Are Scented Candles Bad for You? What Every Candle Lover in Australia Should Know

If you love the soft glow and calming fragrance of a candle, you’re not alone. Scented candles are a staple in Australian homes — used for everything from self-care and décor to gift-giving and setting the mood. But lately, a growing number of shoppers have started asking: are scented candles bad for you?

It’s a fair question — and a highly searched one, too. With increasing awareness about indoor air quality, wellness, and synthetic chemicals, more Australians are looking into what’s actually in the candles they burn. So let’s answer the question honestly and help you make confident, healthy choices when choosing candles.

Why People Are Concerned

Most people who ask “are scented candles bad for you” are really asking:

What’s in them?

Are they releasing harmful fumes?

Is it safe to burn them every day?

The truth is: not all scented candles are created equal. Some cheaper candles do contain ingredients that can release unwanted chemicals when burned. But others — especially those made with natural waxes and clean fragrances — are perfectly safe when used properly.

The Real Issue: Wax, Wicks & Fragrance

To know whether a candle is safe, let’s look at its three main components: wax, fragrance, and the wick.

1. Wax Type Matters

The most common culprit in the “are scented candles bad for you” debate is paraffin wax — a petroleum by-product. When burned, paraffin can release trace amounts of benzene and toluene, two volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may irritate the respiratory system with overexposure.

While occasional use of paraffin candles in a well-ventilated space is unlikely to cause harm, frequent use — especially in small or enclosed rooms — may contribute to indoor air pollution. That’s why many people now prefer soy, coconut, or beeswax candles, which are plant-based and burn much cleaner.

2. Fragrance Oils vs. Phthalates

Scent is what makes a candle irresistible — but the ingredients behind that scent matter. Many commercial candles use synthetic fragrance oils that may contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions.

Brands like Scentual Candles use only phthalate-free, cruelty-free fragrance oils or essential oil blends, offering a luxurious aroma without compromising your health.

3. Wick Safety

You may have heard horror stories about lead wicks — and yes, they were once a real problem. Lead-core wicks were banned in Australia and the U.S. years ago, but some imported candles still sneak them in. Lead wicks can release dangerous fumes when burned.

Always choose candles with cotton or wood wicks clearly labeled as lead-free — just like we do at Scentual Candles.

Are Scented Candles Bad for You When Used Often?

Used properly, high-quality scented candles are not bad for you. But here’s how to keep them safe:

Limit burn time to 3 hours per session

Keep rooms ventilated — especially small or enclosed spaces

Trim the wick to 5mm before each use

Avoid candles with black soot or chemical smells

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy all the sensory benefits of candles without compromising air quality.

How to Tell If a Candle Is Safe

Here’s a quick checklist to evaluate a candle before buying:

✅ Natural wax (soy, coconut, or beeswax)
✅ Phthalate-free fragrance oils
✅ Lead-free wick
✅ Label transparency (no vague “fragrance” ingredient)
✅ Minimal soot when burning

If a candle ticks these boxes, it’s very unlikely to pose any health risks — even with regular use.

Emotional and Wellness Benefits

If you’re still wondering “are scented candles bad for you?”, don’t forget to consider the emotional and therapeutic benefits they offer.

Scented candles can help:

Reduce stress and anxiety

Improve sleep and relaxation

Set a calming tone for yoga or meditation

Trigger positive memories through fragrance

That’s a powerful reason to keep using them — especially when they’re made with care.

What Makes Scentual Candles Different?

At Scentual Candles, we’ve built our brand on a simple promise: no nasties, just nature. All our candles are:

Made with 100% natural soy wax or soy-blended pillar wax

Scented using phthalate-free, vegan fragrance oils

Poured into recyclable amber glass jars

Finished with lead-free cotton wicks

Hand-poured in Sydney, Australia

The result? A clean, long-lasting burn and an aroma that’s bold, balanced, and safe.

Final Verdict: Are Scented Candles Bad for You?

So — are scented candles bad for you? The answer depends on what they’re made from. Candles filled with paraffin, synthetic fragrance, and metal-core wicks? Possibly. But clean-burning, natural candles made with care? Not at all.

When made with the right ingredients and used properly, scented candles offer more good than harm — calming the mind, elevating your space, and making everyday moments feel indulgent.

Looking for beautifully scented candles that are just as safe as they are luxurious?
Explore our clean-burning soy candles here.

Want to know more about indoor air quality?
Visit the Australian Department of Health’s Indoor Air Quality Guide for more helpful information.

Want to see what other customers are loving?
👉 Browse our Top Rated Candles — all rated 4.5★ or higher.