9 Eco-Friendly Candle Brands
Illuminating your space with candles creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, but traditional candles often contain harmful chemicals and contribute to environmental waste. Eco-friendly candle brands offer a sustainable alternative, using natural materials like beeswax, soy, and coconut wax that burn cleaner and produce fewer toxins. These environmentally conscious companies prioritize sustainable sourcing, plastic-free packaging, and ethical production methods to reduce their ecological footprint.
As consumer awareness grows about the potential health impacts of paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances, the demand for non-toxic, sustainable candles has surged. From refillable systems that eliminate single-use containers to candles handcrafted by artisans using fair trade practices, today’s eco-friendly options combine environmental responsibility with luxurious scents and beautiful designs.
Let’s explore some of the best eco-friendly candle brands that are lighting the way toward a more sustainable future without compromising on quality or ambiance.
1. Arbor Made
Arbor Made stands out as a pioneer in sustainable candle production with their innovative refillable candle system designed to eliminate single-use waste. The company was founded with a clear mission: to create the most sustainable candle on the market.
Their unique approach centers around a permanent vessel that customers purchase once and then refill with their candle inserts. This system dramatically reduces packaging waste and the environmental impact associated with traditional candle consumption.
Key Features:
– Refillable system that eliminates single-use containers
– Vessels made from durable, long-lasting materials
– Clean-burning wax formulations
– Plastic-free packaging and shipping materials
– Transparent sustainability practices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significantly reduces waste through refillable design | Higher initial investment for the permanent vessel |
| Long-term cost savings with refill system | Limited scent variety compared to some competitors |
| Sustainable from production to shipping | May be less accessible in physical retail locations |
2. Prosperity Candle
Prosperity Candle combines environmental sustainability with powerful social impact. This ethical candle company handcrafts each of their products with a mission to create positive change in the lives of women worldwide, particularly focusing on providing economic opportunities for female refugees in the United States.
Their commitment to both people and planet makes them a standout choice for conscious consumers looking to make their purchases matter beyond just the product itself.
Key Features:
– Handmade by women artisans and refugees
– Fair trade practices and living wages
– Soy wax blends that burn clean
– Ethically sourced ingredients and materials
– Beautiful, gift-worthy packaging
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful social impact supporting women | Premium pricing reflects fair labor practices |
| High-quality, artisanal craftsmanship | Limited seasonal availability for some scents |
| Unique scent profiles with cultural influences | May sell out quickly due to handmade nature |
3. Goodlight Natural Candles
Recommended frequently in sustainability communities, Goodlight Natural Candles offers an accessible entry point to eco-friendly candles without the premium price tag that often accompanies sustainable products. Their clean-burning candles use natural vegetable waxes and are free from harmful additives.
For those looking to transition away from conventional candles without breaking the bank, Goodlight provides an excellent alternative that doesn’t compromise on environmental values.
Key Features:
– Affordable price point compared to many eco-friendly competitors
– Palm-oil free vegetable wax
– Cotton and paper wicks (no metal)
– Phthalate-free fragrances
– Recyclable packaging
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly eco option | More basic design aesthetic |
| Widely available in natural food stores | Shorter burn time than some premium brands |
| Clean-burning formula with minimal soot | Less intense scent throw than conventional candles |
4. Beeswax Candle Co.
For purists seeking the most natural candle option available, Beeswax Candle Co. offers products made from 100% pure beeswax—widely considered the gold standard for non-toxic candle materials. Beeswax naturally purifies air by releasing negative ions when burned, helping to neutralize pollutants and allergens.
These candles represent one of the most environmentally friendly options, especially when the beeswax is sourced from sustainable apiaries that support healthy bee populations.
