Do Scented Candles Cause Headaches? Here’s Why (and What to Burn Instead)

Published by Waxily Candles

Ever lit a candle that smelled amazing at first… but left you with a headache 20 minutes later?

You’re not alone. Many people experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea from conventional scented candles. But it’s not the candle itself—it’s what’s inside it.

Let’s break down why this happens, and what to look for if you want a clean, safe burn.

🧪 The Hidden Problem: Synthetic Fragrance + Paraffin Wax

Most mass-produced candles use:

• Paraffin wax – a byproduct of petroleum

• Synthetic fragrance oils – often containing phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and respiratory irritation

When burned, these ingredients can release compounds like benzene and toluene—classified as potentially harmful to indoor air quality.

For some people, this triggers:

• Headaches or migraines

• Breathing issues

• Eye or throat irritation

• Fatigue or brain fog

🌿 What Makes a Candle Safer?

To avoid these issues, look for candles that are:

✅ Made with 100% soy wax or another natural wax
✅ Scented with pure essential oils (not “fragrance oils”)
✅ Phthalate-free, paraffin-free, dye-free
✅ Clear about what's inside

🕯️ Why Waxily Candles Don’t Trigger Headaches

At Waxily, we keep it simple—just 2–3 ingredients in every candle:

• Soy wax

• Essential oils

• Eco wick
  That’s it.

We don’t use synthetic fragrances, mystery “blends,” or “infused” paraffin wax/fragrances. The result? A clean-burning candle that’s safe for sensitive noses, pets, and kids.

💛 Final Thought

If your candle gives you a headache… it’s not you. It’s the ingredients.

Choose candles that bring calm—not chemicals.

✨ Breathe easy. We kept it clean.
🕯️ Explore Waxily Candles