A synergistic flame retardant composition comprising a phenolic compound comprising condensed tannin, hydrolysable tannin, lignin, cardanol, quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, anthocyanidin, catechol, dopamine, hydroxytyrosol, adrenaline, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, gallic acid, digallic acid, methyl gallate, ellagic acid, phloroglucinol, hexahydroxydiphenic acid, luteic acid, casuarictin, or a combination thereof; and a phosphorus-containing compound comprising a C5-7 carbocyclic polyol substituted with at least one phosphate group.