The Hidden Truth Behind Candles: How They’re Made and Why They Can Be

Lighting a candle is one of life’s simplest pleasures. It sets the mood, warms a space, and fills a room with inviting fragrance.

But beneath that calming glow is a complex mixture of ingredients and combustion reactions that most people know little about.

This article takes you behind the scenes of candle production, explains what makes candles potentially harmful to your health, and helps you make better, safer choices for your home and well-being.

What Is a Candle Made Of?

Every candle is built from three key components: wax, a wick, and optional additives such as fragrance and color. On the surface, it’s a simple object. In reality, it’s a chemistry lab waiting to be lit.

Wax types

Paraffin Wax	Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax. It is a byproduct of petroleum refining, prized for its affordability and consistency. However, burning paraffin releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene, both of which are linked to respiratory problems and cancer. Studies have shown that paraffin candles emit potentially toxic fumes, especially when used frequently in enclosed spaces.
Soy Wax	Soy wax is a plant-based alternative made from hydrogenated soybean oil. While often marketed as natural, many soy candles contain additives or are blended with paraffin to improve performance. Unless clearly labeled organic and non-GMO, soy wax production may still involve pesticides, monoculture farming, and deforestation.
Beeswax	Produced by honeybees, beeswax is one of the cleanest-burning waxes. It has a naturally sweet scent and releases negative ions that can help reduce airborne pollutants. Beeswax candles are hypoallergenic and ideal for those with asthma or allergies. Their main drawback is cost and limited scent throw.
Coconut and Rapeseed Wax	These newer alternatives are made from cold-pressed coconut oil or rapeseed oil. They are clean-burning and sustainable, but their quality varies by manufacturer. As with soy wax, it’s important to read labels and verify the blend.

The wick

The wick is more than just a string. It controls how the candle burns. Most wicks are made of cotton, but some contain a metal core to help keep them upright. While lead-core wicks have been banned in many countries, zinc or tin cores are still used in some candles.

Metal-core wicks can emit trace amounts of heavy metals when burned. Improperly sized or treated wicks also contribute to poor combustion, creating excess soot and smoke that can degrade indoor air quality.

Fragrance and Color Additives

Here’s where many candles cross into potentially toxic territory.

Synthetic Fragrances

Fragrance is the number one reason people buy candles, but it’s also one of the biggest sources of indoor pollution. Most scented candles use synthetic fragrance oils made from petrochemicals. These can release harmful compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and phthalates. Many of these ingredients are not disclosed, as fragrance formulas are protected under trade secret laws.

Phthalates in particular are known endocrine disruptors that have been linked to hormone imbalances, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children.

Essential oils

Some candles use essential oils as a more natural alternative. However, not all essential oils are safe to burn. High heat can cause certain oils to break down into irritating or toxic byproducts. People with allergies or sensitivities may also react to natural scents.

Dyes and pigments

The dyes used to color candles can also produce emissions when burned. Many dyes are made from coal tar or contain metal salts that can release particulates and volatile compounds. The more colorful the candle, the greater the potential for pollution.

What Happens When You Burn a Candle?

When a candle burns, the wax melts, travels up the wick, vaporizes, and combusts. Ideally, this process would produce only water vapor and carbon dioxide. In reality, most candles burn incompletely, releasing a range of byproducts into the air.

These include:

• Soot (PM2.5 particles): Fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream
• Carbon monoxide: A toxic gas that reduces oxygen in the body
• Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde: Irritants and potential carcinogens
• Toluene and benzene: Both classified as toxic and carcinogenic
• Phthalates: Disrupt the hormonal system

Indoor spaces with limited ventilation can quickly become polluted when multiple candles are burned, especially over long periods. This exposure may worsen respiratory symptoms, trigger headaches, and even impact long-term health.

Health Risks of Candle Use

Respiratory Effects	People with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or chemical sensitivities may experience worsened symptoms after burning scented candles. Soot and VOCs irritate the airways and can exacerbate conditions like COPD or allergic rhinitis.
Endocrine Disruption	Fragrance chemicals, particularly phthalates, have been shown to interfere with the body’s hormone systems. Even low levels of chronic exposure may influence reproductive health and fetal development.
Carcinogenic Exposure	Toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde are recognized or suspected carcinogens. These substances are commonly found in emissions from paraffin-based or heavily fragranced candles.
Indoor Air Pollution	The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. Burning candles can significantly raise indoor pollution levels, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms.

Brume: A Safer, Smarter Way to Scent Your Space

If you’re looking for the ambiance and luxury of a scented home without the health risks associated with traditional candles, Brume is the best alternative.

Unlike candles that rely on combustion, synthetic fragrance, and petrochemical waxes, Brume uses an advanced diffusion system that delivers pure aromatic compositions into the air.

No fire, no soot, and no questionable ingredients.

✅ No Combustion, No Toxins

Because Brume doesn’t burn anything, there is no smoke, no carbon monoxide, no fine particulate matter, and no risk of releasing carcinogens like formaldehyde or benzene into your home.

✅ Safe for Everyone

Brume is designed to be safe for children, pets, and sensitive individuals. Our compositions are phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free, and toluene-free, and we publish full ingredient transparency.

✅ Advanced Diffusion Technology

Using ultra-fine mist diffusion, Brume disperses natural fragrance evenly through the air, ensuring consistent scenting without heat degradation. This means every note stays intact—just as it was composed.

✅ Inspired by Five-Star Hotels

Each Brume scent is inspired by the elegance of a specific destination. You get the sophistication and refinement of high-end ambiance, but with the science-backed safety your home deserves.

✅ Long-Lasting & Hassle-Free

Each cartridge lasts for around 30 days of consistent use. There’s no wax residue, no wick trimming, and no fire hazard. Just plug in, and your space feels instantly elevated.

Head-to-head Comparison

		Candles
Run Time	30 days per fill	30–50 hours per burn
Monthly Cost	As low as $29.50 (with refill bundles)	Over $100 for frequent use
Setup	One fill, scheduled in the app	Light, monitor, blow out, repeat
Safety	No flame, no heat, pet/kid safe	Open flame, fire risk, soot
Air Quality	Cold-pressed oils, zero toxins	Releases VOCs, smoke, and allergens
Design Impact	Sculptural, minimalist finishes	Often clashes with décor

The Verdict

Candles are for ambience.

Brume is for architecture.

When you want your entire space to smell intentional, effortless, and expensive—24/7—you need a system designed to do more than flicker.