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Are Aromatherapy Candles Safe? What You Need to Know
Aromatherapy candles are a popular way to unwind, ease stress, and bring natural fragrance into your home. But are they actually safe to use every day – especially around children, pets, or people with sensitivities?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the facts about aromatherapy candle safety. If you’re new to how these candles work, start with our complete guide to aromatherapy candles here.
What’s in an Aromatherapy Candle?
Aromatherapy candles are made with natural wax (like soy or coconut), pure essential oils, and a cotton or wood wick. These materials are considered much safer and cleaner than the paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance oils often used in traditional candles.
The safety of an aromatherapy candle comes down to two things:
- What it’s made of
- How it’s used
Let’s take a closer look at both.
Are Essential Oils Safe to Burn?
Yes – when used properly and in moderation. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and when blended carefully into candles, they can offer a subtle but effective scent that supports mood and relaxation.
However, some essential oils are more potent or reactive than others. Oils like peppermint, tea tree, or lemongrass can cause irritation for some people if used in high concentrations or in small, enclosed spaces. Furthemore, when exposed to high heats, especially direct candle flame, some of these oils can begin to degrade. While some oil breakdown is inevitable, it doesn’t always mean total loss of value. Read more on how essential oils survive candle flame.
At Snug Scent, each essential oil blend is formulated for candle use, meaning we balance scent strength with safe diffusion – never overwhelming, always gentle.
Are There Any Health Risks?
When made with natural ingredients like soy wax and essential oils, aromatherapy candles are generally very safe for everyday use. However, there are a few things worth considering – especially if you or someone in your home is sensitive to scent or prone to respiratory issues.
Some essential oils can be strong or stimulating, and in rare cases, may cause irritation, headaches, or nausea if burned for too long in a small, enclosed space. This is more likely with oils like peppermint, clove, or cinnamon, which have more active compounds.
The bigger concern lies with synthetic candles that use paraffin wax and artificial fragrances. When burned, these can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde – which may affect indoor air quality over time, especially in poorly ventilated rooms. For people with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities, this can be a trigger.
Aromatherapy candles made with clean-burning wax and essential oils don’t carry the same risks. But as with anything scented, moderation matters. Burn them for short periods (1–3 hours), and ventilate your space occasionally if you’re sensitive. Read other key points on what makes a candle suitable for aromatherapy.
Are Aromatherapy Candles Safe for Pets?
Most essential oil candles are safe to burn in homes with pets – as long as you follow a few guidelines. Dogs and cats have much stronger senses of smell than humans, which means even natural scents can be overwhelming for them in large doses. Read more about essential oil uses around our pets.
Some essential oils are known to be toxic to pets, especially cats, whose livers can’t process certain compounds the same way ours can. These include:
- Tea tree
- Cinnamon
- Wintergreen
- Pine
- Citrus oils (e.g., lemon, orange)
- Peppermint (in high concentrations)
That said, the small amounts used in well-formulated aromatherapy candles are typically not concentrated enough to cause harm when burned responsibly. The key is to:
- Burn in well-ventilated areas
- Keep candles out of reach
- Avoid burning them in small, enclosed rooms with pets inside
- Never apply essential oils directly to pets or their bedding
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you are unsure about using a scented product, about your pets sensitivities or your pet has health issues, it’s best to consult your vet.
Are They Safe for Children or During Pregnancy?
Aromatherapy candles can be safely used around children and during pregnancy – but extra care is needed when choosing the right oils and burn times.
Children are more sensitive to scent and chemicals because their respiratory and immune systems are still developing. Stick to gentle oils like:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Sweet orange
Avoid strong or spicy oils like cinnamon, eucalyptus, or peppermint, which can be irritating to younger children.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make you more reactive to scents. Some oils – such as clary sage, rosemary, and basil – are best avoided in early pregnancy due to their stimulating properties. However, soothing oils like lavender, bergamot, and ylang-ylang are generally considered safe in small amounts and may even support sleep and relaxation.
Tips for safe use:
- Limit burn time to 1–2 hours at a time
- Ventilate the space well after burning
- Always choose candles with full ingredient transparency and no synthetic fragrance
If you’re unsure, or if someone in the household is highly scent-sensitive, test the candle briefly before using it for longer sessions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you are pregnant, have a health condition, or are concerned about sensitivities, always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before using aromatherapy products.
Safe Burning Tips: How to Use Aromatherapy Candles Properly
Even the cleanest candle needs to be used safely. Follow these tips:
- Trim the wick to 5mm before each burn to prevent excess smoke
- Let the wax pool fully on the first burn to prevent tunnelling
- Never leave a candle unattended
- Keep away from children, pets, and draughts
- Use a snuffer to extinguish (instead of blowing it out) to reduce smoke
Read more about tips of how to take care of your candle to get the best out of it.
Final Thoughts
Aromatherapy candles can be a safe, calming addition to your routine – when they’re made with care and used mindfully. The key is choosing candles with natural wax, pure essential oils, and no hidden synthetic ingredients.
At Snug Scent, we design every candle with your wellbeing in mind – clean-burning, hand-poured, and formulated for safe enjoyment in any space.
