Top 5 Best Non-Toxic Crayons for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

Crayons are PERFECT tools to help a child learn to write faster! They improve every child’s fine motor skills and dexterity.

But coloring materials can EASILY end up with toxic ingredients. Instead of having fun and being creative, your child can end up in a hospital bed. Yikes!

These are my personal picks of what non toxic crayons you should have your kids use.

The 5 Best Non-Toxic Crayons for Toddlers & Kids

I’ve compiled a list of the proven and tested non-toxic coloring materials for your child’s use.

Check out which one is suitable for your needs.

1. Stockmar Beeswax Stick Crayons

• Main wax used: Beeswax
• Pigment: Food-grade
• Size: 1.5 inches long

Stockmar beeswax coloring materials are TRULY NON-TOXIC. This German-colored wax passed all tests against heavy metals.

There’ll be no health risk to your child at all!

The colors are VIBRANT, unlike most non-toxic variants, and your kids will love coloring using this. I know mine did!

Stockmar crayons also come in a sturdy tin. The tin encourages your kids to clean up after themselves.

They can easily put it back in order when they’re done scribbling. How convenient!

The great smell of honey will not cause any irritation. They’re a WONDER to use!

These crayons will keep your kid busy for HOURS thanks to the smooth application and right size for the hand.

However, there are only 8 colors in one box. If you want more colors, I suggest choosing another brand.

2. Filana Organic Beeswax Stick Crayons

• Main wax used: Both beeswax and soy wax
• Pigment: Food-grade
• Size: 3″ x 0.5 “

Filana coloring wax is another product that uses beeswax. The pleasant honey smell from this ingredient makes it a popular choice.

This paraffin-free product is amazingly good at BLENDING COLORS.

The powerful combination of soy wax and beeswax makes for a STURDY BUT FLEXIBLE coloring tool.

If you need to teach your kids about secondary colors, this brand can really help. It wasn’t long until my kid learned all the colors!

They are handmade into thick, easy-to-hold art tools.

The manufacturers also ensured that ALL ADDITIVES ARE SAFE, even from lead and cadmium.

You also don’t have to worry about messes as these can easily be washed off!

However, your kid must be very careful when handling these crayons; otherwise, they may snap in half.

3. Honeysticks Beeswax Crayons

• Main wax used: New Zealand beeswax
• Pigment: Food-grade
• Size: 20 mm x 55 mm

Honeysticks crayons are the artisan of the crayon brands!

Toxic-free crayons from Honeysticks are HANDMADE to ensure that NO dangerous metals are incorporated.

You WON’T find stearic acid or any sketchy ingredient in any of their products. This PREMIUM product uses organic beeswax and food-grade pigments with NO cheap fillers.

Honey Sticks crayons boast completely paraffin-free thick crayons. The size and shape are ideal for handling and prevent easy breaking.

These crayons are on the larger side, which might not appeal to some kids or parents.

4. Faber Castell Beeswax Crayons

• Main wax used: Beeswax and others
• Pigment: Not specified
• Size: 1.75 x 7 “

If you grew up with Faber Castell like I did, this brand may already be familiar to you.

The Faber Castell product has a convenient triangular shape, making them easy to hold and use, even for a long time.

You don’t need to worry about them breaking or getting lost, either.

The triangular coloring tool won’t roll off of tables easily. The thickness also helps provide extra support even with very eager kids.

This product is one of the MOST DURABLE crayons. It comes in a storage case your kid can bring to school.

I also love that it comes in 24 colors, which is more than enough for my kid to experiment with!

However, it can be a real hassle that the paper wrappers do not stay on very well. They are also not washable or that durable.

5. Crayon Rocks

• Main wax used: Soy wax
• Pigment: Powdered pigments
• Size: 1.25 x 0.75″

This product made of soy wax may just be your child’s favorite. The ECCENTRIC ROCK SHAPE makes it very appealing to young kids.

Even I wanted to use them myself! Crayon rocks are surprisingly a JOY to use.

It can easily create broad strokes, perfect for little kids still exploring art.

The build is excellent in promoting strength in the hands. If you are concerned about your kid’s fine motor development, these “rocks” can be your best friend.

