One of my least favorite things in the world is coming home to a messy house after a long day.
Coming home to a house that is messy and smelly though? That’s even worse.
Some people like to light a scented candle to keep things smelling nice. Others use air fresheners, but wax melts are also becoming a popular option, especially for renters who can’t use candles or people who don’t want an open flame around their children and pets.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I could be compensated if you decide to make a purchase. You can read my full disclosure here.
Which Wax Melts Are Non-Toxic?
Alma Naturals
Alma Naturals makes their wax melts by hand from 100% botanical soy. The owner has struggled with a variety of health issues, including cancer, and she is sensitive to many different products and fragrances. Because of this, she strives to create all of her products with natural and organic ingredients. The small family-owned company is based in Idaho (U.S.), and they source their essential oils from around the world.
Use the code nesting10 to get 10% off of your purchase at Alma Naturals! And if you buy 5 packs, you can get a 6th FREE!
Fontana Candle Co Non-Toxic Wax Melts
Fontana Candle Co (one of our all-time favorite brands making non-toxic candles) just released their new non-toxic wax melts, and boy am I on board for them.
Their wax melts are MADE SAFE certified, and they’re made with super simple ingredients – just essential oils, beeswax, and coconut oil.
The scents are absolutely divine too, and you can get a little 3 pack scent sampler if you’re not sure which one to choose.
Farm-Raised Candles
These wax melts from Farm-Raised Candles (which you can buy on Amazon with free Prime shipping), are made with 100% natural soy wax and a combination of essential oils and phthalate-free fragrances. The company is based in Florida (U.S.), and the melts come in some fun and unique scents, like this fall blend of Fall Spice, Cinnamon Carmel, Home Sweet Home, Pecan Waffles, McIntosh Apple. You can also purchase individual wax melts if you have a specific scent that you prefer.
Green Koala
Green Koala’s Eco-Luxury Wax Melts are made with coconut cream and scented with essential oils and phthalate-free fragrances. Green Koala guarantees that none of their products contain harsh preservatives, parabens, phosphate, or sulfates either, and they never test on animals.
Happy Wax makes their melts with soy-based waxes and phthalate-free fragrances and essential oils. Their cute bear shapes are a customer favorite, and they even sell a variety of wax warmers that can blend in seamlessly with your home decor. The waxes are free of paraben and paraffin, and they are 100% biodegradable too. They do use a small amount of dye though, so they’re not our top pick, but they’re worth mentioning. If you prefer another brand, Happy Wax’s wax melters can be used with any wax melts (including DIY melts).
Things To Keep in Mind When Shopping For Wax Melts
If you prefer to keep your home free of toxins, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for non-toxic wax melts.
What Are Wax Melts Made Of?
Wax melts are essentially a candle without a wick. And much like scented candles, there are a variety of waxes that can be used to make them.
Paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax that’s inexpensive and easy to produce. For this reason, it’s the most common wax used for candles and wax melts. Unfortunately, it can off-gas chemicals such as benzene (a known carcinogen), and it can be toxic if inhaled or ingested.
Soy wax. Soy wax is made from soybeans and is a popular alternative to paraffin wax. It’s composed of fatty acids and plant sterols, which makes it less toxic and an overall better option for candles and wax melts.
Palm Wax. Palm wax is also made from natural products, but not fatty acids and plant sterols. It’s extracted from palm trees in the same way that palm oil is. The problem with palm wax is that it’s often extracted from palm oil plantations that have destroyed rainforests, so it’s not sustainable or environmentally friendly.
Beeswax. Beeswax is another popular wax for non-toxic candles, and it can also be a good alternative for wax melts. Unfortunately, beeswax is a bit more expensive than paraffin and soy waxes, but if you’re making a DIY wax melt, it’s a great option.
What Else Is In Wax Melts?
In addition to wax, there is a giant list of ingredients that can go into wax melts. Here are the main ones you should look out for:
Color Additives. Wax melts usually come in a variety of pretty colors. Unfortunately, companies usually use D&C and FD&C coloring to make them. These ingredients are petroleum by-products, and even though they’re FDA-approved, they have been known to cause health issues from simple skin irritation to more worrisome nervous system toxicity.
Fragrance Oils/Artificial scents. The health and beauty industry is notorious for using heavy amounts of fragrance oils in their products, and wax melts typically use a ton of fragrance as well. As we’ve discussed in the past (like in our article about non-toxic perfumes), these scents are not regulated by the FDA, and since companies do not have to disclose the ingredients in them, they’re usually made up of a chemical cocktail that is extremely toxic and should be avoided at all costs.
