Why Do Some Candles Give You Headaches? (And How to Avoid It)

Last updated: April 2026

Candles can cause headaches due to essential oils, soot, and poor air quality. People who are sensitive to strong scents are more likely to experience these effects.

Common Causes

• Overly strong scent throw

• Unregulated essential oils in unsafe dilution percentages (ie: non-IFRA compliant)

• Poor ventilation

• Low-quality wax

Why Scent Sensitivity Happens

Your sense of smell is directly connected to the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions and memory. Strong or certain scents can overstimulate this system.

How to Avoid Headache-Triggering Candles

• Choose mild scents made by an an artisan using fragrance oils whose proper use falls within IFRA guidelines

• Burn in ventilated spaces

• Avoid paraffin-based candles

• Look for clean, small-batch productsts

Best Candle Types for Sensitive People

• Low-fragrance soy candles made with USA-made fragrance oils and are IFRA compliant

• Clean-burning wicks

FAQ

Why do strong candles make me nauseous? Overuse of fragrance chemicals or essential oils in a candle can overstimulate your senses.