Candles that Don't Cause Headaches
Candles instantly make a home feel cozy, are one of the simplest self-care practices, and truly elevate a space without much investment. I’ve always loved the ritual of lighting a candle after a long day, especially since I don’t currently have a fireplace. However, as someone who suffers from chronic migraines and headaches, I have to be very careful about what candles I bring into my home and have learned that not all candles are created equally. Finding non-toxic candles that provide just enough fragrance without overpowering the space has allowed me to indulge in one of my favorite rituals without triggering headaches and migraines. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my top scented candles that have never caused migraines as well as a few things to look out for when building your own candle collection. Whether you also suffer from migraines or want to ensure a healthy environment for guests, I hope this guide helps you!
how to avoid toxins in scented candles
You can find candles virtually everywhere - from home good stores to makers’ markets, grocery stores, and dollar stores - but not all candles are created equally. A few things to keep in mind when shopping for candles:
Avoid paraffin wax. Most candles (especially those that are on the cheaper end) are made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum waste product. When burned, paraffin wax creates benzene and toluene; these are known carcinogens that should be avoided entirely. Paraffin wax can also contain other harmful toxins like acetone, so it’s best to avoid paraffin wax entirely.
PS: Bath and Body Works candles boast a “blend’ of wax… but they do contain paraffin. Their Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles, which are better but I find the fragrances overpowering to the point of causing headaches and migraines.
Check the candle wick. While we all know the hassle burning a candle with a wick that’s off-center, it’s arguably more important to check the quality of the wick itself. Some wicks have a metal or lead core, which are cheaper for manufactures to make than 100% cotton wicks. They cut this corner to increase their profit, but we’re the ones who end up paying a larger cost by bringing toxins into our home. While US legislation banned lead wicks back in 2003, candles imported from outside of the US can still contain lead, so it’s best to check.
Avoid imported candles and stick to USA made. As I mentioned above, the US has stricter legislation for what’s allowed in candle wicks (although there’s still a long way to go in terms of completely protecting consumers from toxins). To keep things simple, I try to buy all USA-made candles. There are so many options (and small businesses) that this is a really easy habit to practice.
Avoid gel candles. While gel candles have a higher melting point so they can burn longer, they can throw a lot of soot and contain little decorative objects within the gel (like dried flowers) that aren’t safe for burning. Cheaper gel candles in particular may not be poured into glass that is strong enough to handle the heat, and can be prone to shattering. There’s too much guesswork, so I stay away from them entirely.
Choose phalate-free candles. Phalates make fragrance stronger and last longer, but can trigger migraines when they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Have proper airflow while burning your candle. You don’t want a fan blowing right by the candle, but having some sort of airflow will keep the fragrance from overwhelming your space. Crack a window, turn on an air purifier, or avoid closing the bedroom door to allow the fragrance to spread more evenly throughout your home.
Factor in the size of your space. Overpowering fragrance can trigger headaches and migraines no matter how clean the candle is. While larger candles are typically priced to be “the better deal,” sometimes it’s best to buy a votive or smaller vessel if your space is smaller. I didn’t like the feeling of “wasting” money buying votives when I lived in an apartment, but their size allowed me to burn the candle for longer, avoid tunneling, and the fragrance was just enough to enjoy the candle without getting a headache.
Use a candle warmer. I cannot emphasize this enough; it’s a total game changer. You can control the intensity of the scent with a candle warmer, which helps you enjoy stronger-fragranced candles without worrying about them overpowering the space, and there’s no soot or smoke to deal with. This candle warmer has four brightness levels as well as a timer (that’s never failed - yes I get paranoid) and is one of my favorite, most reliable Amazon purchases ever.
the healthiest candles to burn in your house
Here’s a short-list to run through to ensure you’re buying the healthiest candles possible:
Made with 100% beeswax or coconut wax. Soy wax is also okay, but beeswax and coconut wax are always safe bets.
100% cotton wicks. They burn cleanly and evenly, and produce minimal smoke and soot for a healthier burn.
Wood wicks are great, too. They don’t require any type of coating, produce less carbon residue, and typically come from sustainably sourced wood. Just make sure to trim the wick and remove all debris that sometimes falls into the wax before burning again.
candles that don’t cause headaches or migraines
While everyone is different, both my mom and I are extremely sensitive to fragrance as a trigger for our migraines. We also have very different preferences when it comes to candle scents and ironically, some of her favorite scents trigger migraines in me, so we have to be very picky about what we bring home. The candles I’ve mentioned don’t give either of us headaches or migraines, and I hope you have the same experience.
shore soap co.
