The Truth About Paraffin Candles and Why We Avoid Them

When you light a candle, you expect comfort—not chemicals. But not all candles are created equal. Many people don’t realize that the type of candle wax can directly affect their health, indoor air quality, and long-term wellness. Among the most common waxes, paraffin candles are the most widely used—and also the most harmful. In this in-depth guide, we’ll uncover what paraffin wax really is, why it’s so common in commercial candles, how it impacts your home and body, and why we at Living Good Candle Co. refuse to use it.

Table of Contents

• What Is Paraffin Wax?
• What Happens When Paraffin Burns?
• The Hidden Danger: Indoor Air Pollution
• Do Paraffin Candles Cause Headaches?
• The Greenwashing Problem
• Paraffin Blends: Still Problematic
• Why Paraffin Wax Is Unsafe for Pets and Kids
• Alternatives to Paraffin Candles
• Why We Avoid Paraffin at Living Good Candle Co.
• How to Spot and Avoid Paraffin Candles
• Why This Matters More Than Ever
• Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Paraffin for Good

What Is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. It’s made from the sludge left behind after crude oil is distilled into gasoline. This leftover residue is chemically bleached, deodorized, and transformed into a waxy substance—then sold to manufacturers who use it to make cheap candles.

Why is paraffin used? It’s cheap. It holds scent well. And it creates smooth, aesthetically pleasing candles. Unfortunately, these benefits come with serious health and environmental consequences.

What Happens When Paraffin Burns?

When paraffin candles are burned, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. These are known carcinogens—and even short-term exposure can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation.

A 2009 study presented at the American Chemical Society found that burning paraffin wax emits toxic chemicals that can be as harmful as secondhand smoke. Over time, exposure to these emissions can worsen respiratory conditions, aggravate allergies, and possibly contribute to long-term health problems.

The Hidden Danger: Indoor Air Pollution

Most people don’t think about indoor air quality when they light a candle. But research shows that the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors—especially when paraffin wax is involved.

Paraffin candles produce black soot when burned. This soot settles on walls, ceilings, furniture, and inside your lungs. It contains ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and even enter your bloodstream. The results? Headaches, fatigue, aggravated asthma, and poor overall air quality.

Do Paraffin Candles Cause Headaches?

Yes—and it’s one of the most frequent complaints from regular candle users. The synthetic fragrances and toxic compounds in paraffin candles can trigger headaches, dizziness, and even nausea. This isn’t just anecdotal. These symptoms are linked to the chemical emissions produced during burning.

If you’ve ever lit a candle only to feel sick or uncomfortable, the problem likely isn’t the scent—it’s the wax base.

The Greenwashing Problem

You might see candles labeled as "eco," "green," or "natural" that still contain paraffin wax. Why? Because these terms are unregulated in the candle industry. There are no legal requirements for companies to disclose their full ingredient list. A candle can be 90% paraffin and still advertise itself as a "soy blend."

To make an informed decision, always check for full ingredient transparency. If it doesn’t say 100% beeswax or 100% soy wax, it likely contains paraffin.

Paraffin Blends: Still Problematic

Many brands blend paraffin with soy wax or other plant-based waxes to save on costs. These blended candles are often marketed as cleaner or greener, but they still release the same toxic compounds when burned.

Don’t be fooled by half-truths. A soy-paraffin blend still emits soot, VOCs, and possibly harmful chemical additives. That’s why it’s critical to choose candles made from 100% non-toxic candle wax.

Why Paraffin Wax Is Unsafe for Pets and Kids

Your home should be a safe space for everyone—including your pets and children. But paraffin emissions can be particularly harmful for sensitive groups. Because pets are closer to the ground, they breathe in more of the fine particulate matter released by paraffin candles. Babies and children, whose lungs are still developing, are also more vulnerable to air pollutants.

That’s why we recommend avoiding paraffin wax candles altogether if you have pets, small children, or anyone in your household with asthma or allergies.

Alternatives to Paraffin Candles

Thankfully, you have cleaner, safer options.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are made from natural wax produced by honeybees. They burn cleanly, produce virtually no soot, and can even help purify the air by releasing negative ions that bind to airborne pollutants. They also burn longer than paraffin candles and have a naturally sweet, honey-like scent—even when unscented.

We use 100% beeswax candles at Living Good Candle Co. because they’re the healthiest option for your home, your air, and your body.

Soy Wax Candles

Soy candles are another alternative. Made from hydrogenated soybean oil, they burn cleaner than paraffin and are biodegradable. However, be aware that many soy candles are blended with paraffin, so it’s important to check labels for transparency.

While soy wax is better than paraffin, it still goes through heavy processing and often includes genetically modified soybeans.

Why We Avoid Paraffin at Living Good Candle Co.

At Living Good Candle Co., our commitment is simple: we want to create non-toxic candles that are safe for your family, pets, and the planet. That’s why we never use paraffin, synthetic fragrances, or chemical dyes.

Every candle we craft is made with 100% pure beeswax, plant-based derivative oils, and lead-free cotton wicks. Our candles are safe to use around babies, people with scent sensitivities, and even those with chronic respiratory conditions.

We also ship in minimal recyclable packaging, reducing waste without sacrificing design or quality. Choosing our candles means making a conscious decision for clean air and healthier living.

How to Spot and Avoid Paraffin Candles

If you want to steer clear of toxic candle ingredients, here are some tips:

• Look for candles labeled 100% beeswax or 100% soy.
• Avoid any product labeled simply as "wax blend."
• Be skeptical of terms like "natural fragrance" unless the brand specifies plant-based oils or essential oils.
• Check the wick type: cotton wicks or wood wicks are best. Avoid metal-core wicks.
• Choose brands that share full ingredient lists.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

We spend more time indoors than ever before. That means we need to be aware of what we bring into our homes. If you light candles regularly—for relaxation, meditation, or ambiance—it’s essential to choose clean-burning options.

Paraffin candles contribute to indoor air pollution, increase toxic exposure, and offer no health benefits. On the other hand, beeswax candles support cleaner air, offer better scent quality, and burn longer—making them the ideal choice for modern, health-conscious living.

Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Paraffin for Good

Candles should soothe your soul—not compromise your wellness. Paraffin wax might be cheap and accessible, but it comes at a cost to your health and your home. There is simply no safe or sustainable reason to keep using it.

At Living Good Candle Co., we believe in full transparency, clean ingredients, and products that align with your values. When you choose our beeswax candles, you’re choosing:

• Clean-burning candle ingredients
• Non-toxic candles safe for pets and kids
• Hypoallergenic candles ideal for sensitive users
• Candles made with plant-based oils that support your well-being
• A cleaner, healthier home environment

Make the switch today. Light a candle that’s safe, sustainable, and truly comforting. Say no to paraffin. Say yes to better breathing, better living, and better candles.

Breathe Better. Burn Better. Live Good.