Are Scented Candles Toxic? The Truth Behind Ingredients

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It’s common to hear about “natural” candles – and sometimes it sounds as if everything else is harmful.
But the truth is more nuanced than that.
All my candles are hand-poured in Småland, Sweden, with care for both you and the environment.
I use clean, vegan fragrance oils that are free from parabens and phthalates, but that doesn’t mean the candles are completely free of chemical substances – that’s simply not possible.

Fragrance oils are always blends of natural and synthetic components, and some of these can – in high concentrations – be harmful to the environment.
If you were to pour pure oil into a lake, it would certainly not be good.
But in a candle, the oil is used in very small, diluted amounts, making it perfectly safe for everyday use.

I believe transparency builds trust.
A “completely natural” candle may sound appealing – but even natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions, and some synthetic components are better tested and more stable.
It’s not about black or white – it’s about balance, quality, and safety.


About Natural and Essential Oils

Essential oils are often used in natural products – and in some candles, too.
They are concentrated substances extracted directly from plants, flowers, or fruit peels and can create wonderfully pure and natural scents.

Are Candles with Essential Oils Chemical-Free?

No – not entirely.
Essential oils are natural, but everything that exists is made of chemical compounds.
Water is a chemical, oxygen is a chemical – and even plant extracts contain hundreds of natural chemical molecules.
The difference isn’t whether something contains chemicals, but which ones and how they are used.

A candle made with essential oils can be naturally inspired, but it’s not free from chemicals.
And even the most natural wax must go through a refining process before it can be used for candles.


About the Wax – Natural but Refined

My wax is made from Swedish soy-based raw material – a natural product derived from soybeans.
But to make the oil suitable for candle-making, it must be:

  1. Hydrated and purified to prevent spoilage.

  2. Partially hydrogenated, a process that binds hydrogen to fatty acids.

  3. Dewaxed and bleached to create a stable, clean, and even-burning structure.

All of this is technically a chemical process – but it’s a form of refinement, not harmful modification.
Just like pressing olive oil or roasting coffee, it’s about creating a high-quality, stable product that performs well.


What Are Parabens – and Why I Avoid Them

Parabens are preservatives used in many products – from cosmetics to skincare – to extend shelf life.
Some types may affect hormonal balance with long-term exposure, which is why many manufacturers have stopped using them.
The fragrance oils I use are always paraben-free, so you can feel safe about what you light in your home.


And What About Phthalates?

Phthalates are often used as softeners or to bind fragrance in synthetic oils.
But certain phthalates are suspected of affecting fertility, breathing, and the hormone system.
That’s why I choose only phthalate-free oils – scents that are safe, lasting, and free from unnecessary additives.


Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Always

Equally important: none of the oils or ingredients I use are tested on animals.
All my products are vegan and cruelty-free.
It doesn’t just feel right – it’s a principle I’ll never compromise on.


🌙 Transparency over Perfection

I’ll never claim that my candles are 100% “natural” – because almost no fragrance product is.
But I promise they’re honest, safe, and made with care.
For me, it’s about creating candles that smell wonderful, feel safe, and do good.

Every flame is a small promise – of quality, warmth, and thoughtfulness.