13 Sustainable Candles You’ll Absolutely Love
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We’ve thoroughly enjoyed discovering sustainable candles to share with you to help create a cozy space.
Did you know many store-bought candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct? When burned, these candles release harmful chemicals into the air, which isn’t great for your health—or the planet. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of nontoxic, sustainable candles from brands prioritizing quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices. These candles are made with natural waxes, come in stylish, reusable containers, and follow ethical production practices. So, you can fill your home with rich, aromatic scents and stay cozy all season long—without compromising your wellness or the environment!
While you’re at it, snuggle up with some sustainable scarves, pajamas, and tea, too.
Sustainable Candles
Why Buy Sustainable Candles
Sustainable candles are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional candles, designed with the environment and health in mind. They are typically made from natural, renewable waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax. Many candles are instead made of paraffin, a petroleum byproduct.
Why Is Paraffin So Bad?
When you light a paraffin candle, you are releasing some not-so-great chemicals like benzene into the air. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen. Yikes!
The production of paraffin candles can have unfortunate consequences for our planet, like oil spills and habitat destruction. And have you ever noticed how you can never quite get all the wax out of your candle jar? Paraffin wax is arduous to remove from its containers and isn’t biodegradable, so it just adds to our ever-growing landfills!
And for our allergy-sensitive friends, burning paraffin can sometimes lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and headaches. We enjoy lighting candles to help cleanse our space or set a cozy mood. Headaches do not integrate well with this vision.
Paraffin candles also tend to have Phthalates and parabens, chemical compounds often used in various consumer products. Both chemicals have potential health and environmental risks.
- Phthalates make plastics more flexible and are used as solvents in fragrances, cosmetics, and personal care items. In candles, phthalates are added to help scents last longer. However, they have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and cancer, especially with long-term exposure.
- Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. In candles, parabens might be present in some scented oils. Like phthalates, parabens have also been associated with hormone disruption and potential risks to reproductive health. They can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to concerns about their effects on hormone balance.
Gosh, no more information dumping. Sustainable candles overcome all of the negatives we just mentioned. They feature non-toxic, clean-burning ingredients, including cotton or wood wicks, and delightful fragrances free from phthalates and parabens. So, you can enjoy a lovely, snuggly atmosphere without any of the worry!
Our Sustainable Candle Must-haves
Sustainable candles can mean different things depending on what matters most to you, but for us, it’s all about cozy, comforting candles that are safe for you and your loved ones. We’ve done the research to ensure every candle on our list meets our high standards.
Natural Waxes |
We love candles from renewable resources like soy, coconut, and beeswax. Not only do these waxes burn cleaner and longer than paraffin, but beeswax even has air-purifying properties, making your home feel extra fresh.
Non-Toxic Fragrances |
All of the candles we’ve chosen are free from harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates. Using essential oils or natural fragrance blends, these candles create a healthier home environment—perfect for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Ethical Sourcing |
We’re all about supporting brands that prioritize fair trade and local production, ensuring fair wages and eco-friendly practices. So when you burn one of these candles, you’re not just making your home cozier—you’re also contributing to a better world!
Must-Try Sustainable Candles
We hope you find your new favorite candle from the list below!
Sustainable Features | Soy wax, rice bran wax, & beeswax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free
Burn Time | 36 hours
Our Pick | Sustainable Starter Kit – Warm Cozy Duo
Price | $54
Notes is shaking up sustainable candles with a fun and easy way to enjoy your favorite scents! Instead of buying a new candle every time, you’ll get one sleek container with a silicone liner, scented wax beads, and a cotton wick. Here’s how it works: thread the wick through the silicone insert, pop it into your Notes glass, light it up, and enjoy the cozy vibes!
When you’re ready for a refresh, flip the silicone liner inside out to remove the wax and wick, and your candle glass is prepped for its next round of fragrance fun!
Now that you have the candle glass and silicone liner, you can buy $18 pouches of scented wax beads with a wick to simply refill your container. And if you’re stuck between scents, they even have a fun fragrance quiz to help you decide!
Sustainable Features | 100% soy wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, natural cotton wick, 1% for the planet, and carbon neutral shipping
Burn Time | 35 hours
Our Pick | Candle Set with Vanilla Colada scent
Price | $66
Meet Arbor Mate’s sustainable candles—the eco-friendly way to keep your space smelling amazing! Their patented refillable jar has a flexible bottom that lets you easily pop out leftover wax, making cleanup and refills a breeze.
These hand-poured candles are made with 100% natural soy wax from Iowa, infused with non-toxic fragrances and essential oils from North Carolina—free of phthalates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. Plus, everything from the packaging to shipping is eco-friendly and carbon-neutral. Arbor Mate donates 1% of their profits to environmental charities. Each candle refill costs $18.
