,” “no artificial colorants,” or “natural color” suggest a safer product.

Greenwashing on Labels

Greenwashing refers to companies using environmental buzzwords to sound eco-friendly—even if their product isn’t.

Examples include: “Eco-blend wax” “Green-friendly” “All-natural scent”

To avoid greenwashing, look for brands that provide full ingredient lists, clear wax descriptions like “100% beeswax,” and transparency about scent sourcing and wick materials.

Ingredients You Should Always Avoid

Avoid candles that:

Use paraffin wax without disclosing the blend List fragrance or parfum with no sourcing Fail to mention phthalates Use metal-core wicks Contain artificial dyes

The more specific the label, the better. A label that says “100% beeswax, phthalate-free, plant-based fragrance oils, and cotton wick” tells you much more than vague terms like “clean-burning.”

Why Beeswax Candles Stand Out

Beeswax candles are the gold standard for safety and performance. They’re naturally free from toxins, soot, and harsh chemicals. A pure beeswax candle will burn longer and cleaner, and can even help purify the air.

How We Do Labels Differently

At Living Good Candle Co., every candle is made with:

Pure beeswax Plant-based oils Phthalate-free, paraffin-free, dye-free formulation Cotton or wooden wicks

We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re burning in your home.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Safer Candles

Learning how to read a candle label gives you the power to avoid harmful ingredients and choose a non-toxic candle made with integrity.

Look for 100% beeswax, plant-based fragrance oils, cotton wicks, and labels that clearly say what’s inside. Avoid candles that rely on mystery blends or vague language.

If you’re ready to switch to something better, choose a candle that’s honest about what’s inside—and built to perform. That’s what we believe in. That’s what we make.