How to choose a healthy candle? How can you be sure a candle is natural?

How to choose a healthy candle for your home?

Candles have become essential items in our homes. They create a warm, fragrant ambiance that's conducive to relaxation. But be careful: not all candles are healthy; some should even be banned! They can emit toxic substances and even endocrine disruptors. So, how can you choose a truly healthy candle, including for children and sensitive individuals? Here are our tips.

1. Choose a natural wax

🚫 To avoid:

• Paraffin : derived from petroleum, it is widely used because it is inexpensive, but when burned it releases toxic compounds such as benzene and toluene.

• Questionable wax blends (paraffin + soy, etc.): they retain some toxicity.

✅ To be favored:

• 100% natural soy wax (non-GMO)

• Rapeseed wax : ecological and grown in Europe

• Beeswax : naturally purifying

• Coconut wax : soft and slow-burning (if sourced responsibly)

Always check that the wax is vegetable-based, without additives or petrochemical derivatives .

2. Be careful with perfumes: natural or nothing

🚫 Synthetic perfumes should be avoided:

They often contain phthalates , which are endocrine disruptors . When burned, these substances diffuse into the air and enter our bodies.

✅ Choose:

• Unscented candles if you are sensitive

• Or scented candles with 100% natural essential oils , without solvent or preservative

A good clue: the brand clearly indicates the composition of the perfume .

3. Choose an untreated strand

The wick plays a crucial role in combustion.

🚫 Beware:

• Wicks with a metal core (lead or zinc), still present on certain imported products.

✅ Prefer:

• Unbleached chlorine-free cotton

• Or natural wood , from sustainably managed forests (FSC certification)

4. Observe the combustion

Even a so-called “natural” candle can burn poorly. Here are some warning signs:

• Black smoke : incomplete combustion or polluting wax

• Irritating or persistent odor : often linked to artificial fragrances

• Headache or difficulty breathing after use

Remember to ventilate the room, especially if you are burning several candles at the same time.

5. Trust brand transparency

A healthy candle comes with total transparency :

• Origin and purity of the wax

• Precise composition of the perfume

• Wick type

• Handcrafted, ideally in France or Europe

Bonus: some brands go further with eco-responsible packaging , reusable or refillable pots .

In summary: what is a healthy candle?