Searching for the best non-toxic fall-scented candles in 2024? As someone who’s allergic to synthetic fragrances, I’ve learned the hard way that not all candles are created equal. Because of my fragrance allergy, I’m extremely picky about the candles I bring into my home. When I test natural candles for fall, I have a strict set of criteria.
- First, I look at the ingredients—no paraffin, no synthetic fragrances, and no hidden nasties.
- Then, I consider the burn time and how well the candle holds and distributes its scent. I also assess how the candle makes me feel—is the scent overpowering, or does it create a subtle, welcoming atmosphere?
- Lastly, I evaluate the overall vibe—does it bring that cozy, fall feeling I’m after? For this article, I put every single option to the test, so you can trust that these recommendations are truly non-toxic and allergy-friendly.
For more clean picks, check out these sustainable candle brands.
Our Guide to the Best Non-toxic Fall Candles With Natural Scents
It’s that time of the year again when chunky sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and of course, candles that make your home smell like a crisp autumn day are all I can think of.
Comforting, mood-boosting, and, let’s be honest, totally giftable. Who doesn’t love unwrapping a candle that promises to make your space smell like freshly baked apple pie or a walk through a pine forest?
Now, I’ll admit it—I’m utterly obsessed with fall candles. I’m talking borderline candle-hoarder status. Trying them, sniffing them, burning them for hours on end—I’ve done it all. And because I’m so into it, I’ve made it my mission to test, review, and rate them based on a set of strict criteria: burn time, scent strength, ingredients, and overall vibe. For this article, I tried every single option out there. If it promises to smell like fall, you bet I’ve lit it up.
But before you light that cinnamon-apple-scented candle, let’s go over what might actually be burning along with it. Spoiler alert: it’s not just the wick. The very candles that are supposed to bring warmth and serenity could be releasing harmful substances into the air. For example, most commercial candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, paraffin releases harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene—both known carcinogens.
The round-up of my favorite non-toxic fall candles below is completely free from all those toxic substances. But before we jump into the list, let’s first discuss all the harmful ingredients that might be hiding in your candle jar.
Toxic Chemicals to Avoid When Choosing Fall Candles
Unsurprisingly, many conventional candles, especially those with fall scents like “Pumpkin Pie” or “Warm Vanilla,” are guilty of carrying more than just a pleasant aroma.
- Paraffin Wax: Most commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, paraffin releases harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene—both of which are known carcinogens.
- Synthetic Fragrances: That lovely “Autumn Leaves” scent? It’s likely made from a blend of synthetic fragrances, which often contain phthalates. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your hormones and lead to various health issues, from allergies to reproductive problems. Yikes!
- Lead Wicks: While lead wicks are less common these days, they can still be found in some imported candles. When burned, these wicks release lead particles into the air, which can lead to lead poisoning over time. Considering we’ve banned lead paint, it’s not something you want in your air either.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Burning candles can also release VOCs, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are linked to respiratory problems and other health concerns. Imagine turning your cozy night in into an impromptu chemistry experiment—not the vibe we’re going for.
Health Effects of Toxic Candle Chemicals
Now, you might be thinking, “It’s just a candle—how bad can it be?” Well, those chemicals can add up, especially if you’re burning candles regularly. Here are a few health issues that could arise from prolonged exposure to these toxins:
- Respiratory Issues: Breathing in the chemicals released by burning paraffin wax or synthetic fragrances can irritate your airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and even asthma attacks.
- Headaches and Dizziness: If you’ve ever felt a headache coming on after a candlelit evening, it might not be just the wine. Synthetic fragrances and VOCs can trigger headaches and dizziness, making it hard to enjoy that cozy fall ambiance.
- Hormonal Disruption: Phthalates in synthetic fragrances can mess with your hormones, leading to issues like reproductive problems, weight gain, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Allergies and Skin Irritation: Some people, like myself, may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from exposure to the chemicals in scented candles, particularly if they have sensitive skin or existing allergies.
What Are The Safest Fall Candles?
Luckily, when it comes to choosing the best nontoxic fall-scented candles, you don’t have to sacrifice ambiance for safety. There are plenty of healthier alternatives to the standard paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances that dominate the market.
Scented beeswax candles for fall
Beeswax is an all-natural substance produced by honeybees to build their hives. It’s been used for centuries to make candles due to its clean-burning properties. This is one of the safest candle materials you can choose. When burned, beeswax releases negative ions that help to neutralize pollutants in the air, such as dust, mold, and odors. This means that not only are beeswax candles non-toxic, but they also actively work to improve your indoor air quality. They burn with a bright, steady flame and have a subtle, natural honey scent that doesn’t overpower your space.