These crayons also have a unique range of colors, such as egg yolk yellow, lime green, and sky blue; a fun way for kids to learn about the different colors.

Always supervise your kid while they use these rocks as they may be a choking hazard!

What Does “Non-Toxic Crayons” Mean?

First of all, all coloring materials can be toxic.

Even non-toxic crayons can pose a huge threat to kids. They put everything in their mouths!

The colored wax may not upset the stomach and cause diarrhea when ingested. But, it definitely can cause any child to choke.

Choking is particularly VERY DANGEROUS to kids. They can easily lose the ability to breathe and suffer serious medical repercussions.

It’s ironic. Crayons are used to color but can cause a child to lose color and die.

However, the term “non-toxic” is used in a context separate from choking hazards.

Non-toxic crayons = Non-toxic ingredients

What Are Toxic Crayons Made Of?

Crayons are generally minimally toxic.

Typical crayons are made of paraffin wax. Paraffin is a non-toxic ingredient that can acquire toxicity during the crayon-making process.

Some crayons from different stores tested positive for AT LEAST ONE of these toxic chemicals.

• Asbestos
• Tremolite
• Lead
• Ammonia
• Formaldehyde
• Volatile organic compounds
• PVC

These harmful chemicals can get your kid to an emergency room.

Toxic coloring tools can cause anywhere from mild breathing discomfort to severe respiratory problems. It can even contribute to cancer!

What Are Non-Toxic Crayons Made Of?

A non-toxic crayon is made of non-toxic materials. Instead of paraffin, it is made of non-toxic natural wax and natural pigments.

Non-toxic crayons are art supplies that should not cost your child’s safety. Children tend to put everything in their mouths.

If the ingredients are safer, kids are safer too!

Beeswax

Beeswax is a by-product of a bee’s honeycomb.

All-natural beeswax is the SAFEST option out of natural ingredients. They are usually combined with food-grade pigments.

Pure beeswax crayons smell good and will not cause irritation.

However, it can have a slightly sticky feeling. The slightly tacky material is not very appealing to most children.

Soy Wax

Organic soy wax is a type of vegetable wax extracted from soybeans. It’s a much better alternative than paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum.

Any kid will love the experience of soy wax crayons!

This completely non-toxic product colors very smoothly. It’s a joy to use on any type of paper.

But, the soft soybean wax also makes it prone to breakage. It is safe even if a child eats it. Broken pieces, however, can still be a hazard.

Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax comes from palm leaves exclusively grown in Brazil. You’ll spot these non-toxic crayons because of their yellow color.

This food-grade material is perfectly safe to ingest.

But carnauba crayons can be brittle. It is normally used as a hardener which causes it to break easily.

Plant and Vegetable Extracts

Plant and vegetable extracts are perfect for making food-grade colors.

Art supplies made of combined extracts are both safe and economical to use. These natural crayons can be pretty expensive. But, it can last as long as typical crayons.

After all, there is no price for safety.

Why Non-Toxic Crayons Are Better for Your Children

Children play with crayons every day.

Crayons are a great tool for them to develop motor skills and learn about vibrant colors simultaneously.

But, kids are at the stage of exploration. At this point, they’ll try to put almost ANYTHING in their mouths.

Toxic-free crayons are better than natural crayons that way. They also make great baby gifts!

You’re assured that nothing dangerous will happen if your child gets a little experimental.

The manufacturing of commercial crayons is regulated. But you never know what toxins slip their way in.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Non-Toxic Crayons

Choose non-toxic crayons that DO NOT contain paraffin wax.

But, there are more things to look at than just the ingredients. Here is a list of other characteristics you should check before choosing a crayon set.

#1 Hardiness & Durability

Crayons were never meant to be fully break-resistant. But, they shouldn’t be prone to breaking either.

A toddler who’s starting to use crayons will exert TOO MUCH PRESSURE on it first. Soft crayons such as soybean wax crayons might break sooner than you think.

Harder crayons, such as beeswax crayons, can stand the pressure better. But very hard crayons are not ideal either.

Kids drop everything. Crayons that are too hard will break upon impact.

Toxic-free crayons made from soy wax and beeswax are the best choice.

In my kid’s experience, even though he put a lot of pressure while coloring, they were still able to stay intact the entire time.

