Is Paraffin Wax Harmful? What You Need to Know Before Using It

Candles make our homes smell good, feel cozy, and look beautiful. But not all candles are made the same. Many store-bought candles are made using paraffin wax — a common ingredient that raises some health and safety concerns.

In this blog, we’ll explain what paraffin wax is, whether it’s harmful, and what better, safer options are available if you want to switch to natural alternatives.

What Exactly is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a refined petroleum product, the same material used to make gasoline and motor oil. Manufacturers love it because it’s inexpensive, holds fragrance well, and is widely available. You’ll find it in:

• Discount store candles
• Most supermarket jar candles
• Inexpensive wax melts and tea lights

The problem? It’s essentially a fossil fuel product—not exactly what you want burning in your living space.

Why Some People Avoid Paraffin

When burned, paraffin wax releases compounds like toluene and benzene—chemicals also found in car exhaust. While occasional use probably won’t harm you, frequent exposure in poorly ventilated spaces raises concerns, especially for those with respiratory issues.

Healthier Alternatives Exist

Thankfully, natural options like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax candles burn cleaner without the petroleum base. They might cost slightly more, but many find the peace of mind worth it.

Is Paraffin Wax Harmful?

This is the question many people ask. The short answer is: Paraffin wax can release harmful substances when burned.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, burning paraffin wax candles can release chemicals like benzene and toluene, both of which are known to affect the lungs and may cause health issues if used over time in unventilated spaces.

Other concerns with paraffin candles include:

• Indoor air pollution — especially in small rooms
• Headaches or allergy symptoms for sensitive people
• Soot marks on walls or ceilings over time

Some research also shows that regular use of paraffin candles in poorly ventilated spaces may affect people with asthma or allergies.

Of course, using one or two paraffin candles every now and then might not be dangerous for most people. But if you're using candles often — in bedrooms, living rooms, or gift boxes — you might want to explore healthier choices.

Natural Waxes: A Safer Alternative

If you’re concerned about what’s burning in your home, switching to natural waxes is a smart and simple step.

Natural waxes are:

• Plant-based or renewable
• Clean-burning with little or no soot
• Better for people with breathing issues or sensitivities
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable

Here are some of the most popular natural waxes we recommend:

1. Soy Wax

Made from soybeans, soy wax is the most popular eco-friendly candle wax. It burns slowly, holds fragrance well, and is great for beginners.

2. Coconut Wax

This wax is made from coconut oil. It’s creamy, smooth, and has a great scent throw. It’s often blended with other waxes like soy or rapeseed.

3. Olive Wax

A newer wax in the market, olive wax offers a smooth finish and clean burn. It's a great option for premium candles.

4. Beeswax

Beeswax is natural, burns longer than most waxes, and is believed to help reduce indoor air pollutants. However, it's more expensive and not vegan.

What’s the Difference When Burning?

Let’s compare paraffin and natural wax in a quick list:

What We Recommend at Resin Art Hub

At Resin Art Hub, we believe in quality and safety. That’s why we offer only plant-based candle waxes that are safe to use at home or in your candle business.

Whether you're making candles for your home, gifts, or planning to sell them online as luxury candles, we recommend starting with these:

• Golden Wax 464 for container candles
• EcoSoya Pillar Blend for molded candles
• EcoSoya Melt Wax for wax melts
• Olive or Coconut wax blends for a premium, natural look

All of our waxes are tested for performance, clean burn, and compatibility with our fragrance oils and dyes.

🔗 Browse All Candle Wax Types

What Do Candle Makers Say?

Many of our customers who switched from paraffin to soy or coconut wax say:

• “My candles now smell more natural and last longer.”
• “There’s no black soot on the jars.”
• “I feel more confident selling my candles knowing they’re safe and eco-friendly.”

Final Thoughts

So, is paraffin wax harmful? It depends on how much and how often you use it — but it's clear that there are better, safer, and cleaner options out there. Switching to natural waxes like soy, coconut, or olive can improve not just the air quality in your home, but also the quality of your candles.

If you're a candle maker or just love candles, choosing the right wax is an important first step. Natural wax doesn’t just feel better — it burns better, smells cleaner, and is better for the planet too.