Are Wax Melts Toxic? 7 Safe Alternatives for Home Fragrance

Keeping a cozy smell in my home has been a must for as long as I can remember but once I started questioning the products around me, one of the first things I asked was “Are wax melts toxic?”

I was honestly scared of the answer.. because what would I do without my candles and fragrances!?

I might not tell you what you want to hear but don’t worry, I come with solutions.

Let’s talk about it.

TL;DR

Are Wax Melts Toxic?

Yes, most conventional wax melts are toxic because they usually contain paraffin wax, fragrances, or both. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct and harmful to the environment while fragrances are known hormone disruptors. We recommend choosing safer non toxic wax melt options like beeswax, soy, or coconut wax.

7 Safe Alternatives for Home Fragrance Are:

• Soy Wax
• Beeswax
• Coconut Wax
• Waxes made with Natural Fragrance Oils
• Waxes with Fairtrade or USDA Organic Certifications
• Natural Air Fresheners
• Natural Essential Oil Diffusers

What Are Wax Melts? 

Wax melts are pieces of wax that are melted in wax warmers to release fragrance into the air. 

These are a popular alternative to candles because they are flameless and there’s no need for a wick. 

What Are They Made of?

Wax melts are typically made with three main ingredients: 

• Wax: The toxicity depends heavily on the type of wax.
• Fragrance oil: This is what gives waxes their scent. Some fragrance oils are natural, while others are synthetic.
• Dyes: These are added for aesthetic purposes. 

Beware of These Ingredients

Paraffin wax:

• This is a petroleum-based product that can release harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene when heated. While the levels are usually not harmful to humans, it could be to your pets.
• It’s highly unsustainable and non-biodegradable
• Unfortunately, this is the most commonly used wax for companies like BetterHomes and Bath and Body Works.
• Some companies are transitioning to “plant-based” or soy wax which is a much better option than paraffin. But wax is only part of the story…

Synthetic fragrances:

This highly unregulated set of chemicals is the big toxin of the group.

• Many wax melts contain synthetic fragrances, which are often sourced from petrochemicals. 
• These fragrances can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. 
• Found in synthetic fragrances, phthalates, are endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormonal balance.
• If a candle or wax label says words like “fragrance, scented, perfume, or parafum” stay away from these as they can contain dangerous chemicals that are linked to serious health risks.

Dyes:

• Colorful waxes, although pretty to look at, contain dyes, most of which are from synthetic chemicals or heavy metals. 
• These dyes can irritate the skin and eyes, and some may even be carcinogenic.

Health and Safety Concerns 

Wax melts are considered safe for most people when used as directed.

However, when synthetic materials like dyes and fragrances are used as main ingredients, they really aren’t safe.

Here are some of the health concerns linked to the use of synthetic waxes:

Respiratory problems	Inhaling the fragrance from waxes can trigger respiratory problems in people with asthma or allergies. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Headaches	The strong scents from some waxes can trigger headaches in some individuals.
Allergic reactions	Some people may have allergies to certain ingredients in waxes, such as fragrance oil or dyes. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, hives, or swelling.
Eye irritation	The vapors from waxes can irritate the eyes, causing redness, watering, and itchiness.
Hormone Imbalance & Endocrine Disruption	Phthalates act as endocrine disruptors by mimicking or interfering with the body’s natural hormones, thereby altering hormonal balance and potentially leading to various health issues including reproductive health challenges.
Cancer	Artificial fragrances release potentially carcinogenic chemicals when burned or melted, posing a cancer risk through inhalation of these toxic substances.

Are Wax Melts Safer Than Candles?

Wax melts are safer because they eliminate the need for an open flame and wick.

This also gets rid of the worry about soot being released.

Plus, there’s no burning involved when using wax melts, only warming and melting.

7 Safe Alternatives for Home Fragrance

So we’ve discussed all the materials to avoid in waxes… and you may be feeling like your home will never smell good again…

Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of 7 eco-friendly things you can use to have your home smelling aahhhmazing, the natural way!

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a natural and renewable resource derived from soybeans.

It burns cleanly and doesn’t release harmful chemicals. Look for candles and wax melts made with soy wax.

Just make sure they are scented with organic essential oils or nonscented.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax that is produced by honeybees. 

It is a more expensive wax than soy wax, but it is also the most environmentally friendly option. 

Beeswax has a light, natural scent.  

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a natural wax made from coconut oil. 

It is also a renewable and biodegradable resource that burns cleanly and has a sweet, tropical scent. 

Coconut wax also has a stronger scent and can be blended with other waxes.

Waxes with Natural Fragrance Oils

Instead of synthetic fragrances, look for melts that use natural fragrance oils extracted from plants and herbs.

These oils are actually natural and much safer than those synthetic ones.

*Stay away from ingredients that say fragrance, natural scent, or parfum but don’t actually tell you what they are or what specific ingredients are being used.

Waxes with Fairtrade or USDA Organic Certifications

Choose melts from brands that prioritize fair trade practices and organic ingredients.

This ensures that the wax and fragrance oils used are ethically sourced and free from harmful chemicals.

Natural Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oils are a concentrated form of plant fragrance, and they can be a great way to add a boost of scent to your home. 

Choose oils that you find relaxing or uplifting but make sure they are organic and only have the the essential oil as the only ingredient.

Also, make sure you are aware of certain essential oils that have a strong scent or may be unsafe for pets.

DIY Air Fresheners

You can use all types of ingredients laying around your home like essential oils, dried herbs, or fruits.

You can combine ingredients in a potpourri, natural fragrance spray, or a simmer pot to freshen up your home.

I love creating simmer pots!

For example, my favorite is using recycled coffee grounds, organic vanilla extract, and organic cinnamon in a pot of water and letting it simmer.

It literally smells like a coffee cake exploded in my house and I absolutely love it.

It’s also not too strong for my family and visitors either.

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