Tyler Brooks
Candles are a popular gift, and they can be vegan, but it's not always easy to tell. Many candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a petroleum by-product, and often mixed with stearic acid, which usually comes from animal fat. Beeswax candles are also not vegan. Vegan candles are often made from soy wax, which is natural and biodegradable, and there are plenty of vegan-friendly candles available to purchase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan candles in the UK | Available |
| Types of wax used | Soy, palm, coconut, rapeseed, paraffin, beeswax |
| Vegan-friendly wax | Soy, palm, coconut, rapeseed |
| Non-vegan-friendly wax | Paraffin, beeswax |
| Paraffin wax mixed with | Stearic acid |
| Stearic acid derived from | Animal fat |
| Vegan candle brands | Octō, OHROS, Self(ish) Company, Run With Wolves, The Flame Candleworks Company, Good Humans, Greenridge Herbals, Hanna’s Candles, Natural Soy Scented Candles, Nature’s Gifts, Pangea Vegan Products |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax candles are not vegan
Honey is not considered vegan because it exploits bees and can be potentially cruel to them. Beeswax candles are also not vegan for the same reasons. While bees are mostly unchanged during the extraction of honey and beeswax, some people may still consider it cruel. Additionally, beeswax can be seen as a form of waste from bees, similar to consuming bee excrement.
Some people may argue that beeswax is vegan because the bees are not harmed during the process of collecting honey and beeswax. However, the definition of veganism excludes all animal products, and beeswax is an animal product. Therefore, beeswax candles are not suitable for those following a strict vegan lifestyle.
There are plenty of vegan alternatives to beeswax candles, such as candles made from soy wax, candelilla wax, or coconut-based stearic acid. These alternatives can provide the same moisture-building qualities as beeswax without the use of animal products.
In conclusion, beeswax candles are not vegan due to the exploitation and potential cruelty to bees, as well as the use of an animal product. Vegan alternatives are available that provide similar benefits without the use of animal-derived ingredients.
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Paraffin wax candles are usually non-vegan
Paraffin wax candles are the most popular type of candle. However, paraffin is too soft to be used on its own, and consumers prefer opaque candles. Therefore, paraffin candles often contain additives to harden the wax and make it less transparent. One such additive is stearic acid, which is often derived from animal fat. Crude oil, from which paraffin is derived, may also contain the fossilised remains of animals.
Paraffin candles can also be harmful to human health and the environment. They can release carcinogens such as benzene and toluene when burned. Paraffin is also derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that is energy-intensive to produce, and therefore not sustainable or environmentally friendly.
Vegan candles, on the other hand, are free from animal-derived ingredients and are cruelty-free. They are typically made from sustainable, plant-based ingredients like soy wax, coconut wax, or other vegetable waxes. These materials are biodegradable and renewable, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. They also burn more slowly and last longer than paraffin wax candles.
Vegan candles are also non-toxic and produce a clean burn without exposing you to potentially harmful chemicals or toxins. They also produce less soot and smoke, meaning fewer black marks on walls and candle containers, and less residue to clean up.
Therefore, while paraffin wax itself may be considered vegan, paraffin wax candles often contain non-vegan additives and are harmful to human health and the environment.
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Soy wax is a popular vegan alternative
Candles are sometimes vegan, but it is not always obvious whether they are or not. Many candles are made from tallow, or rendered fat from cows or sheep, and are therefore not vegan. Beeswax candles are also non-vegan.
Soy wax is easy to handle, measure, and melt, making it a great option for new candle makers. It is available in the form of wax flakes or pastilles.
Some popular vegan soy wax candles in the UK include those from the brands Octo and St Eval. Octo candles are made in the UK and come in brown, apothecary-style glass jars. They have 11 different fragrances, including Sea Salt and Bay & Rosemary. St Eval also makes tealights in a variety of fragrances, including Sea Salt, Bay & Rosemary, and Inspiritus.
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Stearic acid is often animal-derived
Stearic acid is a common long-chain fatty acid found in natural animal and vegetable fats. It is a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids, with small amounts of oleic acid. It is often used to harden wax and provide opacity to candles. While stearic acid can be derived from plants, such as coconut, it is more commonly sourced from animal fats. This is because animal-derived stearic acid is a cheaper byproduct of the meat industry.
Animal-derived stearic acid is obtained from the hydrolysis of animal fat, or tallow, followed by hydrogenation and distillation. Tallow is rendered fat from cows or sheep. The process of hydrolysis breaks down the fat, and subsequent hydrogenation and distillation create stearic acid. The degree of hydrogenation determines the quality of the stearic acid, with different freezing points and consistencies.
The use of stearic acid derived from animal fats is problematic for vegans and those wishing to avoid animal products. Stearic acid is commonly used in candles, as well as cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, hairspray, conditioners, deodorants, creams, chewing gum, and food flavouring. It is an odourless, colourless substance, making it ideal for use in these products.
However, there are alternatives to animal-derived stearic acid. As mentioned, stearic acid can also be derived from plant sources, such as coconut, cocoa butter, and shea butter. These alternatives are suitable for vegans and those wishing to avoid animal products.
When purchasing products that may contain stearic acid, such as candles, it is important to look for vegan certifications or emblems on the label. Some manufacturers may also provide information on the origin of additives and ingredients upon contact.
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Vegan candles are often more expensive
Another reason vegan candles may be more expensive is the cost of the fragrances used. High-quality fragrances use large amounts of oils, which can be expensive. In addition, creating complex and unique scents can increase the price of a candle. The cost of a candle may also be influenced by the quality of the wax used, with some waxes being more expensive to source or produce than others. For example, beeswax is a popular and historic candle wax source that does not require the addition of stearic acid to harden it. However, as a bee product, beeswax is not vegan, and it is also not guaranteed to be cruelty-free.
The availability and demand for vegan candles may also impact their price. While there are a good number of high-quality vegan candles available, they may be more expensive due to lower production volumes compared to non-vegan candles. Additionally, some vegan candles may be priced higher due to their niche market positioning or luxury branding. However, it is worth noting that not all vegan candles are expensive, and there are affordable options available, such as soy wax candles.
It is important to note that the definition of "vegan" may vary among consumers. For example, some may consider paraffin wax candles to be vegan-friendly, as they are derived from petroleum, which is not an animal product. However, others may argue that crude oil may contain fossilized animal remains, making it unsuitable for a strict vegan lifestyle. Therefore, the interpretation of "vegan" may also influence the pricing of candles, with some candles being marketed as "vegan-friendly" rather than strictly vegan.
Overall, the higher price of vegan candles can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of ingredients, fragrances, wax quality, production volumes, branding, and the interpretation of "vegan" labeling. While vegan candles may be more expensive than the cheapest non-vegan options, they offer an animal-friendly alternative for conscious consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all candles are vegan. Some candles contain beeswax or animal-derived stearic acid.
Stearic acid is often added to candles to harden the wax and increase the burning time. It is usually sourced from animal fat.
Vegan candles are often made from soy wax, palm wax, coconut wax, or rapeseed wax.
No, Yankee Candles are not vegan. The company could not confirm that any of their products are vegan.
There are many companies that sell vegan candles in the UK, including Octō, OHROS, Self(ish) Company, and Run With Wolves.
