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Here are some tips on buying natural candles.

Tip #1: Avoid chemical additives
Be sure to read the label on the candle packaging. Some candles may contain chemical additives that may be released into the air and inhaled when they are burned.

Tip #2: Make sure the wick doesn't contain lead
Some candles may have wicks with a metallic core that contains lead. When the wicks burn, lead vapors and dust may be released into the air, which can be harmful.

The most reliable way of finding out is to ask the retailer or manufacturer. Some people suggest removing wax from the tip of the wick, separating the fibers from the wick to check if it has a metallic core and then rubbing the metallic core on a white piece of paper. If it leaves a gray mark on paper, it may contain lead.

Candles with lead-core candle wicks have been banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) since 2003. They are also banned in Australia. In Canada, however, they are currently still for sale. It's estimated that approximately 10% of candles there contain lead, most of them manufactured in either China or Taiwan.

Tip #3: Look for candles made with vegetable wax
Proponents of natural candles suggest using candles made with vegetable wax rather than paraffin, which is a petroleum-based byproduct of refined gasoline. Vegetable wax is thought to burn longer, cleaner and more evenly than paraffin and not give off an oily soot:

Beeswax candles - these candles were once the norm before they were replaced by tallow and paraffin. Look for beeswax candles that haven't been dyed and are their natural honey color. Again, remember to read the label. A product only has to contain 51% beeswax to be labeled a beeswax candle, even if the rest is paraffin.

Beeswax candles are more expensive but they often burn longer. You can also consider making your own. Craft stores and natural health foods stores often carry sheets of beeswax.

Soy candles - These candles are made from soybean oil, a type of vegetable oil.

Sources:

Wasson SJ, Guo Z, McBrian JA, Beach LO. Lead in candle emissions. Sci Total Environ. (2002) 296.1-3: 159-74.