My favorite candle brand; I’m so grateful I discovered them while vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island years ago. These candles use clean-burning soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance; they’re then hand-poured in beautiful tumbler glasses than can be reused after you finishing burning the candle.
You can’t go wrong with any of the scents available, and they have the most incredible beachy scents. My favorites are Boardwalk, Coconut Bikini, Endless Summer, Mermaid Kisses, and Warm Sand.
Two other non-beach favorites of mine: Lazy Lavender and Jack Frost (the perfect winter pine scent).
volsupa bourbon vanille
Voluspa is another go-to brand for candles; I find that their fruity and floral candles give me headaches, but their vanilla candles are perfectly fragrant without being too overpowering. Free of phthalates, pesticides, parabens, and sulfates, their candles are made from coconut wax and have 100% natural wicks. I prefer Bourbon Vanille over Santal Vanille, which is sweeter and slightly more summery, but both are some of the best vanilla candles. They’re elevated, warm without being sweet, and smell like vanilla - not overly sweet frosting or anything artificial.
uncommon james pumpkin latte
I love pumpkin spice, but a lot of PSL candles trigger my migraines for some reason. This was a random purchase, and I was a little hesitant to buy it online before testing it out because I was worried it’d be too sweet or have that chemical after-scent to it, especially since Uncommon James is more known for their jewelry. Trust me when I tell you this candle is addicting; it’s so good. it’s sweet yet spicy, not too heavy, and burns beautifully. It fills your home with PSL vibes without being too strong, and I always get compliments from friends when I burn it.
camp goodroad petrichor wilderness
If you’ve always searched for the perfect “after the rain” candle, look no further because this one is such a winner. It’s very subtle; I almost wish it were stronger, but after a few burns it really evens out and fills the room. I prefer the Wilderness version over the other two they sell; it best encapsulates the rain scent but isn’t too green, musky, or heavy. It’s a tiny vessel, so I recommend buying two at a time. My mom absolutely hates any candle that has green/ earthy notes in it, but loves this one - it really is a universal crowd pleaser.
paddy wax lavender and thyme
Out of every candle I’ve mentioned, Paddywax is probably the most accessible, as they’re sold in stores like World Market, Nordstrom, and Barnes & Noble. They don’t have the cleanest ingredients, but for some reason I don’t get a headache whenever I light any their Lavender + Thyme candle; same with Sea Salt + Sage, which is fresh and light, perfect for spring.
maison louis marie no.04 bois de balincourt
I first discovered this clean fragrance brand at Sephora, but I prefer to now order from Revolve as they have a better selection. Their candles are cruelty-free, vegan, and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. If you want a candle that smells like a fragrance rather than essential oil blend, this brand will be your new-go to. No.4 is my favorite, with notes of sandalwood, cedar wood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, and amber wood, but No.12 is another best seller - it features notes like cardamom, valencia orange, mir, and white ginger. Sophisticated and elegant, this brand consistently makes incredible candles that even the most fragrnace-sensitive will enjoy.
byredo tree house
The smoky candle of my dreams. Tree House is strong, but I like that the vessel is more narrow so you don’t have to burn it for long or worry about tunneling. The black wax is so sophisticated, and I like that it isn’t too “sharp” as far as smoky notes go. It’s one of the most expensive candles I own, but will last you a really long time. This was a “treat myself” gift to myself one year, and I think we all need to do that for ourselves every now and then. The older I get, the more I’d rather invest in something that feels special than buy 3-5 of something I’m not as crazy about just because it’s on sale.
boy smells red hot
An elevated spin on the “winter berry” candle, Red Hot is grown-up, sophisticated, and the perfect balance of smoky and fruity. Previously known as Slow Burn, this candle was released in collaboration with Kacey Musgraves before Boy Smells rebranded, and I’m so glad they kept this scent. It’s not too heavy even though it has quite a few notes, and is one of the few candles with an incense note that I can burn for hours without getting a headache. My boyfriend also loves this candle; it’s perfect for a cozy date night in.
otherland dappled wood
For all the woodsy candle lovers, Dappled Wood is the ultimate blend. Sweet hay is an unexpected note, but adds such a level of authenticity that I usually find lacking in smoky candles. Vegan, hand poured in the USA, and toxin free, Otherland is quickly becoming one of my favorite candle brands. I’ve never experienced a headache with any of their candles, and I like that you can bundle directly on their website to save money. Otherland is a smaller business, but I really love that you don’t have to worry about their seasonal candles disappearing after just a few weeks - I always seem to get attached to new collections from local vendors, and hate the sadness that comes with “once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”
