Are Candles Bad for Your Health When Used Indoors?

Do candles pollute indoor air?

Yes—but only certain types. Candles made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances can emit tiny particles and chemicals that affect indoor air quality.

On the other hand, our soy wax candles are made with natural wax, phthalate-free oils, and lead-free cotton wicks, ensuring a clean, safe burn indoors.

What makes some candles harmful for indoor use?

Harmful indoor candles usually contain:

• Paraffin wax: a petroleum by-product

• Phthalates: found in many synthetic fragrances

• Lead wicks: banned in some countries, but still found in cheap imports

• Artificial dyes: can cause additional smoke and irritants

At Karessa Candles, we avoid all of these. Each hand-poured candle is made to be safe for homes with children, pets, and sensitive lungs.

Can burning candles inside cause headaches or allergies?

Yes—if the candle contains toxins. Cheap scented candles may release chemicals that irritate your respiratory system, leading to:

• Headaches

• Coughing

• Sneezing or congestion

• Skin irritation

To avoid this, use non-toxic scented candles made with essential oils or phthalate-free blends like ours.

Which candles are safest for daily indoor use?

Look for these features:

• 100% soy or beeswax

• Fragrance oils that are skin-safe and phthalate-free

• No added colors or synthetic dyes

• Cotton or wood wicks

Our Amber Jar Candle is a top pick for daily indoor use—it’s stylish, safe, and long-lasting.

Are Karessa Candles safe for small spaces and bedrooms?

Yes! Our Mini Candle Set is ideal for small spaces like bedrooms, study areas, and bathrooms. Each candle is made from clean-burning soy wax and designed for gentle, long-lasting fragrance.

What are some healthy candle habits for indoor use?

To enjoy candles safely indoors:

• Keep the wick trimmed to ¼ inch

• Ventilate your space after long burns

• Don’t burn for more than 3–4 hours at a time

• Choose quality handmade candles over mass-produced ones

These simple habits combined with our clean candle formulations help create a safe, cozy indoor atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: Are indoor candles bad for your health?

Not if you choose the right ones. Poorly made candles can harm your indoor air, but natural, non-toxic candles, like those from Karessa Candles, are perfectly safe for everyday use indoors.