#2 Pigment or Coloring

Crayons are what they are because of the color they give.

Most commercial crayons use SYNTHETIC COLORING. These pigments give out bright colors and hues that appeal to kids the most.

But powdered pigments used in paraffin crayons can be unsafe.

The solution was simple! Use ALL-NATURAL pigments.

Or was it?

Non-toxic crayons use safe and natural coloring. But, the usual problem is that they fail to deliver in the color department.

Don’t forget to TEST your non-toxic crayon before buying a whole set.

I made sure to test each crayon brand before handing it to my kids. Even though the colors weren’t as bright, they were good enough to keep my kid busy and safe.

#3 Mess-Free Experience

Children love to play. That’s just a given.

You should get a crayon that washes off easily. This is not a requirement for most people, but believe me when I say it is a blessing.

Kids love to scribble on walls more than they do on paper. The problem of cleaning should not limit our kids’ creativity.

This is an extra feature that parents would absolutely LOVE. Check the crayon packaging or call the manufacturer to check.

If my kid accidentally scribbles on the floor or walls, it’s no problem as it can easily be wiped off. Trust me; it’s a lifesaver.

#4 Texture & Comfort

One of the downsides of other non-toxic crayons is the texture.

Paraffin wax has that nice, smooth texture. That’s why crayon brands have that same outer feeling as a candle.

However, non-toxic waxes like soybean wax can leave a sticky feeling.

Kids can be sensitive to tacky surfaces, which can discourage them from maximizing their potential for art.

The shape of the crayons is also very important.

Toddlers are only learning how to hold things. A crayon with an ergonomic shape can help encourage them to keep scribbling.

My kid kept coloring away despite the weird texture of some crayons, which is how I knew I chose the right shape!

#5 Safe Ingredients

I already talked about this before. However, I still included it here because crayons are not only about the main ingredient.

Crayons have A LOT OF ADDITIVES.

Added ingredients are used to improve pigment, texture, and writing experience. The main crayon wax may be non-toxic, but the additives may be.

Avoid crayons with these ingredients:

• Hydrocarbon waxes
• Stearic acid
• Hydrogenated palm oil (organic palm oils are better options)
• Synthetic fatty acid

Make sure to check that the added ingredients also do not contain heavy metals.

It is also a plus to ensure that the crayon brand uses eco-friendly ingredients. A better earth means a better place for our kids to live in!

#6 Price

Crayons don’t really cost a fortune, but as parents, I would assume you would want to save as much money as you can.

That being said, there are many affordable options out there that are safe and work just as well, so it is just a matter of looking!

Assess your budget and see how much you can spend on non-necessities to ensure you get your money’s worth.

#7 Brand Reputation

Of course, there are many popular art brands like Crayola or Faber Castell.

Do prior research and see if brands like these contain non-toxic materials and are safe for your children.

There are also a lot of brands that are not everyone’s first choice but are COMPLETELY SAFE and non-toxic, so do not overlook these not-so-popular brands!

Additional Tips for the Safe Use of Crayons

Choosing non-toxic tools over more popular variants is ALREADY A BIG STEP. Always check the fine print when you buy non-toxic crayons.

But, it is NOT ENOUGH to ensure safety.

Non-toxic crayons may not cause digestive issues when ingested. But remember that crayons remain a choking hazard.

DON’T LEAVE KIDS UNSUPERVISED, especially those who are very young.

A broken piece can easily lodge in their throats and cause breathing problems. Again, this is an EMERGENCY!

Lastly, ensure your kids wash their hands after using their crayons.

HANDWASHING can remove any remains of harmful chemicals. It’s a great practice to wash off whatever disease your kids can pick up by touching almost everything.

EXTRA TIP: You can try a toy rotation system to avoid overstimulation and encourage using one item to its full potential. Doing so will allow your kid to practice their creativity despite having only a few items to play with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-toxic crayons are not that popular yet. You probably have a lot of questions.

Here are some answers you might be looking for. I hope these can help you pick up the next coloring set for your kids.

Are Regular Crayons Non-Toxic?

Regular crayons tend to be A MIX of toxic and non-toxic ingredients.

It is more common to find a coloring set made of paraffin wax. It is more accessible and tends to be cheaper too.

While there are non-toxic crayons on the market, you can never be sure.

It is best to always CHECK the ingredients before buying anything.

Are Crayola Crayons Non-Toxic?

Fortunately, A CRAYOLA CRAYON IS SAFE!

Experts have checked every Crayola crayon for heavy metals and toxic ingredients. They are guaranteed safe before they are released to bookstores and malls.

At What Age Can Toddlers Use Crayons?

There really is NO AGE LIMIT for using crayons.

Before kids can master the pincer grasp, they usually cannot hold a crayon yet. They will start to manifest this grasp at around 1 year old.

But, it doesn’t mean they should not try using crayons and art supplies before then.

Parents should not limit what toddlers can do.

Toddlers who are allowed to experiment can develop their motor skills better. Let them roam free on the floors or touch anything they are interested in.

What Non-Toxic Crayons Are Safe for a 1-Year-Old?

Any non-toxic crayon brand is generally safe for 1-year-old children. Even if your kid eats it, they won’t get sick.

But, make sure to supervise your kids at ALL TIMES.

What Certifications and Labels Should I Look For in Non-Toxic Crayons?

The AP Seal from Art and Creative Material Institute (ACMI) is an indicator that crayons and other writing materials are SAFE and TOXIC-FREE.

Other certifications to look for include:

• ASTM D-4236
• CE Certification
• EN71
• CPSIA

How Are Non-Toxic Crayons Different from Traditional Crayons?

The main difference between non-toxic crayons and traditional ones are the ingredients used to make to make them.

Non-toxic crayons are made with NATURAL ingredients, such as beeswax, soy wax, or plant extracts. They are more environmentally-friendly too!

Meanwhile, traditional crayons may contain paraffin wax or harmful dyes.

Even though crayons have very small amounts of toxic materials (such as lead or asbestos), it is always better to choose NON-TOXIC crayons for toddlers.

What Safety Standards Do Non-Toxic Crayons Have to Meet?

Non-toxic crayons have to meet the guidelines set by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).

The crayons must be approved for packaging, labeling, and undergo a series of tests for toxic chemicals before being approved.

Can Non-Toxic Crayons Be Used on Different Surfaces?

Yes, non-toxic crayons can be used on standard coloring surfaces, like paper and cardboard.

I must warn you that your kid will probably realize this too and start coloring on the walls, floors, or other surfaces where you don’t want crayon marks.

This is why it is important to buy crayons that can easily be wiped or washed off in case any of these accidents happen.

How Long Do Non-Toxic Crayons Last?

It depends on how often they are used and maintained.

If you store them properly and make sure your kid uses them gently and carefully, they could last a long time.

Otherwise, they may melt in the heat or break, in which case you will have to replace them.

My Favorite Picks

I made this list as short as I could. This short but effective list should help you in your next art purchase.

But if you want the summarized version, buy the best non-toxic crayons for toddlers from any of these three brands.

Best Overall – Stockmar Beeswax Sticks

The Stockmar Beeswax Stick coloring materials are THE BEST non-toxic crayons on the market.

The best non-toxic crayons will not compromise the color. The beautiful pigment on this product will make you use it too.

This product also teaches kids to pack their materials after use.

For the best art experience, get this brand!

Best Value – Filana Organic Beeswax Sticks

The Filana crayons are among the few on our list with soy wax.

Combining two natural ingredients makes this coloring material the perfect companion for color combinations.

Let your kid explore their artistic side through this SMOOTH-GLIDING CRAYON.

Best Budget Pick – Honeysticks Beeswax Colors

The all-natural, non-toxic crayons from Honeysticks are both safe and durable.

For its price, your kid will definitely use it for a long time. The cost may shock you initially, but not having to buy them repeatedly will save you a lot.

It has an ideal smell, size, and shape. You’ll only have to worry about the partially translucent coloration.

Final Words

Parents want their children to explore and have fun as much as they can. After all, this is how children learn best.

Toxic crayons make it hard to let children explore art.

But I hope this article taught you that there are a lot of non-toxic crayons you can buy. What’s left is to pick a brand that you can trust.

The best non-toxic crayons are the ones you trust most.