The Hidden Toxins in Conventional Candles (and What to Burn Instead)

There’s something special about lighting a candle at the end of the day. The gentle flicker, the soft scent. It's a signal that it’s time to slow down. But here’s a truth many people don’t realize: not all candles are created equal.

That cozy glow can sometimes come with an unseen cost. Many conventional candles, the kind you’ll find on big-box shelves or in scented aisles, contain ingredients that quietly compromise the air you breathe. Let’s shine a little light on what’s really inside them, and how to make the switch to a cleaner, safer burn.

What’s Hiding in Conventional Candles

Most mass-produced candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that releases soot and trace amounts of chemicals when burned. This includes compounds like benzene and toluene, both known to affect indoor air quality.

The issue isn’t just the wax. Many synthetic fragrances are created from phthalates and other chemical stabilizers designed to make scents last longer. These additives can irritate sensitive skin, trigger headaches, and disrupt hormones over time.

And while most reputable candle makers have phased out lead-core wicks, some inexpensive imports still use metal blends that can release microscopic traces of heavy metals into your air.

Add artificial dyes, UV inhibitors, and synthetic stabilizers to the mix - and what was meant to soothe can end up filling your home with something less than peaceful.

Why It Matters for Your Home and Family

Indoor air quality plays a bigger role in our well-being than most of us realize. When you light a conventional candle, tiny particles and fumes can linger in the air long after the flame goes out - settling on walls, furniture, and even in the fabrics you cuddle up with.

For families with young children, pets, or anyone sensitive to chemicals (aka fragrance), this can affect comfort and health. You might notice sneezing, irritated eyes, or a dull headache that shows up after burning a candle for a while.

But there’s good news: switching to cleaner, plant-based candles isn’t complicated. And the difference you’ll feel, and smell, is real.

What to Burn Instead

Soy wax is one of the cleanest, most sustainable alternatives to paraffin. Made from soybeans, it’s renewable, biodegradable, and burns slower and cooler, meaning your candle lasts longer and produces far less soot.

When paired with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance oils, soy candles can gently scent your home without overwhelming it. Each aroma carries its own subtle benefits -  lavender to calm, pine to refresh.

At Ballou Family Apothecary we choose soy wax that is free from GMM (Genetically Modified Material), as well as no herbicides and pesticides.

A Quick Checklist for Safer Candles

When you’re shopping, here’s what to look for:

• 100% soy - not blended with paraffin
• Unbleached and all-cotton, or wooden wicks (lead-free)
• Essential oils or unscented
• No added dyes or stabilizers
• Full transparency from the maker

These small choices add up to a meaningful shift, not just for your health, but for the planet, too.

How We Keep It Clean

At Ballou Family Apothecary, we hand-pour every candle in small batches using non GMM soy wax, pure essential oils, and unbleached, all-cotton (lead-free) wicks. Each scent is inspired by nature and formulated to comfort, restore, and reconnect you to calm.

We believe what you breathe should be as pure as what you put on your skin. That’s why our candles are completely free of paraffin, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. Just clean light, and natural aroma.

A Gentle Reminder

Candles are meant to bring comfort, not compromise. When you choose plant-based, toxin-free options, you’re not only creating a healthier home, you’re nurturing your own sense of peace.

So tonight, when you strike a match, take a deep breath. Let the light you bring into your space truly feel good, inside and out.