Are scented candles safe?Updated 20 days ago
Yes. Scented candles are safe when used properly, and that's backed by decades of scientific research.
The Science Behind Candle Safety
When a candle burns correctly, complete combustion occurs. This means the wax is fully converted into water vapor and carbon dioxide, the same byproducts you exhale when you breathe. No harmful compounds or toxic chemicals are released into your home.
The key is proper combustion, which happens when your candle is made well and burned correctly. That's where candle care comes in. Things like trimming your wick, avoiding drafts, and burning on a stable surface all contribute to clean, complete combustion.
How We Test Our Candles
At Votivo, we don't just create one-of-a-kind fragrances. We perform extensive testing on every candle to ensure proper combustion throughout the entire burn life.
Our testing process confirms that:
- The wick size is correctly matched to the candle diameter
- The wax melts evenly and completely
- The flame burns at the optimal temperature
- No unwanted compounds are released during burning
- The fragrance disperses safely and effectively
We use a proprietary soy-blend wax formula paired with paper and cotton wicks, specifically designed to work together for clean, safe burning. Every Votivo candle is also Paraben, Phthalate, and Formaldehyde Free.
What the Research Shows
Extensive scientific studies have examined candle safety over the past several decades. The findings consistently show that candles, when manufactured to quality standards and used according to care instructions, burn cleanly and safely in indoor environments.
The National Candle Association has compiled research and safety information that confirms the safe use of candles in homes. This includes studies on emissions, indoor air quality, and proper burning practices.
How to Ensure Safe Burning
While candles are safe, following basic care guidelines ensures the best experience:
Trim your wick to 1/4 inch before each burn. This prevents the flame from getting too large and ensures proper combustion.
Let the wax pool to the edges, especially on the first burn. This promotes even burning and prevents tunneling.
Burn in a draft-free area. Drafts can cause incomplete combustion and smoking.
Place on a heat-resistant surface. Never burn candles on flammable or cold surfaces that could crack.
Don't burn for more than 4 hours at a time. This prevents overheating and maintains proper combustion.
Stop burning when 1/2 inch of wax remains. Burning below this level can cause overheating.
Always burn within sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
What About Soot?
Some soot is normal with any candle, just like you'd see from a fireplace or cooking flame. However, excessive soot usually means something's wrong with how the candle is burning, not the candle itself.
Common causes of excess soot:
- Wick needs trimming
- Candle is in a drafty location
- Wick has shifted off-center
- Flame is too large
If you notice soot forming on the container or nearby walls, extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick, and recenter it before relighting.
The Bottom Line
Scented candles are a safe way to add fragrance and ambiance to your home. When you choose quality candles like Votivo and follow proper burning practices, you can enjoy your favorite scents with confidence.
We craft every Votivo candle with safety and performance in mind, so you can focus on what matters: creating moments and memories with the people you love.
Want to Learn More?
The National Candle Association provides comprehensive information about candle safety, including detailed research findings and best practices. Visit candles.org to explore their resources on candle safety and science.
Questions about candle care? Call 1.877.7VOTIVO (1.877.786.8486) or send an email to [email protected].