3 pillar candles are captured on the image. Hygge style

5 Signs Your Candle Might Not Be as Safe as You Think - And What to Consider Instead

5 Signs Your Candle Might Not Be as Safe as You Think - And What to Consider Instead

Candles are a beautiful way to add warmth, calm, and character to any space. But not all candles are created equal. While they may look and smell inviting, some common ingredients used in mass-produced candles can affect your indoor air quality and even trigger discomfort.

If you're someone who cares about what you bring into your home - especially when it’s something you burn - here are five signs that your candle might not be the cleanest option. Plus, we'll share a few things to look out for when choosing a better alternative.


1. It's Made with Paraffin Wax

Paraffin is one of the most widely used candle waxes - and it’s derived from petroleum. When burned, paraffin can release compounds like toluene and benzene into the air - both known carcinogens. While the research around their long-term effects is still evolving, many people prefer to avoid burning petroleum indoors altogether.

💡 What to consider instead:
Look for candles made from olive, soy wax, coconut wax, or other natural, vegetable-based alternatives. These tend to burn cleaner and produce less soot.

👉 At Phlame, we use natural soy wax in all our candles - it’s biodegradable, renewable, and known for a slow, clean burn.


2. The Scent Is Harsh or Overpowering

That strong scent you notice right away? It might not be a good sign. Overly intense or chemical-like fragrances can sometimes indicate low-quality synthetic compounds.

Not all fragrance oils are bad - in fact, many are carefully developed to be safe and enjoyable. But it’s always worth choosing candles where the brand is transparent about their ingredients.

💡 What to consider instead:
Choose candles with well-balanced scents, clear safety labeling, and proper allergen info.

👉 Phlame candles are scented with high-quality fragrance oils and fully CLP-compliant - so you can enjoy your favourite scents with peace of mind.


3. It Leaves Black Soot or Smoke

Noticing black residue on your jar or in the air? That’s soot, and it’s usually a sign that your candle is burning too hot or contains additives that don’t fully combust.

Sometimes, it's also down to wick quality or simply not trimming the wick before use. Still, some candles are more prone to sooting than others.

💡 What to consider instead:
Choose candles made with cotton wicks and waxes that burn evenly and cleanly. For best results, trim the wick to around 5mm before each burn to prevent excess smoke and ensure a steady flame.

👉 All Phlame candles are made with lead-free cotton or wooden wicks and tested for optimal burning performance.


4. There’s No Ingredient Information Anywhere

If the label doesn’t tell you what’s in the candle - that’s a red flag. Responsible candle makers should be open about the type of wax used, the source of fragrance, and any potential allergens or irritants.

💡 What to consider instead:
Check for CLP-compliant labels that list known allergens and product info clearly.

👉 Every Phlame product comes with a detailed safety label, so you know exactly what you're burning.


5. It Gives You Headaches or Makes the Air Feel “Heavy”

If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable after lighting a candle - that matters. Even if a product is technically safe, it might not suit your personal sensitivity. Headaches, eye irritation, or a heavy feeling in the air are all signs that something in the scent blend may not agree with you.

💡 What to consider instead:
Choose lighter scents, ventilate your space, and experiment to find fragrances that make you feel good.

👉 Phlame offers a wide range of candle aromas - from refreshing citrus to soft floral blends - so you can find the one that works for you.


Thoughtfully Made Candles Make a Big Difference

We’re not here to scare anyone off candles - we love them too much for that. But being aware of what goes into your candle (and what comes out of it) makes all the difference.

🌱 At Phlame, we’re proud to offer handmade soy candles created in small batches in Corby, Northamptonshire. Each one is designed to bring you beauty, comfort, and calm -without unnecessary ingredients.

👉 Explore our full collection of clean-burning, handcrafted candles here

Eugene the Founder of Phlame is captured on the photo. He lights the candle


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