Why do some candles give me a headache?
While many of us enjoy the decorative nature, soothing fragrance and warm glowing ambience of a lit flame, scented candles can cause headaches for some users. Let’s break down what exactly causes candle headaches, and how to avoid them with future candle purchases.
What’s in scented candles that can cause a headache?
While it can be hard to pinpoint without knowing the particular situation or sensitivities of an individual candle user, there are a few common culprits that can cause a headache. Knowing what they are can help you narrow down the source if you are suffering from headaches from scented candles you have tried. There are four primary offenders when it comes to why some candles cause people headaches: the type of wax, the wick, artificial dyes and colorants, and the type of fragrance oil used. We'll dig into each a little further, to help you get to the bottom of your candle-induced headaches!
How candle wax can cause headaches
In most Big Box or name brand retail candles, paraffin wax is what’s used to make up the majority of the candle. Some brands will claim to use a “soy wax blend” or “coconut wax blend” on the label, but usually that means they are blended with paraffin wax to reduce costs. This is particularly true if they are manufactured overseas (as most Big Box store candles are) because of the higher melt point and stability for sea transport on cargo ships. But how much of that candle is paraffin vs. soy wax? It’s hard to know, because there are no industry rules or guidelines on how much plant-based wax must be in a candle in order to claim it as a blend. Unless the label or brand states that it is 100% pure soy or other plant-based wax or beeswax, there’s a high likelihood of it containing paraffin wax.
Why does it matter whether a candle uses paraffin wax or is 100% pure? Well, natural and plant waxes, such as soy, coconut and beeswax are naturally derived waxes and hydrogenated oils that are solid at room temperature and melt when heated. They are cleaner burning with less soot, and don’t contain toxic chemicals that you inhale when they burn causing irritation, allergic reactions and…headaches. Over time, the exposure to these toxic chemicals adds up, so minimizing or eliminating them in your candles is best.
Paraffin wax on the other hand, is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process and often contains the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) toluene and benzene, two known carcinogens that cause headaches and respiratory irritation for some people. Soy and other plant waxes don’t contain toluene and benzene, so tend to be less irritating to sensitive users (unless of course, you have an allergy to soy, beeswax or coconut oil).
Toluene vapor exposure can cause eye, nose, throat, skin and upper respiratory tract irritation and can lead to headaches, dizziness, confusion and anxiety. Benzene is a known carcinogen and short-term effects of exposure also include those pesky headaches.
How candle wicks can cause headaches
The wick in your candle could also be the culprit behind candle-induced headaches. A low-quality wick or improperly sized wick can give off too much soot and carbon residue, which you inhale and then potentially react to.
Some cotton wicks have a metal core for stability in the manufacturing process, which contain zinc or tin and possibly trace amounts of lead (even though lead in candle wicks has been outlawed in the U.S. for many years). While studies done on zinc and tin metal core wicks shows the amount of lead they release is so small that it is considered undetectable, burning metal-core wicks can release toxic particles into your indoor air. Even zinc and tin can emit fine particles that are dangerous when inhaled over time, especially for people with asthma, sensitive lungs, pets or small children in the home. It’s important to select a candle with a pure cotton or cotton and paper braided wick or a wood wick, to ensure the cleanest burn and avoid these metal contaminants.
As it burns, your wick may be releasing VOCs like benzene and toluene mentioned above, soot, and other irritants. This can trigger allergies or sensitivities, particularly if burning in an unventilated area. If you aren’t consistently trimming your wick properly, it also increases the chance of headaches or respiratory irritation when burning your candle. An untrimmed or too-long wick creates a bigger flame, producing more soot and smoke, which are also respiratory irritants and can trigger headaches.
How candle dye can cause headaches
A brightly colored candle may catch your eye or seem fun and decorative in your space, but many commercially manufactured candles use synthetic dyes to achieve these colorful designs. While they might look appealing, they may not always be safe to burn and could be causing a headache or other symptoms when lit. These artificial colorants are made to be cheap, stable, easily mixed with wax and are often the same types of colorants used in industrial paints, plastics, or inks. However, they are not always tested for safety when burned and there is little oversight to these types of industrial colorants.Additionally, the production of synthetic dyes often involves petrochemicals, which are derived from non-renewable resources and contribute to environmental degradation.
Many candle users don’t realize that dyed candles can release harmful chemicals and toxic particles when lit. When heated, these chemicals, such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can contribute to indoor air pollution and respiratory issues. This synthetic dye used in colorful candles can also trigger headaches, asthma, watery eyes, throat issues, congestion and other allergic reactions in some users. While some candles use only natural and plant-based dye, rather than synthetic dye, manufacturers are not obligated to disclose the source of candle dye ingredients to consumers. This makes it hard to know if you are choosing a safe, clean colored candle. If you want to minimize your own exposure and potential health impacts, your best bet is to choose an undyed candle.
