The Dangers of Synthetic Fragrance Oils in Candles

 

When you light a candle, you expect comfort—not chemicals. But many popular candles are hiding a dark secret behind their pleasant aroma. The truth is, most store-bought candles contain synthetic fragrance oils, toxic additives, and paraffin wax—ingredients that release harmful pollutants into your air every time you light the wick.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll uncover the dangers of synthetic fragrance oils in candles and help you make healthier choices for your home.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• The Hidden Risks Lurking in Your Favorite Candle
• What Are Synthetic Fragrance Oils?
• Why Are Synthetic Fragrance Oils So Common?
• The Health Hazards You Can’t See or Smell
• What’s Worse? Paraffin Wax Makes It Even More Dangerous
• Indoor Air Quality: Why It Matters So Much
• The “Natural” Label Lie
• Why Beeswax Is the Gold Standard
• Why Plant-Based Derivative Oils Are the Only Safe Option
• How to Spot a Truly Non-Toxic Candle
• Why Living Good Candle Co. Says No to Synthetics
• FAQs: Clearing Up the Confusion
• How to Make the Switch Today
• Final Thoughts

The Hidden Risks Lurking in Your Favorite Candle

Candles bring comfort. They create ambiance, help us unwind, and make our homes feel inviting. But behind the soothing glow and relaxing scent of many candles are toxic ingredients that can harm your health.

Most people don’t realize their favorite candles are made with synthetic fragrance oils and paraffin wax—two components that, when burned, release harmful chemicals into the air. These ingredients are cheap and widely used, but they pose real health risks.

If you’re trying to live cleaner and reduce toxins in your home, switching to non-toxic candles is an essential step.

What Are Synthetic Fragrance Oils?

Synthetic fragrance oils are lab-created scents made using petroleum-derived chemicals, stabilizers, and artificial solvents. They’re designed to mimic the smell of essential oils or natural aromas—but they’re anything but natural.

One fragrance blend can contain:

• Over 100 undisclosed chemicals
• Known respiratory irritants
• Endocrine disruptors
• Carcinogens and other toxins

And here’s the shocking part: these ingredients don’t have to be disclosed on product labels. Brands can hide these chemicals under the vague term “fragrance” or “parfum”.

This lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible to know what you're breathing in when you light a candle.

Why Are Synthetic Fragrance Oils So Common?

You may wonder why candle companies still use these risky ingredients. The answer comes down to four main reasons:

• Cost – Synthetic oils are far cheaper than natural ones.
• Scent throw – They provide a stronger hot and cold scent throw.
• Shelf life – They don’t degrade as quickly as natural oils.
• Consistency – They deliver the same scent batch after batch, which is important for mass production.

Unfortunately, what benefits the manufacturer often harms the customer. You pay the price with lower air quality, irritation, and exposure to toxins in your own home.

The Health Hazards You Can’t See or Smell

When you burn candles made with synthetic fragrance oils, you release toxic chemicals into your air. These include:

• Phthalates – Used to help scents last longer, but they disrupt hormones and may affect reproductive health.
• Formaldehyde – A carcinogen that irritates the respiratory system.
• Benzene and Toluene – Found in gasoline; toxic when inhaled.
• Styrene – Linked to central nervous system issues and cancer.
• Acetaldehyde – Can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs.

These are not minor risks. Repeated exposure—especially in small, enclosed rooms—can lead to long-term health consequences.

What’s Worse? Paraffin Wax Makes It Even More Dangerous

It’s not just the scent you have to worry about. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct refined to appear clean. But when burned, paraffin releases:

• Soot
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Acetone, benzene, and toluene

In fact, studies have shown that burning a paraffin candle in a small space can release as many VOCs as a running car. This is especially harmful to children, pets, and people with asthma or allergies.

Indoor Air Quality: Why It Matters So Much

We now spend over 90% of our time indoors. According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. And one major culprit? Scented candles made with toxic ingredients.

Symptoms of exposure to synthetic fragrance oils and paraffin wax include:

• Headaches
• Sneezing or coughing
• Skin irritation
• Brain fog
• Hormonal changes
• Mood swings

The “Natural” Label Lie

Candle companies know health-conscious consumers are looking for better options. So they slap on labels like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “clean-burning.”

But most of these claims are pure marketing. For example:

• Soy blend candles may contain up to 50% paraffin.
• Essential oil candles often mix in synthetic stabilizers or boosters.
• Coconut wax is usually hydrogenated and combined with petroleum-based waxes.
• “Fragrance-free” candles can still contain trace toxins used as carriers.

Why Beeswax Is the Gold Standard

When it comes to truly clean candles, beeswax stands alone. It is:

• Naturally air-purifying – Releases negative ions that bind to indoor pollutants
• Non-toxic and chemical-free – No need for additives or refining
• Sustainable – Sourced from beekeepers who harvest ethically
• Long-burning – Lasts longer than soy or paraffin candles
• Clean-burning – Produces little to no soot

Why Plant-Based Derivative Oils Are the Only Safe Option

While essential oils are often seen as a healthier alternative, they’re not always safe in candles. High heat can alter their chemical structure and make them unstable—potentially releasing harmful compounds when burned.

That’s why we use plant-based derivative oils—oils that are:

• Extracted from real botanical sources
• Processed for heat stability
• Free from phthalates, parabens, and petroleum
• Designed for safe use in candle combustion

How to Spot a Truly Non-Toxic Candle

Use this checklist before you buy:

• Is it made with 100% beeswax?
• Does it contain only plant-based derivative oils?
• Are ingredients clearly listed—no “fragrance” or “parfum”?
• Is it free from paraffin, phthalates, and petroleum?
• Does it use cotton wicks or wood wicks (not metal)?
• Is the brand transparent about its materials?

Why Living Good Candle Co. Says No to Synthetics

At Living Good Candle Co., we don’t believe in cutting corners. We are proud to:

• Use only 100% beeswax
• Scent with plant-based derivative oils
• Avoid paraffin wax, essential oils, and synthetic fragrance oils
• Hand-pour every candle using cotton wicks
• Commit to clean-burning and wellness-first standards

FAQs: Clearing Up the Confusion

Is soy wax safe?
Not always. It’s often mixed with paraffin and heavily processed. Beeswax is the safer alternative.

Are essential oil candles okay?
No. Heat alters essential oils, making them unstable. Plant-based oils are a better choice.

Are beeswax candles safe for pets?
Yes! As long as they’re scented with plant-based derivative oils, they are pet-friendly.

Do beeswax candles smell strong?
They have a soft, natural aroma. Our oils provide a richer scent without overwhelming your space.

How to Make the Switch Today

Transitioning to non-toxic candles is easy:

• Start with one beeswax candle in your most-used room
• Check your current candles—if you see “fragrance,” toss them
• Replace them with beeswax + plant-based oil candles
• Notice the difference—cleaner air, fewer headaches
• Share the switch with friends and family

Final Thoughts

You light candles for calm and comfort—but if they contain synthetic fragrance oils or paraffin wax, they may be harming your health instead.

It’s time to make the switch.

Only beeswax candles scented with plant-based derivative oils are truly non-toxic, clean-burning, and safe for your home. They support your air, your family’s wellness, and your peace of mind.

Choose better. Choose beeswax.