Introduction
You've decided you want cleaner candles. Good. But standing in a store or scrolling through options online, how do you actually know what you're looking at?
Most candle labels are designed to look beautiful - not to be transparent. Here's exactly what to look for so you can make a confident choice every time.
What to Look for on a Clean Candle Label
The Wax
This is the most important ingredient. Look for:
Coconut wax - the cleanest burning natural wax available. Burns slowly, produces minimal soot, and holds fragrance beautifully.
Soy wax - a cleaner alternative to paraffin though quality varies significantly depending on the source.
What to avoid: paraffin wax. It's a petroleum byproduct that releases toxins when burned. It's also the most common wax used in candles - including many expensive luxury brands.
Watch out for blended waxes too. If a label says "proprietary blend" or doesn't specify the wax type, that's a red flag.
The Fragrance
This is where most candles hide their dirty secret.
Look for: phthalate-free fragrance. Phthalates are chemicals used to make synthetic fragrance last longer. They're linked to hormone disruption and respiratory irritation.
Clean candle brands will explicitly state their fragrance is phthalate-free. If a label just says "fragrance" with no additional detail - assume it contains phthalates.
Also look for: fragrance oils that are skin-safe and cosmetic-grade tested. This means they've been evaluated for safety standards beyond just burning.
The Wick
A clean wick matters more than most people realize.
Look for: cotton wicks or wood wicks. Both burn cleanly and naturally.
What to avoid: metal-core wicks. These can release heavy metals including lead into your air when burned. They were banned in the US in 2003 but can still appear in imported candles.
A quick test - if the wick has a stiff metallic center when you bend it, it likely has a metal core.
The Container
This one surprises people.
Look for: glass containers. Glass is inert and doesn't release chemicals when heated.
Be cautious of: certain plastics or low-quality metals used as candle vessels. When heated repeatedly they can off-gas chemicals into your space.
What Transparency Looks Like
A truly clean candle brand will tell you exactly what's in their candles without you having to ask. Look for brands that openly share:
Their wax type and source Their fragrance standards Their wick materials Their testing practices
If a brand is vague or evasive about ingredients - that tells you everything.
What We Use at BellaVee
At BellaVee every candle is made with:
100% coconut wax - clean burning and sustainably sourced Phthalate-free clean fragrance - rigorously tested for safety Wood wicks - natural, clean burning, with that signature crackling sound Glass vessels - safe, beautiful, and reusable
We believe you shouldn't have to choose between a beautiful candle and a safe one. At BellaVee you get both.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a clean candle comes down to four things - wax, fragrance, wick, and container. When all four are clean you can burn with confidence knowing your home stays as safe as it is beautiful.
Ready to make the switch?
Shop BellaVee Clean Crystal Candles →
