Are Scented Candles Bad for You? Health Risks Every Family Should Know

I used to love scented candles. You know, those big jars that smell like vanilla cake or Christmas spice? I’d light one while cleaning the kitchen or relaxing after bedtime, thinking it was self-care. It felt like a little luxury.

When I was pregnant with our first boy, we lived with my husband's parents and my father-in-law loves to cook Filipino cuisine - which often meant very fish-heavy dishes. One of their favourites involved boiling the whole fish, skin and all, and the smell would fill the entire house. Honestly, it made me want to run. But since I couldn’t always leave, I started lighting candles - like, 20 vanilla ones - all at once in our bedroom just to mask the scent. I'd only leave the room for an emergency toilet run. At the time, it felt like my only escape. But looking back? That routine of masking smells with synthetic fragrance probably did more harm than good to my already sensitive, pregnant body.

What's actually in a scented candle?

Here’s the thing most of us never think about: what's actually in that lovely-smelling candle?

• Synthetic fragrance (perfume) = a mix of dozens (sometimes hundreds) of undisclosed chemicals

• Common culprits:

  • Phthalates – disrupt hormones

  • Formaldehyde & benzene - released when burning certain waxes and fragrance oils

• Most candles are made from paraffin wax (a petroleum by-product)

So while it might smell like “Clean Cotton,” you’re actually burning fossil fuels in your living room. That smell? It lingers in the air, your fabrics, and your lungs.

Research: INDOOR AIR QUALITY: Scented Products Emit a Bouquet of VOCs

Why it matters (especially with kids around)

• Children breathe faster than adults and are more sensitive to toxins

• Indoor air pollution is a huge contributor to asthma, allergies, and hormone disruption

• When you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have babies crawling around on the floor - clean air matters even more

But the cosy candle vibe...

I still love a cosy-smelling home - just without the hidden chemicals. Here’s what I use now:

• Beeswax candles – naturally purify the air (burn clean, no soot, no chemicals)

• Coconut or soy wax candles – only if they’re scented with 100% essential oils

• Diffuser with essential oils – my go-to for a cosy smell without any flame. I'm also putting together a full post on how I use different essential oils around the home — from calming bedtime blends to kitchen air refreshers

• Simmer pots – a pot of water with orange peels, cloves, and cinnamon sticks on the stove (it smells like autumn and doesn’t cost a thing!).

A quick note on diffusers: there are loads of cheap plastic ones online, but I’d be cautious. Heat and water can cause plastics to degrade over time, potentially releasing microplastics or toxins into the air. I opted for an ultrasonic diffuser. While ultrasonic diffusers often include plastic parts, I’ve specifically chosen one with oil-resistant plastic, clean water use, and short diffusion times. I always clean the reservoir, avoid strong citrus oils when baby is around, and keep windows open. These small steps make a big difference toward keeping air cleaner and safer.

When it comes to essential oils, always look for ones that are 100% pure, ideally GC/MS tested (which means they’ve been tested for purity and composition). Skip any that say “fragrance oil” or have vague labels. And remember, not all oils are safe around babies or pets — so do a little research on each one before diffusing in family spaces. For example, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove are not recommended around young children. Tea tree, cinnamon, and citrus oils can also be irritating to pets. Always double-check safety guidelines and consider age-appropriate blends for babies and toddlers. Baby-safe essential oils include lavender, chamomile, distilled lemon (in very small amounts), and frankincense. Always diffuse in moderation, for short periods, and make sure the space is well-ventilated. Avoid direct contact with baby’s skin unless advised by a certified aromatherapist.

DIY candles

You can also try making your own candles - it’s surprisingly easy and such a fun, creative hobby. You get to choose your own wax, your favourite essential oil scents, and even reuse cute jars or little cups you already have at home. It’s one of those relaxing mum projects that feels super rewarding and makes lovely little gifts too!

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:

What you’ll need:

• Natural wax (like beeswax, soy, or coconut wax)

• 100% cotton or wood wicks

• Essential oils (look for ones labelled GC/MS tested or organic)

• Heat-safe containers (you can buy a set of nice-looking candle jars and reuse them, or get creative with reused jars, teacups, or small glass tumblers)

• A saucepan and a heatproof bowl (for a DIY double boiler)

• A thermometer (optional but helpful)

  
  

Note: It's best to use a dedicated saucepan or bowl for candle making, not one you also cook food in. Wax and essential oils can leave residue that’s hard to clean completely, and you don’t want any of that ending up in your dinner. You can grab a cheap second-hand pan just for this purpose, or keep one aside just for crafty projects like this.

Step-by-step:

1. Melt your wax using the double boiler method (bowl over a pot of simmering water). Stir gently.

2. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly (ideal temp: 60-65°C) before adding essential oils.

3. Add around 20–30 drops of essential oil per 100g of wax, depending on how strong you want the scent.

4. Secure your wick:

   • Make a quick wax dab: melt a small amount of wax, dip the metal base of the wick in it, and press it to the bottom of your jar. Hold it in place for a few seconds until set.

5. Use a wick holder or peg to keep the wick centred and upright.

6. Carefully pour the wax into your jar.

7. Let it set for 24 hours.

Tips:

• Always avoid synthetic fragrance oils (they can emit the same harmful chemicals as store-bought candles).

• Not all essential oils burn well - stick with ones like lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, or peppermint. If you loved sweet scents like vanilla (like I did!), try benzoin resin, sweet orange, or a tiny amount of cinnamon or clove blended in. While there’s no true "vanilla" essential oil (that’s usually synthetic), you can find vanilla oleoresin or CO2 extracts that are safer alternatives for that cosy scent.

• Trim your wick before each burn to reduce smoke and get a clean burn.

It’s easy, fun, and best of all - you’re in control of every ingredient.

One quick note if you're buying a candle-making set: I’ve seen lots of kits that include wax melters or pouring pitchers, and many of them look like they have a non-stick coating - which often means Teflon. That’s something I personally avoid. If it's coated, there's a chance it could release particles into the hot wax, especially at high temps, and then we’re right back to breathing in things we’re trying to avoid. I’d always choose a plain stainless steel or uncoated enamel option instead - just to be safe and keep your candles truly low-tox.

You don’t have to toss every candle in your house today - just start being curious. Flip it over. Read the label. Look for “perfume,” paraffin, or artificial dyes. If your candle doesn’t list ingredients at all? That’s a red flag.

A cosy home can still smell amazing - without filling the air with mystery chemicals.

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