In 2025, more people than ever are paying close attention to the ingredients in their everyday products—including the candles they burn at home. While scented candles may seem harmless, many popular brands still use paraffin wax, synthetic dyes, and phthalate-laden fragrance oils that can release harmful toxins into the air. At our Lethbridge-based candle shop, we’re committed to offering a cleaner, safer alternative with our hand-poured, 100% soy wax candles that are always phthalate-free. If you're looking to elevate your space with beautiful scents without compromising your health or the environment, it's time to learn the truth about toxic candles—and why choosing clean ingredients matters more than ever.
What Makes a Candle “Toxic”?
Many mass produced candle manufacturers produce toxic candles as the toxic ingredients come with cheaper production. You might be asking “Are candles bad for you?” and the answer is no as long as you know what candle ingredients to avoid and what makes toxic candles. The first thing to look for in a candle is what the wax is made of. Paraffin wax is a popular candle wax that is extremely harmful. It’s a petroleum-based product, which means it releases harmful chemicals when burned, especially in candles. Burning paraffin wax can produce known carcinogens like benzene and toluene, which are linked to respiratory problems and other health issues. Additionally, paraffin wax is not biodegradable, and its production relies on finite fossil fuels, contributing to environmental concerns. If you see a mass produced candle that says it is made with a “soy wax blend” do not trust it. That label is trying to trick you, there is no way of knowing how much soy wax is actually in that candle, and it probably isn’t a lot. Only trust candles that specifically say 100% soy wax, or soy-coconut hybrid wax to know that there is no paraffin wax. Something else to look out for is phthalate fragrance oils. Phthalates are harmful in candles because they are a type of chemical, often used in fragrances, that can release harmful toxins when heated. These toxins can cause many health issues, including hormonal disruption, breathing problems, and potential increased cancer risks. Burning candles containing phthalates releases these chemicals into the air, potentially leading to indoor air pollution and health risks. If you are someone who avoids scented candles because you find the fragrance gives you a headache, it probably isn’t the scent, it’s actually what’s in the fragrance oil. It’s important to also check and see what the wick of a candle is made of. Historically candle wicks have been made with lead at the core but that has since been banned in many countries due to the risk of lead poisoning. However some imported candles may still contain lead within the wick. If the candle's label doesn’t say 100% cotton wick, don’t trust it.
What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Candle
Don’t worry, not all candles are bad, in fact a lot of them are safe for you to burn in your home. To know if the scented candle you are burning is a clean burning candle, you need to look at three main things: the wax, the fragrance oil and the wicks. Clean burning candles will be made of 100% soy wax or other natural waxes such as beeswax and coconut wax. Candles that are made with phthalate free fragrance oils will ensure the scent released from the candle will be safe for you and your homes. It’s also important to look at what the wick is made out of, if the wick is made of 100% cotton or wood, then the candle is safe. All of these factors make for a clean non-toxic candle but there are more benefits than just that. Non-toxic candles mean there is a longer burn time so you can enjoy your candle longer. It also means a more natural scent throw, so you can enjoy your favourite scented candle without any chemical undertones.
Why We Choose 100% Soy Wax & Phthalate-Free Fragrance
At Ebony & Ivory Candle Co located in Lethbridge, Alberta, we believe that what you breathe in matters just as much as what you put on your skin. That’s why every candle we pour is made with 100% natural soy wax—never paraffin—and always infused with phthalate-free fragrance oils. Soy wax offers a cleaner, slower burn, making it ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere without compromising your indoor air quality. We’re proud to craft non-toxic candles that are not only better for your health but also kinder to the planet. When you light one of our candles, you're choosing peace of mind, clean ingredients, and scents you can actually feel good about.
The Environmental Impact of Clean Candles
Choosing clean-burning candles is not only better for your health—it’s better for the earth. Soy wax is biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable, making it a responsible alternative to petroleum-based waxes. Our packaging is recyclable, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce our footprint while helping your home smell divine.
How to Make the Switch to Clean Candles
If you’re ready to ditch toxic candles for good, here’s where to start:
Check ingredient labels (look for soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance, and cotton wicks)
Avoid anything with vague terms like “fragrance” without transparency
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Explore small-batch brands that focus on clean living (hey, that’s us!)
Conclusion: A Cleaner Burn for a Healthier Home
In a world where we’re increasingly mindful of the air we breathe, choosing non-toxic candles is a simple but powerful step toward a healthier home. With so many beautiful, safe options available, there’s no reason to settle for anything less.
Looking for a clean candle brand you can trust? We’ve got you covered with our collection of 100% soy wax, phthalate-free candles, lovingly crafted in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Shop our clean-burning collection now and breathe easy knowing you’re making a better choice—for your health, your home, and the planet. Available online and in stores. Our stores are located in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat Alberta. Our Lethbridge store is located in Park Place Mall and our Medicine Hat store is located in Medicine Hat Mall.
XOXO
Ebony & Ivory Candle Co.