Key Features:
– 100% pure beeswax with no additives
– Naturally air-purifying properties
– Long burn time (beeswax burns slower than other waxes)
– Subtle, natural honey scent without added fragrances
– Supports sustainable beekeeping practices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely natural material with air-purifying benefits | Higher price point than soy or vegetable wax |
| Longest burn time of natural waxes | Limited scent options (mostly natural honey aroma) |
| Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive individuals | Yellow color may not match all decor preferences |
5. P.F. Candle Co.
P.F. Candle Co. has built a reputation for combining sustainability with sophisticated scent profiles and aesthetically pleasing designs. Their soy wax candles are hand-poured in California using domestically grown soy wax, cotton wicks, and fine fragrance oils.
The brand appeals to eco-conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice style or scent complexity when making sustainable choices.
Key Features:
– 100% soy wax from domestically grown soybeans
– Complex, apothecary-inspired scent profiles
– Reusable and recyclable amber glass jars
– Plastic-free packaging
– Hand-poured in small batches
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sophisticated, unique fragrances | Uses some synthetic fragrance components |
| Aesthetically pleasing design that complements modern decor | Higher price point for size |
| Strong scent throw despite natural formulation | Popular scents sometimes sell out quickly |
6. Keap Candles
Keap has revolutionized sustainable candle consumption with their closed-loop system. This innovative brand offers a subscription model with refills delivered in minimal packaging, and they provide a return shipping label for customers to send back their empty vessels for cleaning and reuse.
Their coconut wax blend represents one of the most sustainable wax options available, derived from a renewable resource that requires minimal processing.
Key Features:
– Coconut-based wax blend (one of the most sustainable options)
– Closed-loop system with vessel return program
– Master perfumer-developed complex scents
– Carbon-neutral shipping
– Subscription model reduces packaging waste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly circular business model | Premium pricing reflects sustainable practices |
| Luxury-quality scents from master perfumers | Subscription model may not suit occasional users |
| Coconut wax provides excellent scent throw | Limited edition releases can be hard to obtain |
7. Big Dipper Wax Works
Big Dipper Wax Works specializes in 100% beeswax candles made from wax sourced from Pacific Northwest apiaries. Their commitment to supporting sustainable beekeeping practices makes them a favorite among environmentally conscious consumers concerned about pollinator populations.
Beyond their environmental benefits, these candles are especially popular among those with allergies or sensitivities to scented products.
Key Features:
– 100% pure beeswax from sustainable apiaries
– Supports local beekeepers and pollinator health
– No added scents or dyes (ideal for sensitive individuals)
– Variety of shapes and styles, including pillars and tapers
– Plastic-free packaging
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports bee conservation efforts | Higher price point than paraffin or soy options |
| Naturally hypoallergenic | No added scent options (only natural honey aroma) |
| Exceptionally long burn time | Limited availability outside specialty retailers |
8. Fontana Candle Co.
Fontana Candle Co. focuses on minimalist design and clean ingredients, creating candles that are as beautiful as they are sustainable. Their coconut-soy wax blend combines the best properties of both waxes for optimal performance and sustainability.
What sets Fontana apart is their commitment to using only essential oils and botanical extracts for fragrance, avoiding synthetic perfumes entirely.
Key Features:
– Coconut-soy wax blend for clean burning
– Only essential oils and botanical extracts for fragrance
– Minimalist, reusable containers
– Hand-poured in small batches
– Plastic-free packaging and shipping
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly natural fragrances (no synthetics) | More subtle scent throw than synthetic fragrances |
| Elegant, minimalist aesthetic | Limited scent variety due to essential oil restrictions |
| Suitable for those with chemical sensitivities | Higher price point reflecting quality ingredients |
9. Hyggelight Growing Candles
Hyggelight offers perhaps the most innovative approach to sustainable candles with their “Growing Candle” concept. After burning their soy wax candles, the label embedded with wildflower seeds can be planted in the reusable container, transforming what would be waste into new life.
This zero-waste approach appeals to gardeners and those looking to minimize their environmental impact completely.