Sustainable Features | 100% soy wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and lead-free
Burn Time | 45 hours
Our Pick | Fuck It
Price | $20
Candles By Judith is a true hidden gem in Rhode Island! Founded in 2020, Judith transformed her love for creating calming scents into a thriving, sustainable candle business. Through this journey, she discovered the healing power of words and how they can bring comfort to both past and present wounds. Each morning, Judith hand-pours her beautiful candles at home before taking her son to school, infusing every natural soy wax candle with heartwarming intentions and care.
We absolutely adore Judith’s candles—not just for their irresistible fragrance blends but also for their thoughtful, empowering names. One of our favorites, the Fuck It candle, combines the refreshing scents of peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus—perfect for those overwhelming moments when you need to take a deep breath and release it all.
Sustainable Features | Soy wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, 1% for the planet, carbon neutral shipping, B Corporation
Burn Time | 45-55 hours
Our Pick | Coffee + Cream
Price | $34
Hyggelight’s “The Growing Candle” is the perfect blend of cozy vibes and sustainable gardening! These vegan candles come in charming, reusable ceramic pots with wildflower seed paper labels, so when your candle has finished burning, you can plant the pot with your wildflower seeds and watch them grow!
Hand-poured in small batches in Ohio, each candle is made from 100% pure soy wax—no additives, colorants, or toxins here—and features a lead-free cotton wick for a clean burn. With a 45-55 hour burn time, carbon-neutral shipping, and 1% for the Planet, Hyggelight lets you enjoy your candle guilt-free while giving back to nature!
If you love the scent of freshly brewed coffee, try Hyggelight’s Coffee + Cream sustainable candle. The scent wraps us up in undeniable warmth each time we light it.
Sustainable Features | Clean-burning palm wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, 1% for the planet, carbon neutral shipping
Burn Time | 50 hours
Our Pick | Orange Clove Cinnamon
Price | $17
GoodLight is lighting the way to an eco-friendly candle experience! These plant-based, affordable candles are all about sustainability, with paraffin-free wax and cotton wicks for a clean, green burn.
GoodLight goes the extra mile by supporting environmental stewardship and wildlife preservation through partnerships with the Orangutan Land Trust and Wild Asia’s smallholder farmers, certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
Their orange clove cinnamon candle wraps you in the cozy warmth of fall, with a burst of sweet, refreshing orange to brighten up the season!
Sustainable Features | Coconut wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, carbon neutral shipping, planet-friendly packaging
Burn Time | 60 hours
Our Pick | No 01 — Bergamot, White Rose, Oakmoss
Price | $29
Do you have cute containers? Siblings makes it easy to reuse and refill your favorites! Just microwave your Clean Candle refill pouch for two minutes, pour the melted wax into your chosen vessel, let it set, and voilà—your space is ready to be filled with sustainable candle scents.
With their eco-friendly coconut blend wax, compostable packaging, and safe, clean fragrances, these candles are as sustainable as they are long-lasting. Hand-poured in the USA with a 60-hour burn time, each candle is carbon neutral and guilt-free. Perfect for giving your favorite containers a fresh, fragrant new life!
Sustainable Features | Coconut wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, B corporation
Burn Time | 42 hours
Our Pick | Cordelia Bowl Candle Orchard Citronella
Price | $40
Prosperity Candles are not just about lighting up your space—they’re about making the world a better place! Handmade by women artisans who have found a new beginning in the U.S. after years as refugees, each candle is a symbol of resilience and hope.
Made from renewable coconut and soy wax with pure cotton wicks, these beautiful ceramic bowls feature premium fragrances crafted from essential oils, free of dyes and enhancers. With a chic porcelain design that measures 6″ wide and 3″ tall, this triple-wick wonder burns for over 42 hours, filling your home with delightful scents.
And when the wax runs low, don’t toss the bowl—clean it up and repurpose it for a lifetime of enjoyment! The bowls are even dishwasher and microwave-safe. Each candle not only brings warmth and ambiance but also supports fair trade and community empowerment. Light one up and bask in the glow of a brighter future!
Sustainable Features | Coconut wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, cotton wicks, eco-friendly packaging
Burn Time | 45 hours
Our Pick | Bosco – Pine, Douglas Fir, Mint
Price | $34
With a mission sparked by a breast cancer diagnosis, Sanari Candles combines health and sustainability in every flicker. Sanari Candles are all about celebrating the best of nature while being kind to our planet! From sourcing farm-grown ingredients to curating delightful scents, every step of the Sanari Candles’ process harmonizes with the Earth.