Here’s three ways to tell if your candle has potentially harmful synthetic dye that could be an irritant or cause headaches:
- Does the label disclose what kind of dye is used?
- Does the label clearly list what type of wax is used? Does it contain phrases like “fragrance and color added,” “proprietary blend,” or “artificially colored.”
- Are the colors bright, vibrant and uniform, like plastic? These are telltale signs of synthetic dyes, so it’s best to assume the candle contains artificial colorants and is more likely to cause headaches and other physical discomforts.
Why does candle fragrance causes headaches?
The type of fragrance used in scented candles is another primary cause of candle-induced headaches. Fragrances, especially the synthetic ones in mass-produced chain store candles, can trigger headaches and migraines due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals like phthalates that irritate the respiratory system, activate pain nerves, or worsen sensitivity.
Pure essential oils or phthalate-free natural fragrances are better alternatives for sensitive individuals. However, these fragrance ingredients are more expensive than the synthetic ones, so you are less likely to find them in cheap, discount or big box store candles. If a scented candle is dirt-cheap for its size, you are increasing your chances of it causing a headache or other irritation. A safer choice is purchasing a high quality, small-batch or handmade candle from a smaller brand. You may pay more for this type of candle, but it's with good reason - the quality of fragrance ingredients is higher and probably safer to burn.
Choose soy or plant wax candles scented only with pure essential oils or phthalate-free natural fragrances, not synthetic fragrance or "perfume" to minimize your chance of reacting to scented candles. Also always choose candles that clearly state they use only phthalate-free fragrance, as this will lessen the toxins you’re exposed to and the chance of irritation. You may also prefer lightly scented blends with notes that are not as strong or those with a softer throw or lower fragrance load.
All that said, if you are allergic to a flower, plant or tree in nature, you will likely have a reaction to an essential oil or natural fragrance derived from that material as well. For example, if you have an environmental allergy to fir or spruce trees, an oil derived from the plant material will likely cause allergic reactions similar to encountering the plant in the wild. You may experience congestion, wheezing, sneezing or itchy and watery eyes, even if the fragrance is natural, phthalate-free, or an essential. First and foremost, know your body and ask questions if you are highly sensitive or allergy prone. No scented candle is worth risking your health!
3 Reasons Candle Fragrance Can Cause Headaches
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Synthetic Fragrances: Artificial scents release chemicals (like formaldehyde, limonene, esters) that can trigger headaches, allergies, and asthma.
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Phthalates: Often found in synthetic fragrances, phthalates can trigger migraines and worsen allergies.
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Overpowering Scents: Even natural fragrances, if too strong, can activate pain nerves in the head, leading to migraines, a condition known as osmophobia (smell sensitivity).
Which candles are non-toxic and safest to use?
Wondering which candles don’t give you a headache? The safest non-toxic candles are made only from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut, with lead-free cotton wicks, no dyes and phthalate-free natural fragrances, essential oils, or no fragrance at all. Nomad’s CLNSNT Promise was built on creating fragrance products and candles that don’t give you a headache and are safe to use.
Another safer option is to place your natural wax candle on a candle warmer, rather than lighting the wick. This warming method gives a soft, radiant scent without the chemical process of burning the wick and emitting soot and vapors. Again, candles without dye, and using phthalate-free natural fragrances or essential oils (or no fragrance) and braided cotton wicks are gentlest for sensitive candle users.
Top Tips to Avoid Candle-Induced Headaches
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Choose Natural Waxes: Opt for candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, which burn cleaner. Make sure the label or brand uses 100% pure wax, and does not blend with paraffin wax.
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Use Unscented or Natural Scents: Use only candles with phthalate-free fragrances and if you are ultra-sensitive, avoid synthetic fragrances; choose candles with essential oils or no fragrance at all.
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Trim Your Wicks: Keep wicks trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each use to reduce soot.
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Ensure Ventilation: Burn candles in well-ventilated areas to disperse VOCs.
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Limit Burn Time: Don't burn candles for excessive periods in confined spaces. Start burning slowly for shorter periods of time to test how your body reacts. Then limit candle use to 3 hours or less, following the manufacturer's use and care guidelines.
At Nomad, our candles are made with 100% pure soy wax, plant-based oils, natural fragrance and essential oils, pure cotton or wood wicks and no synthetic dyes. That natural ivory color speaks softly instead of shouting; clean is kind and our amazing smells are safe to use.
If you are prone to headaches from scented candles, but want to enjoy scent in your space, try some of our lighter natural fragrance blends. You may also want to try a reed diffuser, which works by evaporation rather than flame and tends to be less irritating. The best Nomad candle scents for sensitive users are: