Ditching Toxic Candles, Plug-Ins, and Scents This Holiday Season

As we head into fall and the holidays, cozy vibes are everywhere - candles flickering, cinnamon plug-ins, pine-scented sprays… all those smells that instantly make you feel festive. But here’s the thing most people don't realize: many of those products are loaded with toxic ingredients that can impact your air quality, your hormones, and even your kids’ health.

The good news? You don’t have to give up that cozy, holiday feeling. You just need to swap out a few things for safer alternatives.

Why Conventional Candles, Plug-Ins & Air Fresheners Can Be Harmful

Candles

Most conventional candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When burned, paraffin releases chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are known irritants and potential carcinogens.

Many candles also contain synthetic fragrances, which can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, and metal-core wicks that sometimes contain lead. These toxins circulate in your home’s air long after you blow the candle out.

Plug-Ins & Air Fresheners

Plug-ins, aerosols, and “freshening” sprays continuously release fragrance into the air — but that “clean” smell often comes from phthalates, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

These chemicals are known to:

• Disrupt hormones

• Trigger headaches

• Worsen asthma

• Lower indoor air quality

  
  

Even labels like “green”, “natural”, or “fresh linen” aren’t reliable. U.S. regulations allow companies to hide ingredients under the word “fragrance” without full disclosure.

Non-Toxic Swaps for a Cozy, Scented Home

You don’t have to give up that warm, cozy feeling of fall and the holidays — you just need to choose safer swaps that smell amazing without filling your home with harmful chemicals.

Safer Candles

If you love candles and aren't ready to totally say goodbye to them, there are plenty of safe, clean alternatives.

Primally Pure, a company that has SO many products that I love, also makes candles! Their candles are made with beeswax and coconut oil, along with essential oils. They have multiple options for scents, especially ones perfect for this season!

Fontana Candle Co. is another great choice, similar to Primally Pure! They’re also EWG Verified, meaning every ingredient has been reviewed and approved for safety.

I also love Pure Plant Home, which creates soy-based candles with essential oil scents — the perfect cozy glow without harmful toxins.

Another great option is Big Dipper Wax Works, which makes 100% beeswax candles with cotton wicks so you can skip the synthetic fragrances and hidden metals entirely.

Essential Oils & Diffusers

When it comes to essential oils, Young Living stands out above the rest for quality and purity. They’re one of the few companies that control the entire process from seed to seal, which means their oils are rigorously tested and free from fillers, synthetic fragrances, or hidden additives. That’s why they’re my go-to for diffusing safe, clean scents in our home — especially during the fall and winter months when I want it to feel cozy but also support our family’s health.

For seasonal scents, check out the picture following, as well as some of my favorites:

• Thieves – A warm, spicy blend of clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Perfect for creating that holiday feel and supporting immunity.

• Christmas Spirit – A sweet, cozy blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce that smells exactly like the holidays in a bottle.

• Orange, Cedarwood & Cinnamon Bark – Mixing these three creates a DIY fall blend that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

• Pine & Northern Lights Black Spruce – Fresh, woodsy scents that make your home smell like a winter cabin.

  
  

And beyond just creating a cozy vibe, Young Living oils are amazing for wellness support during cold and flu season. Thieves is one of my favorites to diffuse when sickness is going around because of its immune-boosting properties, and oils like Raven and Eucalyptus Radiata are fantastic for opening airways when anyone’s congested.

Pair these oils with a great diffuser to gently fill your home with safe, clean scents - no synthetic fragrances, no hidden toxins, just pure botanicals that actually benefit your family’s health.

Azuna Fresh

Azuna has become one of my absolute favorite swaps for keeping our home smelling clean and inviting year-round. Unlike traditional plug-ins or air fresheners that just mask odors with synthetic fragrances, Azuna uses natural plant-based ingredients to actually neutralize and trap odors at the source. That’s what makes it stand out - it doesn’t just cover up smells, it helps eliminate them!

I love that they also release seasonal scents for fall and winter, which makes it so easy to create that cozy holiday vibe without worrying about filling our home with toxins. Right now, their warm, subtle blends make the entire space feel festive and fresh - and I love switching them up as the seasons change.

Personally, I use Azuna gels in almost every room of our home - the kids’ nursery, the kitchen, the living room, and even in our bathrooms.

It’s safe, effective, and subtle - not overpowering like synthetic plug-ins. The gels add just enough pleasant scent while working quietly in the background to neutralize lingering odors like food, pets, or even diaper smells. And because they’re non-toxic, chemical-free, and safe for kids and pets, I never have to worry about where I place them.

DIY Simmer Pots

One of my absolute favorite swaps - especially around the holidays - is simmer pots.

They’re completely natural, customizable, and fill your home with the coziest scents.

Just add water to a pot and toss in seasonal ingredients like orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, apples, or rosemary. Simmer on low, and your whole house will smell like fresh-baked holiday magic - without a single artificial fragrance.

It’s also a fun activity to do with your kids and can easily become a seasonal family tradition.

Other Non-Toxic Options

There are a few other swaps we use in our home that are simple and effective. Beeswax wax melts are a great alternative to traditional wax cubes - they melt safely and naturally in a standard warmer. You can also use activated charcoal bags around the house; they absorb odors naturally instead of masking them. And don’t underestimate the power of simply opening your windows to refresh your home - sometimes fresh air really is the best air freshener.

Final Thoughts

Creating a cozy, welcoming home doesn’t have to mean filling the air with toxins. By swapping out conventional candles, plug-ins, and sprays for safer alternatives like essential oils, non-toxic candles, Azuna Fresh, and DIY simmer pots, you can enjoy all the cozy holiday scents you love - without compromising your family’s health. Here's to a cozy, healthy fall!

xo,

Jess