Packaged in tree-free paper and printed with soy ink, these candles are non-toxic and come in stylish recycled glass that you can easily wash and repurpose for your kitchen! With unbleached cotton wicks and a fantastic 45-hour burn time, these candles fill your space with warmth and atmosphere while letting you feel good about your eco-friendly choices. Light one up and enjoy a guilt-free glow!
Sustainable Features | Soy wax, phthalate-free or paraben-free, paraffin-free, lead-free, cotton wick, repurposed containers, 1% for the planet, woman-owned
Burn Time | 50 hours
Our Pick | Day at the Spa
Price | $20
Scented Designs is where sustainability meets heartfelt craftsmanship! Each candle is hand-poured in a charming jar or repurposed mug, making every piece unique and full of character. Proudly 100% woman-owned, Scented Designs ensures their candles are paraffin-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free—perfect for creating a safe, inviting atmosphere in your home.
With a burn time of 50+ hours, you can enjoy the delightful “Day at the Spa” scent, a beloved favorite that transforms any room into a serene sanctuary. Infused with natural essential oils like lemongrass, patchouli, and lime, this candle wraps you in calm and comfort while supporting 1% for the Planet. Light one up, relax, and bask in the cozy glow of conscious living!
Sustainable Features | Harvested beeswax and coconut oil, phthalate-free, paraben-free, lead-free, 1% for the planet
Burn Time | 60 hours
Our Pick | Rainforest Escape
Price | $30
Conscious Step’s sustainable candles are the perfect blend of cozy ambiance and eco-friendly goodness! Handmade with locally harvested beeswax, coconut oil, and phthalate-free fragrance, Conscious Step’s candles offer an impressive burn time of about 60 hours.
Proudly crafted in Michigan, each purchase supports 1% for the Planet, ensuring that part of your candle love goes back to environmental solutions. Plus, with a partnership with Room to Read, your candle helps improve literacy and gender equality in education for kids worldwide. Light one up, relax, and feel great knowing you’re making a difference—one flicker at a time!
Sustainable Features | Soy wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, lead-free, cotton wicks, climate neutral
Burn Time | 40-50 hours
Our Pick | Vanilla & Ghost Pepper
Price | $26
P.F. Candle Co. brings a touch of elegance to your home with their limited-edition seasonal candles! Hand-poured into stunning green glass vessels adorned with gold foil embossing, these candles are not only a feast for the senses but also a stylish addition to any space—perfect for dressers, countertops, and nightstands alike. With a burn time of 40-50 hours, you’ll enjoy delightful fragrances crafted from 100% domestically grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks. Plus, their scents are paraben-free, phthalate-free, and have never been tested on animals! Light your favorite scent and let the cozy vibes flow with P.F. Candle Co.’s luxurious candles!
Sustainable Features | Soy wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, lead-free, 1% for the planet
Burn Time | 40 hours
Our Pick | Cabin Retreat
Price | $39
At Slow North, every candle reflects their commitment to mindful living and environmental stewardship. They prioritize transparency, using only the purest natural ingredients to create non-toxic, clean-burning candles that promote wellness. Each candle is hand-poured with care and precision in Texas, crafted from 100% soy wax with eco-friendly cotton and paper wicks primed with vegetable-based wax. To extend sustainability efforts, each candle is topped with a seed paper dust cover—plant it after burning your candle to grow wildflowers, adding a touch of nature to your space long after the candle is gone. Slow North’s dedication to quality craftsmanship ensures a premium, artisanal experience with every burn. From recyclable packaging to plastic-free shipping, they embrace sustainable practices that honor the Earth and inspire a slower, more intentional life—one deeply connected to nature. If you love their candles as much as we do, take a look at their monthly candle subscription box.
Sustainable Features | Soy wax, phthalate-free, paraben-free, lead-free, supporting small businesses
Burn Time | 50 hours
Our Pick | The Ignis Box
Vellabox is the perfect treat for sustainable candle lovers who care about clean burning candles and supporting small businesses! Each month, this artisan candle subscription delivers a hand-poured, small-batch candle made from natural ingredients like soy, coconut, or vegetable wax, with clean-burning cotton wicks and premium fragrances. All candles, whether crafted by Vellabox or sourced from their featured makers, are proudly made in the USA and curated to your scent preferences. Plus, you’ll get a surprise lifestyle item (worth $10+), fun and reusable packaging with a new theme every month, and even a curated playlist to enjoy while you relax with your candle! No parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes, or animal by-products here—just pure, cozy goodness in eco-friendly packaging. Each month is a delightful discovery of fresh scents and perhaps a new favorite small business.