Described is a transparent syneresis-free candle which is substantially hydrocarbon-free, e.g., mineral oil-free and paraffin wax-free; substantially stearic acid-free and consistently-maintained functional compositional integrity on use thereof. The candle composition contains a gellant that is an ester-terminated polyamide or a tertiary amide-terminated polyamide, a non-hydrocarbon solvent which is a vegetable-derived fatty acid ester, and a system-compatible functional fragrance composition, an insect repellent composition and/or an air freshener composition. The candle can be a pillar candle which is free-standing or a container candle.