Natural Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It’s a plant-based, renewable resource, making it a popular choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact. These candles burn cleanly and produce minimal soot, meaning they won’t leave that black residue on your walls or in your lungs. They also burn cooler than paraffin, which means they last longer. Plus, soy wax has a great “scent throw,” meaning it disperses fragrance well
Non-toxic Coconut Wax Candles
Coconut wax is made by cold-pressing the oil from coconut meat. It’s a newer player in the candle industry but is gaining popularity for its luxurious qualities. It’s one of the cleanest burning waxes available. It produces virtually no soot and burns slowly, which extends the life of your candle. Coconut wax is also highly sustainable; it’s sourced from a renewable resource and requires minimal pesticides or fertilizers to grow. It’s typically blended with other natural waxes like soy or beeswax to create a firmer candle.
Essential Oil Scents
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants, capturing their scents and therapeutic properties. When used in candles, they provide a natural, non-toxic fragrance. They are basically the gold standard for natural scents. Unlike synthetic fragrances, which can contain a variety of undisclosed and potentially harmful chemicals, essential oils are entirely natural and often come with added benefits, like stress relief from lavender or increased focus from peppermint. When infused into natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut, these candles offer a safe and aromatic experience.
Truly Clean & Non Toxic Fall Scented Candles for the Home
1. Public Goods Long Lasting & Non-Toxic Soy Candle
For a cozy vibe that smells as good as it feels, this Cedar & Suede fall-scented candle is your go-to. It fills the room with the rich, woodsy scent of sandalwood mingling with delicate jasmine and Turkish rose, all wrapped up in a warm embrace of amber and leather notes. Public good uses all-natural soy wax and a carefully curated blend of essential oils. So, each one of their non-toxic autumn candles is completely free of all the nasties—no parabens, lead, dyes, BPA, or phthalates here. Plus, with three wicks, you’re guaranteed a long, even burn every time. P.S. Don’t toss that jar! It’s upcycle-ready, perfect for storing anything from jewelry to pantry items.
Price: $29.95
Safe ingredients: All-natural soy wax and essential oils
Scent: Sandalwood, jasmine, Turkish rose, amber
2. Basic Bee Candle Co Non-Toxic Scented Beeswax Candles For Fall
When it comes to the best fall candles in 2024, the sustainable company Basic Bee Candle Co has something special for every single taste. This one is a delightful mix of citrusy sweetness and spicy cinnamon that instantly invites you to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and a good book. Because they are made from yellow local beeswax, organic virgin coconut oil, and a carefully selected blend of essential oils, they are perfect for anyone sensitive to synthetic fragrances or those striving to live a toxin-free life.
Price: $53.51
Safe ingredients: Local Beeswax, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Essential Oils
Scent: Cinnamon and spice
3. Fontana Candle Company Spiced Latte Candle
Fontana Candle Company is the first ever brand to make MADE-SAFE certified Natural fall candles! They use the finest quality beeswax and coconut oil as well as safe essential oils that not only smell divine but are also kind to your health and the environment. What’s more, their signature wooden wicks add a cozy touch, crackling gently as they burn and providing a warm, soothing glow. I am obsessed with the inviting, latte scent and the fact that it doesn’t irritate my allergies at all.
Price: $37.99
Safe ingredients: Beeswax and Coconut Oil, essential oils
Scent: Spiced Latte
4. Ellis Brooklyn Verb Scented Candle
If you like Ellis Brooklyn’s natural perfume, you’ll fall in love with their non-toxic fall-scented candles! The 100% vegan, super creamy wax candles are expertly designed to give you the best burn and scent throw yet. So, what would a VERB smell like? Think energetic, bright, and convincing. VERB brings together the fresh, zesty notes of bergamot, mandarin, and green basil, all grounded by a base of cedarwood and musk. It’s a bold and straightforward scent, the kind Hemingway himself might appreciate. And to top it all off, I love the fact that it’s housed in a recycled, lead-free, handmade glass container.
Price: $65
Safe ingredients: Soy wax and essential oils
Scent: Bergamot Candle, Basil, Cedar Candle & Musk
5. The White Cottage Co. Soy Candle for Fall
While the White Cottage Co. mostly has spring and summer scents, I found some amazing non-toxic fall-scented candles packed with clean fragrance oils and no added dyes. For a steady, clean burn, The White Cottage chose to add cotton and paper wicks so that the mesmerizing blend of Peel, Peppercorn, Vanilla, Apple and fills the entire room in just a few minutes.
