Cleaner-Burning Candles: Beeswax, Unscented & Lead-Free Wicks
Candles are part of the holidays for a lot of families. If you want simpler ingredients, unscented beeswax with a cotton wick is an easy place to start. Here's what to look for, and how to burn any candle with less smoke.
We're not going to tell you candles are dangerous. But if you light them often, a few choices keep things simpler: the wax, the fragrance and the wick.
What to look for
- 100% beeswax (or 100% of a plant wax), not a blend with paraffin, which is made from petroleum.
- Unscented. Fragrance is a common irritant for people with scent sensitivities, and the ingredients usually aren't listed.
- Cotton wicks. The CPSC banned lead-cored wicks in 2003, so lead wicks shouldn't be on U.S. shelves, and cotton wicks have no metal core at all.
- Ventilation. Any flame makes some smoke. Crack a window or run an air purifier.
Beeswax tealights
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Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
Big Dipper Wax Works Pure Beeswax Tealight Candles, 48 Pack
Pure beeswax tealights with unscented cotton wicks, in a 48-pack that lasts the season.
Why we picked these
- Big Dipper Wax Works Pure Beeswax Tealight Candles, 48 Pack Unscented beeswax tealights Pure beeswax tealights with unscented cotton wicks, in a 48-pack that lasts the season.
- Bluecorn Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Tea Lights, Raw Yellow, 48 Pack Made-in-USA beeswax tealights 100% pure beeswax with no paraffin, soy or added fragrance, made in the USA. Bluecorn lists about a 5-hour burn each. Worth knowing: This listing uses clear cups. Bluecorn also sells tealights in metal cups if you'd rather skip the plastic.
Pillars, jars and tools
Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
Big Dipper Wax Works 100% Beeswax Pillar Candle, 3 x 6 in
A 100% beeswax pillar with a cotton wick, handmade in the USA.
Why we picked these
- Big Dipper Wax Works 100% Beeswax Pillar Candle, 3 x 6 in Beeswax pillar A 100% beeswax pillar with a cotton wick, handmade in the USA. Big Dipper lists about a 90-hour burn. Worth knowing: Always burn pillars on a heat-safe plate or holder.
- Big Dipper Wax Works Unscented Beeswax Candle in Glass Jar, 3.2 oz Small beeswax jar candle An unscented beeswax candle poured into a small glass jar, so it sits safely on a shelf or table without a holder.
- Airy Abode Candle Wick Trimmer and Snuffer Set Wick trimmer + snuffer Polished stainless steel wick trimmer and snuffer. Trimming wicks and snuffing (instead of blowing out) helps cut down on smoke and soot.
Beeswax is naturally golden and has a faint honey smell even unscented. That's normal.
About soy and coconut wax
Soy and coconut wax candles are popular alternatives, but read the label closely. Many are blends with paraffin, and most are scented. If you choose one, look for "100% soy" or "100% coconut wax," unscented, with a cotton wick.
Candle safety basics
From the National Candle Association:
- Trim wicks to ¼ inch before each burn.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of kids and pets.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, and away from drafts.
Want cleaner air overall? See our air purifier guide, and our low-tox cleaning guide for fragrance-free cleaning.
FAQ
Are beeswax candles non-toxic?
Any flame produces some smoke and combustion byproducts, so no candle is zero-emission. Beeswax candles skip paraffin (which is made from petroleum) and, when unscented, added fragrance. That makes them a simpler choice, but still burn them in a ventilated room.
Do candles still have lead wicks?
In the U.S., the CPSC banned candles with lead-cored wicks (more than 0.06% lead) in 2003. Wicks on candles sold here should be lead-free, and many makers use plain cotton wicks.
Is soy or coconut wax better than paraffin?
Soy and coconut wax are plant-based, but many 'soy' or 'coconut' candles are blends that also contain paraffin, and many are heavily scented. Check for 100% of the wax listed and choose unscented if fragrance bothers anyone at home.
How do I reduce candle smoke?
The National Candle Association recommends trimming wicks to ¼ inch before every burn and keeping candles away from drafts. Use a snuffer rather than blowing them out.
