How Bad Are Candles, Really?
When I embarked on my journey to create super healthy eggs leading up to egg freezing, I was forlorn to discover that perfume was bad for me. Perfume? It’s just a scent! This led me down a rabbit hole. If perfume was bad for me… what else was out there silently messing with my egg quality?
Candles, it turns out.
Candles! I love candles. Mind you – I began prepping for egg freezing in September – smack dab at the start of hygge season, when candles reign supreme.
This article is here to deliver a hard truth: Yes, candles are not great for your egg quality. But at KLIA, we’re here to rescue you from overwhelm and break down the science of the bad candle so you can decide for yourself whether to snuff out that beloved Diptyque. And if you are like us, snuffing about, we’re here to provide you with some genuinely cosy alternatives.
First, the science 🧪
1. The Wax
Most scented candles – especially cheaper ones – are made of paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, paraffin candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and benzene, both of which are carcinogens.
TL;DR: burning paraffin candles with your windows shut fills your air with toxic chemicals. That’s not exactly the egg-boosting vibe we’re going for.
Luckily, not all candles are paraffin-based. Many are now made with soy wax, which burns cleaner and emits little to no VOCs. While research is still growing, soy is widely considered a healthier option – it’s biodegradable, derived from renewable resources, and emits fewer pollutants overall (source).
2. The Fragrance
Most of us don’t burn candles just for the flame – we want the scent. But unfortunately, most commercial candles use synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates – chemicals used to make scents last longer.
Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with hormone production and regulation. Multiple studies have linked them to decreased fertility, disrupted menstrual cycles, and reduced egg quality (source).
In fact, phthalates have been shown to affect ovarian function, hormone levels, and have even been associated with earlier menopause in women exposed to high levels (source).
So yes, lighting up a heavily fragranced candle daily could be messing with your hormones in ways you can’t see but might feel over time.
Okay, you’ve scared me. Are there alternatives?
If you're not ready to give up candles, I get it. Same here. Luckily, there are healthier alternatives.
Enter: Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is the only wax known to purify the air as it burns. It releases negative ions, which bind to pollutants like dust, pollen, and toxins, helping to neutralize indoor air contaminants (source).
They also smell naturally of honey, burn slowly, and don’t release harmful chemicals. The downside? They’re a bit spenny, but honestly, worth it.
🐝 Here’s a small business on Etsy I love that makes hand-poured beeswax candles in England.
🔥 Want to DIY it?
Go full Meghan Markle and make your own beeswax candles. You can find beeswax blocks or pellets and a beginner candle kit on Amazon. It’s surprisingly easy (and dare I say... meditative). You can even add a few drops of essential oil if you want scent without the endocrine disruption.
Want to skip candles entirely?
If you’re up for skipping candles altogether, consider a diffuser with essential oils. Unlike synthetic fragrance, essential oils are extracted directly from plants and don't contain phthalates or petrochemicals. They’re a healthier way to scent your space.
Some of my favourites:
Bulgarian lavender – I know, I know. Not French? Not English? Trust me, Bulgarian is the one - calming and sleep-supportive.
Sage – Why not double down on bad things and banish evil energy while you’re at it?
Cedarwood or ho wood – warm, earthy, and grounding
Neal’s Yard does amazing blends (I am obsessed with Women’s Balance - feel free to thank me later.) And if you want to get bougie, nothing beats Aromatherapy Associates. Everything they touch turns to gold and their blends are no exception. Forest Therapy is like a walk in the woods – ho wood, pink pepper, and cypress, inspired by Japanese forest bathing. I can’t complain.
Why not pair a flickering beeswax candle with a diffuser? No one said you can’t have both.
TL;DR: The Candle Lowdown
🚫 Paraffin wax = petroleum-based, releases carcinogens like benzene and toluene.
🚫 Synthetic fragrances = often contain phthalates, which can disrupt hormones and impact egg quality.
✅ Soy and beeswax candles = healthier alternatives.
✅ Essential oils = a natural way to scent your home without the toxicity.
Candles aren’t evil. But if you’re preparing for egg freezing or want to support your fertility, this is a moment to swap smart. Especially when you're spending two weeks injecting hormones into your body — the last thing you need is invisible hormone disruptors dancing in the air.
Choose the scent-sational route that supports your wellbeing.
Hygge, but make it healthy.
