Jessie Taylor
Candles are one of the most frustrating items for vegans to buy. This is because, unlike food, it is often challenging to ascertain a candle's vegan status by simply reading the label. The primary ingredient of most candles is paraffin, a petroleum derivative that is too soft and transparent for consumer preferences. To harden the wax and make it opaque, manufacturers often add stearic acid, which usually comes from animal fat. While stearic acid can also be derived from coconuts, candle-makers rarely opt for this more expensive option. Beeswax is another common ingredient in candles that is not vegan. As such, vegans should assume that all candles contain animal products unless explicitly stated otherwise. However, there are vegan candle options available, and some higher-end candles carry a vegan certification or emblem on the label. These candles are often more expensive than non-vegan alternatives and can be found on Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary ingredient | Paraffin, a petroleum derivative |
| Hardening agent | Stearic acid, often from animal fat |
| Alternative to stearic acid | Coconut-based stearic acid |
| Wax alternative | Beeswax |
| Vegan candles | Soy wax, coconut wax, vegetable wax |
| Vegan brands | Floral Street, Maison Louis Marie, PIRETTE, By Rosie Jane, PHLUR, Pinrose, Overose, Mrs. Meyer's, Hairitage, Luxicdy, OSHINE |
| Vegan candle prices | $2.87 to $16.99 |
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What You'll Learn
- Paraffin, stearic acid, and beeswax are animal products used in candles
- Vegan candles are often made from soy, coconut, or apricot wax
- Vegan candles are available on Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart
- Floral Street, Maison Louis Marie, and Mrs. Meyer's are vegan candle brands
- Vegan candles are often more expensive than non-vegan candles
Paraffin, stearic acid, and beeswax are animal products used in candles
The presence of these animal-based ingredients in candles poses challenges for vegans seeking cruelty-free options. It is difficult to ascertain a candle's vegan status from its label, and many candles do not disclose the origins of their additives. This lack of transparency means that consumers concerned about animal products should assume that candles contain animal ingredients unless explicitly stated otherwise.
To ensure the use of vegan products, some higher-end candles carry certifications or emblems indicating their vegan status. Alternatively, consumers can opt for candles made from plant-based waxes like soy, coconut, or apricot, which are explicitly marketed as vegan and cruelty-free. These candles are often hand-poured and packaged in recyclable materials, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
The good news is that finding vegan candles is possible, albeit at a potentially higher cost. Consumers can look for vegan certifications or opt for plant-based wax alternatives. By choosing these options, buyers can enjoy their candles without compromising their ethical values.
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Vegan candles are often made from soy, coconut, or apricot wax
Most traditional candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum derivative. However, paraffin is too soft and transparent for candles, so manufacturers often add stearic acid to harden the wax and make it opaque. Stearic acid is usually derived from animal fat, although it can also come from coconuts. Since most candles are not clearly labelled, it is safe to assume they contain animal products unless stated otherwise.
Vegan candles, on the other hand, are often made from plant-based waxes such as soy, coconut, or apricot. Soy wax is a popular choice for vegan candles, with brands like Mrs. Meyer's, DefineMe Fragrance, and Hairitage offering soy-based options. Soy wax is also used by PIRETTE, who make their candles with wooden wicks for a soft crackling sound. Floral Street is another brand that offers vegan candles made with sustainably sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging.
Coconut wax is another vegan alternative, used by brands like By Rosie Jane, who make their candles with responsibly sourced coconut wax and package them in recyclable materials. Apricot wax is also used in vegan candles, with Pinrose offering a range of candles made from apricot and coconut wax without paraffins.
In addition to soy, coconut, and apricot wax, vegan candles can also be made from a blend of plant-based waxes. For example, PHLUR's candles are hand-poured with a custom blend of soy, apricot, and coconut wax, while Maison Louis Marie's candles are made without phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. Whether made from pure or blended plant-based waxes, vegan candles offer a cruelty-free alternative to traditional paraffin and stearic acid-based candles.
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Vegan candles are available on Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart
Many candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum derivative that is often mixed with stearic acid, which gives candles their hardness and opacity. This acid is usually derived from animal fats, though it can also come from coconut. In addition, some candles contain beeswax, and most contain colourants or fragrances, the origins of which may be vegan or not. As such, it can be difficult to determine whether a candle is vegan or not from its label.
