Coconut & Soy Wax Candles: Why They're Safer for Your Pets

July 29, 2026

Coconut & Soy Wax: A Safer Glow for You and Your Pets

If you share your home with a dog, cat, or any furry companion, you already know how important it is to choose products that are safe for them. Candles are no exception — and the wax they're made from makes a real difference. At BELIEVE, every candle is made with a 100% natural coconut-soy wax blend and a wooden wick. Here's what the research says about why that combination is a better choice for pet-friendly homes.

1. Paraffin Wax Releases More Soot and Chemicals

Most candles on the market are made from paraffin, a petroleum by-product. Paraffin is the most common candle wax, and unlike soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, it releases noticeably more soot as it burns.^[1] Studies have found the fine particles from burning candles can resemble the particulate matter found in diesel exhaust, and testing has confirmed that paraffin candles release measurable levels of chemicals such as benzene and toluene into indoor air.^[2]

Because pets are smaller than we are and process airborne toxins differently, the effects of this soot and residue are magnified for them. Their smaller lungs and faster breathing rates mean they take in proportionally more of whatever is in the air.^[2] Veterinary experts also note that dogs metabolise certain fragrance compounds less efficiently than humans, which can make repeated exposure more of a concern over time.^[7]

2. Coconut and Soy Wax Burn Cleaner

Coconut and soy wax are plant-based alternatives that burn with far less soot than paraffin.^[1] High-quality soy candles in particular are known to burn 30-50% cooler and 30-50% longer than paraffin, which means less risk if a curious pet gets too close, and better value from every candle.^[6] Pets with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory sensitivities tend to tolerate natural wax candles far better than paraffin ones.^[6]

Vets also point out that if a pet does happen to lick or nibble at soy wax, it's considered non-toxic and typically passes through their system without harm — though it's always worth calling your vet if it happens.^[6]

3. Wooden Wicks Add an Extra Layer of Safety

Every BELIEVE candle is finished with a wooden wick rather than a standard cotton one. Wood wicks are naturally non-toxic and don't need the core stiffeners that cotton wicks require during manufacturing, which means fewer additives burning in your home.^[10] They also burn with a wider, horizontal flame that heats the wax more evenly across the surface, helping prevent the uneven "tunnelling" that can happen with cotton wicks — and giving off that soft, comforting crackle along the way.^[11]

4. A Cleaner Home for Everyone

Choosing a cleaner-burning candle isn't just about the air your pet breathes — it's also about what settles on the floors, beds, and bowls they interact with every day. Less soot means less residue collecting on the surfaces your pets spend time on.^[5] Simple habits help too: keep candles out of paws' reach, avoid burning them in small unventilated rooms, and always extinguish them before leaving your pet alone with one.

Made With Intention

At BELIEVE, we believe a candle should be more than just a product — it's an experience that connects, empowers, and uplifts every home it enters, including the ones with paws running through them.

Ready to bring a warmer, safer glow into your home? Explore our Soul Collection, six candles designed to bring comfort, hope, and calm to every corner of your space.

THE CLEANEST WAY TO BURN A CANDLE.

Sources

Back to blog