How to Choose a Non-Toxic Wax Melt
Because of the long list of harmful ingredients that different brands may use in their products, it’s important to know what you’re putting in your home. Here are a few ways to choose a more non-toxic wax melt:
Choose soy or beeswax instead of paraffin or palm wax. Paraffin is the most inexpensive option, but it’s also one of the worst for your health. Soy and beeswax are better options because they’re made up of fatty acids and plant sterols. Beeswax is also a great option for DIY wax melts, but it’s a more expensive option.
Avoid fragrance. Though you probably like your wax melts because of the way they smell, fragrances are often a toxic chemical cocktail, so it’s best to avoid them. If you’re looking for scent options, there are a lot of essential oil companies that provide quality scents. Just be sure to avoid essential oils that are unsafe for your kids and pets.
How To Make Wax Melts
If you’re a DIY-er and you’d like to try your hand at making your own non-toxic wax melts, try this recipe:
1. Heat soy wax in a double boiler over low heat
2. In another pan, heat water until boiling
3. Once the water begins to boil, add your essential oil (be sure to use essential oils that are safe for your home and family!)
4. Pour this mixture slowly into the soy wax mixture
5. Pour the mixture into molds or containers
Homemade Wax Melts Tips: After you pour the wax melts into your container, it’s best to let them set for a few hours before using them. This will allow the texture of the melt to harden up a bit and make them last longer. You can also experiment with color by adding beets or beet juice to the wax. When you use this recipe at home, please let me know in the comments how it works for you!
Can I Use Wax Melts Without A Wax Warmer?
Yes. Although you would probably have to use them in a container or jar for your wax melts to melt properly, it’s definitely an option if you’re looking for a more affordable home fragrance product.
Here’s how you can use wax melts without a wax warmer:
1. Heat water in a large pot on the stove
2. Place your wax melt into a heat-safe jar (or another smaller pot)
3. Place the jar or pot in your hot water
4. Enjoy the scent
This method is great if you’re looking for an affordable way to use melt scents!
How To Dispose of Wax
When you’re done with your wax melts, it’s best to throw them out in the trash. They contain a number of different chemicals that should not be put down the drain, and they can clog your drain if they harden. When the wax is warm, pour it into a coffee can or another disposable product until it cools off, and then throw it away.
How Can I Make My Home Smell Good Without Chemicals?
Many people are worried about the safety of their home fragrance products, so they want to know if there’s a way to make their home smell good naturally.
If you’re looking for some great ways to have a fragrance-free home that smells wonderful, I suggest trying one of these methods:
1. Plant some flowers in your house
2. Open a window to let some fresh air in
3. Light some non-toxic candles
4. Diffuse essential oils (safely)
5. Keep your home clean with natural cleaning products
Hopefully those tips will help you feel good about the way your home smells without exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals!
What Absorbs Bad Smells in a Room?
There are a lot of different products that claim to absorb odors, from charcoal to baking soda. An air purifier can also absorb bad smells.
The most common absorbent that people talk about is charcoal. The theory behind using charcoal to absorb smells is that it has a large surface area, so more air can pass over the carbon molecules and pull out any odors.
FAQ’s About Non-Toxic Wax Melts
Are Wax Melts Safe?
Most store-bought wax melts are not entirely safe to use in your home. If you’re looking for non-toxic wax melts, it’s important to know what you’re getting into when choosing which one to buy. Some of the ingredients used in wax melts can be toxic and should be avoided.
Are Wax Melts Safe For Kids?
It’s best to avoid using most wax melts in the house if you have kids. If you choose a wax melt that contains essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance (or make one on your own), be sure to use essential oils that are safe for children. Peppermint, wintergreen, fennel, rosemary, verbena, and eucalyptus essential oils should not be used around kids.
Are Wax Melts Safe For Pets?
Petroleum byproducts, D&C coloring, synthetic fragrances, and even some essential oils are also bad news for pets. They can cause allergic reactions or poisoning if ingested.
Are Scentsy Wax Melts Toxic?
Scentsy melts are made of paraffin wax, which is petroleum-based and can contain toxic chemicals like benzene (which is a known carcinogen). Additionally, Scentsy products use fragrance oils and D&C coloring for color, which are two big red flags when it comes to non-toxic products.
Are Yankee Candle Wax Melts Toxic?
Yankee Candles are another popular choice for wax melts, but unfortunately they’re also a bit toxic. Just like Scentsy, they use paraffin wax, fragrance oils, and D&C coloring in their products.