Key Features:
– Plantable label embedded with wildflower seeds
– 100% soy wax with cotton wicks
– Container designed for planting after candle use
– Phthalate-free fragrances
– Zero-waste packaging
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly zero-waste with plantable component | Seeds may not be native to all regions |
| Creates habitat for pollinators when planted | Requires customer follow-through to realize benefits |
| Educational aspect promotes sustainability | Limited container style options |
Comparison of Eco-Friendly Candle Brands
| Brand | Wax Type | Key Sustainability Feature | Price Range | Scent Options | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbor Made | Proprietary blend | Refillable system | $$-$$$ | Limited selection | Plastic-free, reusable |
| Prosperity Candle | Soy blend | Social enterprise supporting women | $$-$$$ | Wide variety | Minimal, recyclable |
| Goodlight | Vegetable wax | Affordable eco option | $-$$ | Moderate selection | Recyclable |
| Beeswax Candle Co. | 100% Beeswax | Air purifying properties | $$$ | Natural honey scent only | Minimal, plastic-free |
| P.F. Candle Co. | Soy | Domestically grown soy | $$ | Complex, unique blends | Reusable amber glass |
| Keap | Coconut blend | Closed-loop return system | $$$ | Perfumer-developed scents | Returnable, reusable |
| Big Dipper | 100% Beeswax | Supports sustainable apiaries | $$$ | Natural honey scent only | Plastic-free |
| Fontana | Coconut-soy blend | Essential oil fragrances only | $$-$$$ | Limited botanical scents | Minimalist, reusable |
| Hyggelight | Soy | Plantable seed label | $$ | Moderate selection | Zero-waste, plantable |
What Makes a Candle Eco-Friendly?
When evaluating eco-friendly candle options, several key factors determine their environmental impact:
Wax Type
The most sustainable wax options include:
– Beeswax: Natural, renewable, and air-purifying, though not vegan
– Soy Wax: Plant-based and renewable, though some concerns exist about agricultural practices
– Coconut Wax: Highly sustainable with excellent burn properties
– Vegetable Waxes: Various plant-based alternatives
Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is generally considered the least eco-friendly option due to its fossil fuel origin and potential to release harmful compounds when burned.
Fragrance Sources
Truly sustainable candles use:
– Essential oils derived from plants
– Botanical extracts
– Natural fragrance oils without phthalates or other harmful chemicals
Many conventional candles contain synthetic fragrances with potentially harmful chemicals that can be released during burning.
Wicks
Eco-friendly wicks include:
– 100% cotton wicks (unbleached)
– Paper wicks
– Wooden wicks from sustainable forestry
Metal-core wicks, particularly those containing lead (though now rare), should be avoided.
Packaging and Containers
Sustainable packaging considerations include:
– Recyclable or compostable packaging
– Reusable or refillable containers
– Minimal plastic use
– Recycled content in packaging materials
Production Practices
The most responsible brands also consider:
– Carbon footprint of manufacturing
– Fair labor practices
– Ethical sourcing of materials
– Giving back to environmental causes
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Eco-Friendly Candle
The best eco-friendly candle brand for you depends on your specific priorities:
– For the most natural option with air-purifying benefits, choose 100% beeswax candles from brands like Beeswax Candle Co. or Big Dipper.
– If reducing waste is your primary concern, consider refillable systems like Arbor Made or closed-loop models like Keap.
– Those with sensitivities to fragrances should opt for unscented beeswax candles or brands like Fontana that use only essential oils.
– Budget-conscious consumers can start with Goodlight Natural Candles for an affordable entry point to sustainable options.
– For gifts with social impact, Prosperity Candle offers beautiful products that support women artisans and refugees.
By choosing eco-friendly candle brands, you’re not only creating a healthier home environment but also supporting companies pioneering sustainable practices in an industry traditionally associated with synthetic materials and excessive waste. Whether you prioritize natural ingredients, innovative packaging solutions, or social impact, there’s an eco-conscious candle brand that aligns with your values while still providing the warm, inviting ambiance that makes candles so beloved.