Lighting a scented candle at the end of a long day is our favourite way to de-stress.
Unfortunately, many candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of the oil industry that pollutes the air when burning and can irritate lungs. Most are also scented with synthetic fragrances that can cause headaches and exacerbate allergy symptoms.
It’s important to note that these candles have been scientifically proven to be safe in small doses – otherwise they wouldn’t be for sale. But for extra reassurance, look to non-toxic alternatives.
Candles made from natural waxes such as soy and beeswax give the cleanest, longest burn, but expect the “throw” (how well the scent circulates) to be more subtle.
Pure essential oils give the most natural scent but they are costly to extract, usually making the candle more expensive.
Candles with a fragrance blend that’s free from phthalates and parabens – the biggest chemical nasties to avoid – offer a good middle ground.
Every candle on our list is non-toxic and many have earned extra eco-points for sustainable packaging.
Quality has not been compromised for ethics – these candles all burn cleanly, smell fabulous and throw their scent surprisingly far.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.