Price: 30.24
Safe ingredients: All-natural soy wax, cotton, and paper wicks
Scent: Orange Peel, Peppercorn, Vanilla, Apple
6. Nightshift Wax Co Organic Forest Walker Soy Candle
If all you want to do is take in all the tranquil embrace of a lush forest, the Nightshift Wax Co Forest Walker will be your new favorite scent. This luxury aroma is blended to help evoke the serene experience of a cool woodland stroll, complete with the crisp scent of fresh greenery. What’s more, the company uses organic, USA-grown soy wax and premium-grade organic fragrance oils for a truly clean, toxin-free burn. Each candle is hand-poured with care, featuring non-lead, non-dyed natural braided cotton wicks.
Price: $15,95
Safe ingredients: USA-grown soy wax and premium-grade organic fragrance oils.
Scent: Cypress, bayberry, mint + moss, incense, cedar + evergreen, fir balsam, oud, spruce + eucalyptus
7. Aromount Lavender Vanilla Scented Candle with Crystal Inside
Next up is one of the most giftable non-toxic fall candles – the AROMOUNT Lavender & Vanilla candle. This one takes you on a journey with top notes of black currant, lemon, and mandarin, harmonized with middle notes of lavender, eucalyptus, and fir needle. The base of amber, musk, and oakmoss wraps it all together, creating a cozy vibe that’s sure to uplift your mood.
With a burn time of 55-60 hours, it’s made from pure soy wax and features a lead-free cotton wick. The premium fragrance oils ensure a stable, cleaner, and longer-lasting burn, all without toxins, dyes, or paraffin. The best part? The candle is embedded with an unpolished amethyst, a clear quartz wand, amethyst gravels, and dried flowers. Keep in mind that the crystals are natural, so expect some variation in color, shape, or size, making each candle unique.
Price: $24.95
Safe ingredients: Pure soy wax & lead-free cotton wick
Scent: Black currant, lemon, Mandarin, middle notes of Lavender, Eucalyptus, fir needle, and bottom notes of amber, musk, oakmoss.
8. Nature’s Apothecary Pumpkin Vanilla Chai Beeswax Candle
I found the best non-toxic fall-scented candles for those who love the blend of pumpkin, cozy vanilla, and a hint of spicy cardamom. Not only does this candle smell amazing, but it also helps clean the air. The beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke and naturally purify the air, making them a great option for anyone dealing with allergies or asthma.
Price: $19.99
Safe ingredients: Beeswax with cotton wick
Scent: Vanilla, and spicy cardamom
9. Nika's Home Pumpkin Pie Spice Soy Candle
Nika’s 100% vegan soy candles with a single cotton wick are free of chemical-based dyes, ensuring a safer, non-toxic experience for your home. What I love most about this brand is that every Nika’s candle is hand-poured with care in their small Massachusetts shop. This Pumpkin Pie Spice candle is a comforting blend of creamy pumpkin, buttery crust, and warm spices like vanilla, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and ginger. It’s quilt literally like a slice of autumn heaven in every jar!
Price: $15.99
Safe ingredients: Vegan soy wax with a single cotton wick
Scent: Pumpkin, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and ginger
10. Apotheke Fall Scented Candle for Home
Hand-poured with care, these Apotheke natural fall candle candles feature a special blend of essential and perfume-grade oils. I can say with certainty that the aroma lingers long after the candle is out. With a burn time of 60-70 hours, this 10.5 oz beauty will keep your home smelling divine for days on end. Imagine velvety damask rose meeting the earthy, smoky essence of burning birch, with a hint of crushed geranium leaf for that perfect balance. The result? An intoxicating, romantic fragrance that’s both woody and floral—a little bit mysterious, a whole lot captivating. And to top it all off, these non-toxic autumn candles are cruelty-free, vegan, non-GMO, and gentle on sensitive skin. No sulfates, no phthalates, no worries.
Price: $44
Safe ingredients: Soy wax blend and cotton wick
Scent: Cedarwood & Sandalwood, Smoky Embers, Burnt Maple, & Raspberry
Final thoughts on the best non-toxic candles for fall
So go ahead, light your favorite nontoxic fall-scented candles, curl up with a blanket, and sip your pumpkin spice latte. After all, why settle for candles that could be releasing toxins into your home when you can have ones that are just as indulgent, minus the health risks? Unlike regular options that are packed with harmful substances like paraffin fumes or synthetic fragrances, organic and natural fall candle candles keep it clean and pure. Happy fall, y’all!
