The Truth About Scented Candles: Why Unscented Is Better for Your Home

15 Sept

Candles create ambiance, warmth, and relaxation. But while scented candles are everywhere—from luxury boutiques to supermarket shelves—recent research shows they may not be as safe as they seem. Burning candles with synthetic fragrances can release pollutants that trigger headaches, asthma, and other health concerns.

The good news? Unscented soy and beeswax candles offer a cleaner, safer alternative. Here’s what science says.

Are Scented Candles Bad for You?

Studies over the past decade show that fragranced products—including scented candles—can affect indoor air quality and health:

Fragrance chemicals: In an international survey, 57.8% of people with asthma reported adverse effects such as breathing issues, migraines, and headaches when exposed to fragranced products (Steinemann, 2020b).
Indoor pollutants: Burning candles can emit formaldehyde, particulate matter, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds)—all linked to respiratory irritation (Uhde & Schulz, 2013).
Hidden chemicals: Even products marketed as “natural” or “eco-friendly” may still release harmful irritants (Steinemann, 2020a).

The gentle truth: If you suffer from migraines, asthma, or chemical sensitivities, scented candles may be worsening your symptoms.

Benefits of Unscented Candles

Unscented candles remove the biggest trigger—synthetic fragrance—making them a healthier choice for sensitive households.

Top 3 Benefits of Unscented Candles:

Cleaner indoor air: No synthetic fragrance means fewer VOCs.
Allergy & asthma friendly: Reduced risk of headaches, sneezing, and breathing problems.
Safe for kids and pets: Lower chemical exposure in your living space.

Soy vs Paraffin: Which Burns Cleaner?

Not all candles are equal. The wax you choose matters:

Soy wax: Burns slower, produces less soot, and emits fewer pollutants compared to paraffin (Tsai et al., 2011).
Beeswax: One of the cleanest-burning waxes, biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Paraffin wax: Petroleum-based and linked to higher emissions of harmful byproducts (Uhde & Schulz, 2013).

If you want a longer burn time and reduced toxins, soy and beeswax are the best options.

FAQ: Healthier Candle Choices

Are scented candles toxic?
They can be. Burning scented candles releases chemicals such as VOCs and formaldehyde, which may contribute to poor indoor air quality and health issues (Uhde & Schulz, 2013).
What’s the healthiest candle to burn?
Unscented soy or beeswax candles. They burn cleaner, last longer, and avoid synthetic fragrance chemicals (Tsai et al., 2011).
Are unscented candles better for pets?
Yes. Pets have sensitive respiratory systems, and avoiding fragrance reduces their exposure to irritants.
Do unscented candles still smell?
Unscented doesn’t mean odorless—it means no added fragrance. You may notice a subtle natural wax aroma, but without chemical perfumes.

Practical Tips for Safer Candle Use

Trim wicks to ¼ inch before each burn to minimize soot.
Burn candles in well-ventilated rooms.
Avoid burning for more than 3–4 hours at a time.
Choose candles with natural waxes and cotton wicks.

Why Choose Gracious Glow Unscented Candles

At Gracious Glow, we make candles that are:

Unscented & fragrance-free – perfect for sensitive homes.
Made with soy & beeswax – cleaner, eco-friendly alternatives to paraffin.
Long-burning & sustainable – giving you more glow for your money.

✨ Shop the Gracious Glow Collection and bring a healthier light into your home.

Conclusion

Scented candles may look harmless, but research shows they can pollute indoor air and trigger health problems. By switching to unscented candles made from natural waxes, you can enjoy cozy ambiance without compromising your family’s health.

When it comes to candles, unscented really is the healthier glow.

References

Steinemann A. (2020a). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions, prevalence, importance, and regulation. Environmental Sciences Europe. Link
Steinemann A. (2020b). Migraine headaches and fragranced consumer products: an international population-based study. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. Link
Uhde E, Schulz N. (2013). Impact of candle burning on indoor air quality. Chemosphere, 92(9):1189–1196. Link
Tsai WT, et al. (2011). Combustion characteristics of candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Renewable Energy. Link
GreenMatch UK. (2024). Is Soy Wax Bad for the Environment? Link

Gracious Glow