However, you can find vegan candles on Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart. On Amazon, brands such as Capri Blue, Chesapeake Bay Candle, MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY, and BOLSIUS offer vegan candles. These candles come in a variety of options, including soy candles, organic candles, birthday candles, and non-toxic candles.
Etsy also has a wide range of vegan candles available from various sellers, including MLTDCandleCompany, ReadingRoomCandleCo, and quietnorth. These candles can be found by searching for "vegan candles" on the Etsy website, and you can use the platform's advertising features to promote your products if you are a seller.
Walmart also offers vegan candles, such as the Hairitage Light Me Up range, which includes Cherry & Amber and Cedarwood & Neroli scented candles made from a cotton wick and soy wax blend. Additionally, Walmart offers the Luxicdy range of scented candles, which are organic, non-toxic, and made from soy wax.
While these retailers offer vegan candles, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients and product details to ensure that the candle you are purchasing meets your needs and aligns with your values.
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Floral Street, Maison Louis Marie, and Mrs. Meyer's are vegan candle brands
There are many vegan candle options available on the market, and Floral Street, Maison Louis Marie, and Mrs. Meyer's are among the brands that offer them.
Floral Street offers a range of scented candles, including the Sunflower Pop Trio Set and the Sweet Almond Blossom Perfume & Candle Gift Set. These candles are presented as part of gift sets, indicating that they are likely to be vegan, as they are paired with other products.
Maison Louis Marie is a brand founded on the principles of composing clean, luxury fragrances while being environmentally conscious. They use glass bottles for their candles and avoid cello wrapping and toxic coatings. While it is unclear if their candles are vegan, the brand's commitment to sustainability suggests that they may be a good option for those seeking vegan candles.
Mrs. Meyer's Soy Candles are explicitly marketed as vegan and cruelty-free. They are made with a vegetable soy wax base and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. The candles come in a variety of garden-inspired scents, offering a fresh and natural experience. With a burn time of up to 25 hours, these candles are presented in reusable jars, adding to their eco-friendly appeal.
In addition to these brands, there are several other options available, including those offered by Capri Blue, Chesapeake Bay Candle, and BOLSIUS, which can be found on Amazon. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, consumers can now find a diverse array of vegan candle options to suit their preferences and decorative needs.
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Vegan candles are often more expensive than non-vegan candles
Many candles contain animal-based ingredients such as beeswax, animal fats, and stearic acid, which is often sourced from animal fat. Vegan candles, on the other hand, are 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.
Vegan candles are often handcrafted by small businesses and artisans, which means they may be more expensive than non-vegan candles. These businesses prioritize ethical practices, sustainability, and quality, which can come at a higher cost. Additionally, vegan candles may be more costly due to the use of natural wicks made from cotton, wood, or hemp, as well as scents derived from essential oils.
The process of making vegan candles can also contribute to the higher price. Hand-pouring candles, for example, is a time-consuming process that requires attention to detail. Moreover, the packaging of vegan candles may be recyclable or compostable, which can increase the overall cost of production.
It is worth noting that some premium non-vegan candles containing beeswax can be more expensive than vegan alternatives. Beeswax is a hard wax that provides opacity, eliminating the need for stearic acid. However, as a bee product, beeswax is not vegan-friendly.
While vegan candles may come at a higher price, they offer a commitment to cruelty-free living and environmental stewardship. Consumers can support small businesses and enjoy unique, customizable options that fit their personal preferences and home decor. With a variety of scents, colors, and designs available, vegan candles provide a clear conscience and a sustainable alternative to traditional candles.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all candles are non-vegan. Most candles contain animal-based ingredients like stearic acid, which is derived from animal fat, or beeswax. However, stearic acid can also be derived from non-animal sources like coconuts. Some vegan alternatives to non-vegan candles include soy wax, vegetable wax, coconut wax, and apricot wax.
Unless it's clearly labelled vegan, you should assume that a candle contains animal products. Some higher-end candles carry a vegan certification or emblem on the label. You can also contact the company directly to ask about a candle's ingredients.
You can buy vegan candles from various retailers, including Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart. Some vegan candle brands include Floral Street, Maison Louis Marie, PIRETTE, By Rosie Jane, PHLUR, Pinrose, Overose, Mrs. Meyer's, and Hairitage.
