Brooke Martin
Candles have been made from animal products for thousands of years, with surviving examples from 200 BC in China. Animal fats and beeswax have been used to harden candle wax and give it body. Traditional candles were made from tallow (beef fat) or other animal fats such as pig and sheep. However, in recent years, consumers have become more aware of the ethical implications of using animal products in candles, and there has been a distinct turn away from candles made from paraffin wax and animal fats. Today, vegan candles are typically made from sustainable, plant-based ingredients like soy wax, coconut wax, or other vegetable waxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan candles made from | Soy wax, coconut wax, vegetable wax, sand, palm wax, cotton wicks, wood wicks, hemp wicks, essential oils |
| Animal-based candle ingredients | Beeswax, tallow (animal fat), lanolin (derived from sheep's wool), carmine (a dye made from crushed cochineal insects) |
| Historical animal-based candle ingredients | Tallow (beef or sheep fat), pig fat |
| Most common candle wax today | Paraffin wax |
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What You'll Learn
Animal-based candles are not vegan
Candles have been made from animal products for thousands of years, with surviving examples from 200 BC in China. Historically, candles were made from tallow (beef fat) or other animal fats such as pig and sheep fat. Beeswax was also used, though only by the very rich, as it was expensive. Poorer people relied on cheaper candles made from animal fats, which would have had a strong smell.
Today, animal-based candles are fairly uncommon on a mass-market scale. You will usually find these types of candles from extremely small-batch companies and the homesteading movement. However, they are still used, and some common animal-based ingredients in candles include beeswax, tallow, lanolin (derived from sheep's wool), and carmine (a dye made from crushed cochineal insects).
The use of animal-based ingredients in candles is not vegan because it involves animal exploitation and potential harm to animals. For example, the farming of beeswax requires bee labour and the removal of honeycomb, which reduces the bees' food supply. Therefore, vegans should avoid animal-based candles and instead opt for vegan alternatives made from plant-based ingredients like soy wax, coconut wax, or other vegetable waxes.
Additionally, some candle waxes, like paraffin wax, are derived from petroleum and can release harmful substances such as benzene and toluene when burned, which are known carcinogens. Soy and plant-based waxes, on the other hand, are natural, sustainable, and biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. They also burn slower and last longer than paraffin wax.
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Vegan candles are made from plant-based ingredients
While candles have traditionally been made from animal products like beeswax, tallow, and other animal fats, vegan candles are made from plant-based ingredients. These candles are free from animal-derived ingredients and are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
Vegan candles are typically made from vegetable waxes like soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, and sand. Soy wax is a popular choice for vegan candles as it is natural, biodegradable, and sustainable. It also has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, resulting in a slower burn and longer-lasting candle. Soy wax can be combined with palm oil to create a scented candle, providing a source of light and an uplifting aromatherapy experience.
Coconut wax is another renewable and natural source for vegan candles. It has a better environmental footprint than palm wax but can be more expensive. Palm wax is frequently used due to its low cost, but it is environmentally devastating and should be avoided.
Vegan candles may also use natural wicks made from cotton, wood, or hemp, and scents derived from essential or fragrance oils. These candles are free from animal-based ingredients and harmful chemicals, making them a safe and conscientious option for the home.
Vegan candles offer a clean burn without exposing individuals to potentially harmful chemicals or toxins found in paraffin candles, such as benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. They are also cruelty-free, ensuring that no animals are harmed in the production process.
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Animal fats and beeswax are common in traditional waxes
Animal fats and beeswax are standard components of traditional candle waxes. Animal-based candle waxes have been used for thousands of years, with surviving examples of animal-based candles dating back to 200 BC in China. The ancient Egyptians and Romans relied on tallow, rendered from animals, to make their candles. In the 18th century, an anonymous writer described the ideal composition of tallow candles: "half Sheep's Tallow and half Cow's; that of hoggs mekes 'em gutter, give an ill smell, and a thick black smoak".
Beeswax is another traditional wax that has been used for centuries in candle-making. It was once a luxury item, affordable only to the very rich. However, beeswax candles are making a comeback, and they are becoming more popular today.
Animal fats were also commonly used to harden traditional waxes and give them body, while beeswax was added for its opacity. Tallow, a byproduct of animal fat, was often used to make candles, especially for those who couldn't afford beeswax.
Today, there are many vegan alternatives to traditional animal-based candle waxes. Soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, and sand wax are all plant-based alternatives that are renewable, natural, and environmentally friendly. These waxes are biodegradable and provide a clean burn without exposing individuals to potentially harmful chemicals or toxins.
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Paraffin wax is popular but releases harmful substances
Paraffin wax is a hard, waxy substance derived from a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons. It is a byproduct of crude oil, created during the process of refining it into fuels like gasoline. It has been a staple in candle-making since its introduction in the 1850s, and it is estimated that 95% of candles on the market use paraffin wax.
Paraffin wax is popular because it is affordable, burns consistently, holds fragrance and colour well, and has an attractive finish. It is also a cheap and plentiful ingredient that manufacturers believe will never run out.
However, paraffin wax releases harmful substances when burned. It has been found to contain known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) such as benzene and toluene. These toxic chemicals are similar in composition to diesel exhaust and are associated with asthma, the exacerbation of respiratory conditions, and allergy-like reactions. They can also cause skin irritation and make existing dermatological conditions worse.
Due to these health risks, consumers are increasingly turning away from paraffin wax and seeking out vegan candles made from natural, sustainable waxes like coconut, soy, or palm wax. These candles are free from animal-derived ingredients and offer a clean burn without exposing users to potentially harmful chemicals or toxins.
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Soy wax is a natural, sustainable alternative
Candles have been made from animal fats and oils for thousands of years, with the earliest candles made from beeswax or tallow (beef fat). However, the use of animal products in candles is not in line with vegan ethics, and there are now many vegan alternatives available.
Soy wax is also a versatile material that can be used in cosmetics and industrial products. It is often blended with other natural waxes, such as coconut wax or beeswax, to improve characteristics like texture and scent diffusion. However, it is important to note that soybean cultivation has been criticized for its potential environmental impact, particularly deforestation. To mitigate this, consumers can look for soy wax labelled as ""non-GMO" and "sustainably sourced."
Soy wax candles offer a longer burn time than paraffin candles, as they have a lower melting point. This also makes them more sensitive to temperature changes, which can be a drawback in hot conditions. In terms of fragrance, soy wax can hold scents, but it may not have the same strong scent throw as paraffin candles. Nonetheless, soy wax candles provide an eco-friendly, clean-burning alternative to traditional waxes, making them a popular choice for those seeking sustainability and health consciousness in their candle choices.
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Frequently asked questions
No, candles are not always vegan.
Non-vegan candles are typically made from animal fats and beeswax.
Vegan candles are made from plant-based waxes such as soy, coconut, sand, or palm wax.
Vegan candles are better for the environment and do not involve any animal products or animal-derived ingredients.
