Why Some Candles Could Make You Sick This Season — Especially If You’re Sensitive to Fragrance or Healing from Chronic Illness
The holidays are supposed to be cozy — cinnamon, pine, and warm candlelight, right?
But if you’re someone healing from chronic illness, MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), or just trying to avoid hidden toxins in your home, those scented candles might be doing more harm than good.
I used to love the smell of holiday candles too… until I realized what they were doing to my health.
Turns out, a lot of them release toxic chemicals into the air — and we end up breathing that stuff in every day.
Let’s talk about what’s really in those candles — and what you can use instead to make your home feel festive and safe.
🔥 What’s Really in That Holiday Candle?
Most store-bought candles are made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct. When it burns, it can release toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene — both linked to respiratory issues and even cancer.
There was actually a study from South Carolina State University that found paraffin candles can pollute your indoor air with harmful compounds.
And then there’s the fragrance. Most of the time, the word “fragrance” on a label is a mix of dozens of mystery chemicals — including phthalates (which can mess with your hormones) and VOCs (which can irritate your lungs and brain).
And the kicker? Candle companies don’t have to list what’s actually in those fragrances. So we have no idea what we’re breathing in.
I didn’t either — until my symptoms started getting worse. Headaches, fatigue, brain fog… and every time I lit a candle, it got worse.
🧪 Are Candles Releasing “Forever Chemicals”?
Dr. Eric Topol (a longevity researcher and doctor I really respect) recently shared on The Mel Robbins Podcast that some candles could be releasing forever chemicals like PFAS — which don’t break down in the body.
These chemicals are linked to all kinds of health problems, including:
- Hormone disruption
- Immune suppression
- Fertility issues
- Increased cancer risk
A 2020 study in Environmental Health Perspectives even linked PFAS to long-term immune system dysfunction. That’s a big deal — especially if your immune system is already overwhelmed.
🤧 If You Have MCS, You Already Know…
If you’re living with MCS, you probably don’t need me to tell you that synthetic scents can be brutal.
For me, the holidays used to be the worst — not just because of candles, but because of all the air fresheners, potpourri, and sprays everywhere you go. Even visiting a friend’s house could mean days of recovery after being exposed to something my body couldn’t handle.
Symptoms I’d get (and still do if I’m not careful):
- Migraines
- Brain fog
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
You’re not crazy. You’re not “too sensitive.” Your body is trying to protect you.
👉 I explain more about this in What is MCS and How Do You Know If You Have It?
🌿 Safer Holiday Scents That Don’t Hurt Your Health
You don’t have to give up cozy vibes — I still love the feeling of a warm, inviting space. But now I do it differently. Here are some of my go-to swaps:
✅ Beeswax or coconut wax candles with only essential oils
✅ Simmer pots with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel, and rosemary
✅ Salt lamps or soft lighting for cozy glow
✅ Air purifiers (especially in winter when windows stay closed)
✅ Diffusers with essential oils — but only the ones I know are safe for me
👉 You can check out my favorite swaps in this guide: Non-Toxic Candle Alternatives (coming soon).
And honestly, I’ve started gifting these safer options to friends too. It’s a great way to start a convo about wellness without sounding preachy.
💬 Final Thoughts
If you’re like me — trying to heal from chronic illness, MCS, or just avoid feeling like garbage from invisible toxins — swapping out your candles might feel small. But it’s one of the things that made a big difference in my home.
And once I started looking into it, I realized how many other hidden toxins we’re living with.
If you want to go deeper, I wrote this post about the chemicals that sneak into our homes (and what to do about it):
✨ The Hidden Danger Lurking in Our Homes: What You Need to Know About Forever Chemicals (PFAS)
This season, I hope your home is cozy, peaceful, and above all — healing.
Let me know if you want a shorter version for email, or if you’d like me to draft the Pinterest pin or holiday story slides to go with it!
