Pregnancy comes with its stresses, so it’s natural to want to light candles, play soft music, and take a bubble bath to relax. However, not all candles are safe for use during pregnancy.

The safest non-toxic candles for pregnancy are those with cotton or wood wicks (avoiding metal or lead) and made from natural waxes such as beeswax, coconut, or soy. Choose scented candles that use natural essential oils free from harmful chemicals, ensuring they are safe for pregnant women.

Here are my top three recommendations for the best pregnancy-safe candles, including the best for relaxation, aromatherapy, and best-smelling candles.

1. Best for Relaxation: Brooklyn Candle Studio Maui Escapist Candle

Is there a better way to relax than enjoying a pleasant scent that transports you to a tropical paradise? The Maui Escapist Candle from Brooklyn Candle Studio, made from 100% soy wax with a non-toxic cotton wick, is our top choice for relaxation. Despite some synthetic fragrance ingredients, they are completely safe. Healthline lists Brooklyn Candle Studios among the safest, most non-toxic candles available.

These candles are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. However, pay attention to the essential oils used. The Maui Escapist scent uses pregnancy-safe essential oils, but some other scents contain oils that pregnant women should avoid, such as juniper and sage found in the Santa Fe Escapist candle.

2. Best Aromatherapy Candle: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Scented Soy Aromatherapy Candle

Many know Mrs. Meyer’s for their eco-friendly cleaning products, but their non-toxic candles are also notable. Available in five scents – Lavender, Honeysuckle, Basil, Lemon Verbena, and Geranium – lavender is the best choice for pregnant women due to its safe, light scent that won’t overwhelm heightened senses.

This small candle (7.2 ounces) boasts a burn time of over 35 hours and is made with renewable ingredients. Even the glass jar is reusable. Mrs. Meyer’s candles are also budget-friendly, which is beneficial as you prepare for the expenses of a new baby.

3. Best Smelling: Wax Buffalo 9-Ounce Blood Orange Candle

Supporting small, women-owned, American businesses is a bonus when buying Wax Buffalo candles. Each candle is hand-poured in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering bold, room-filling aromas and a beautiful aesthetic.

The blood orange candle, with its mix of grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, blood orange, sugar, honey, and bergamot, is a favorite. These 100% soy candles with cotton wicks and essential oil scents ensure no harmful chemicals are released. The downside is the short burn time of about four hours, but the potent fragrance compensates for it.

Best Candle Scents for Pregnancy

Safe candle scents for pregnancy include citrus (mandarin, lemon, orange), peppermint, cardamom, ginger, jasmine, and lavender. Citrus scents, peppermint, cardamom, and ginger can help alleviate nausea and morning sickness, while jasmine and lavender can soothe stress.

These scents are safe in moderation, but some essential oils are not safe for topical use or ingestion without consulting a doctor. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid certain essential oils entirely, such as basil, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, rosemary, sage, and wormwood.

When in doubt, always consult your doctor before using any new essential oils.

If you love burning candles, hopefully, this guide reassures you that you don’t have to give them up during pregnancy; just switch to safer brands. For more information, check our detailed article on the safety of burning candles during pregnancy.