(Hint: It’s Not the Ones You’re Seeing Online)
Have you ever searched “which candles are safe to use during pregnancy,” only to be overwhelmed with countless articles recommending soy candles with “clean” fragrances or “natural” essential oils?
For many Moms-to-be, natural soy candles seem like an obvious choice for a safe, healthy pregnancy.
But if you dig a little deeper, the truth becomes much more complex.
As more families begin to rethink the products they bring into their homes, especially during pregnancy, it's crucial to ask: What’s really safe? And are those soy-scented candles with "lavender and vanilla essential oils" actually as harmless as they claim to be?
Let’s explore the truth about candles and pregnancy, break down the misinformation, and guide you toward safer choices based on science, not spin.
Why Candle Safety Matters During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of immense change, not just for your body but also for your home environment. Everything from what you breathe, touch, and absorb can affect your hormonal balance and, ultimately, your baby’s development.
Conventional candles are often made with:
- Synthetic fragrances: These can contain phthalates, known endocrine disruptors that may affect hormone function, fetal development, and long-term health outcomes.
- Paraffin wax: A petroleum byproduct that, when burned, can release toluene, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Metal-core wicks: Though largely phased out, some imported candles still contain lead or other metals.
All of these can contribute to indoor air pollution, and pregnant bodies are especially vulnerable to their effects.
The Fragrance Myth: “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
One of the most persistent (and dangerous) myths out there is that candles made with essential oils are automatically safe for pregnancy.
However, the truth isn’t nearly as simple. Here’s what you need to know:
- Essential oils can affect hormones. As Dr. Sarah Lantz, author and health researcher, reminds us, even plant-based substances can interact with our endocrine systems. Lavender and tea tree oil, for instance, have been linked to hormonal disruption in some studies. During pregnancy, when hormones are already delicately balanced, even small shifts can have an outsized effect.
- Inhalation matters. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe to breathe in regularly, especially in an enclosed space like a bathroom or bedroom. Combustion changes the chemical structure of essential oils and can create new, irritating compounds.
- Scented soy candles are still problematic. Soy wax might sound safer than paraffin, but it's often heavily processed and genetically modified. Plus, once fragrance oils are added (whether "natural" or not), you're back in VOC territory.
What’s the Real Risk? Understanding Endocrine Disruption
Just think of the endocrine system as your body’s control board, governing everything from metabolism to mood to reproductive function. During pregnancy, the entire hormonal orchestra is playing in overdrive to support fetal development.
Disrupting that system—even slightly—can interfere with:
- Fetal brain development
- Placental health
- Birth weight
- Long-term metabolic and immune outcomes
According to Dr. Sarah Lantz, the best approach during pregnancy is to reduce your chemical load wherever possible. That includes minimizing exposure to synthetic scents, additives, and even some “natural” compounds if they’re burned or aerosolized.
So, Which Candles Are Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Let’s be clear: It’s not about avoiding candles altogether. It’s about choosing the right ones.
Here’s what to look for:
1. 100% Beeswax (Unscented)
Beeswax candles are the cleanest burning candles available. They don't need added fragrances because they have a naturally light, honey-like aroma. Plus, beeswax emits negative ions when burned, which may help neutralise indoor pollutants.
Tip: Make sure your beeswax candle is truly 100% pure, as many commercial candles are blends and include paraffin, palm or soy.
2. 100% Cotton Wicks
Wick material matters. Opt for candles with:
- 100% Cotton wicks (no extras)
- No metal cores
- No synthetic stiffeners
These wicks burn more cleanly and won’t release heavy metals or other residues into the air.
3. No Added Fragrance—Even Natural
If you’re pregnant, skip the scents. Essential oils might seem soothing, but many of them (e.g., clary sage, rosemary, cinnamon, and lavender) are contraindicated during pregnancy. When burned, their chemical properties change, often in unpredictable ways.
If you want a sensory experience, try diffusing a pregnancy-safe essential oil in water for a short time—but not in a candle.
Other Ways to Create a Calm, Scent-Free Atmosphere
We understand: Lighting a candle isn’t just about scent—it’s about mood. The ritual, the glow, the comfort.
Luckily, you can still create a serene, low-tox environment without turning to synthetic fragrances. Consider:
- Salt lamps or soft amber lighting for ambiance
- Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary (for décor—not heat or oils), or eucalyptus hung in the shower
- Beeswax tealights during a bath or meditation
- Baking soda + citrus zest bowls to naturally absorb odor
- See our blog post
"12 Soothing Natural Fragrance Options for Your Home"
The Bottom Line: Pregnancy Is Not the Time to Experiment with Scented Candles
If there’s one rule to follow: When in doubt, leave it out.
That includes burning any candle with added fragrance, even if it's labeled “non-toxic,” “clean,” or “plant-based.” These terms aren’t regulated and often mislead well-intentioned buyers.
Stick with unscented, 100% beeswax candles with cotton wicks, and use them in well-ventilated areas. You'll still get all the cozy glow without the hidden risks.
Our Approach: Why We Don’t Make Scented Candles
This is exactly why we’ve chosen not to make scented candles. Not because we don't love fragrance but because we love truth, transparency, and clean air even more.
You deserve to know what you’re bringing into your home. Especially during pregnancy, when every choice counts just a little more.
As Dr. Lantz reminds us in her piece, “Parents: How Do We Reduce Our Chemical Load for Our Families?”, it’s about awareness, not fear. Being mindful now lays the groundwork for lifelong wellness.
If you're looking for candles that honour your body, your baby, and the planet, we've got you covered. No mystery ingredients, no misleading labels, just pure, simple light.
You might also like our article about why we don't make scented candles (click)
or our blog about scared spaces
Some of our most popular candles for home are here.