Tyler Brooks
Candles are a common household item, often used to create a cosy atmosphere or provide light during a power cut. But are candles vegan? The answer is: it depends. Most candles contain animal byproducts, such as beeswax or stearic acid, which is sometimes made from animal fat. However, there are plenty of vegan alternatives available that use plant-based ingredients, such as soy wax, coconut wax, or palm wax. These candles are not only free from animal products but also tend to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. When looking for vegan candles, it's important to read the labels carefully or contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animal byproducts in candles | Animal byproducts like beeswax, tallow or animal fat, and animal-derived stearic acid are sometimes used in candles. |
| Vegan candles | Vegan candles are made with plant-based ingredients, such as soy wax, coconut wax, or palm wax. These candles are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free. |
| Vegan candle brands | Some brands that offer vegan candles include Yankee Candle, Octō, Evil Queen, Fanciful Fox, Pura Botanica, PF Candle Co., DefineMe Fragrance, By Rosie Jane, and PHLUR. |
| Identifying vegan candles | It can be challenging to determine if a candle is vegan just by reading the label. Contacting the company directly or looking for explicit vegan labelling is recommended. |
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What You'll Learn
Candles containing beeswax are not vegan
Candles are a great gift for any occasion, but not all candles are vegan. Many candles contain animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax and animal-tested stearic acid, which is sometimes made from animal fat.
Beeswax is a waxy substance produced by honey bees as a base for their hive's structure and honey storage. This makes beeswax an animal product, and therefore not vegan. While bees are mostly unchanged during the extraction of honey and beeswax, and some may consider it cruelty-free, it is still an animal byproduct.
Beekeepers obtain beeswax during the process of harvesting honey. Bees bring honey into the hive and store it in the cells of the beeswax comb, putting a protective cap made of beeswax over each cell. To extract the honey, this wax capping must be removed, and it is from these wax cappings that beeswax candles are made.
However, there are plenty of vegan alternatives to beeswax candles. Soy wax, for example, is an excellent replacement for beeswax in candle-making and cosmetics. Candelilla shrub leaves also create a base for a hardened and brittle wax with the same moisture-building qualities as beeswax.
Vegan candles can be found at companies such as Evil Queen, Fanciful Fox, and Greenridge Herbals, among others.
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Paraffin wax candles may contain animal products
Candles are a great gift for any occasion, but not all candles are vegan. While paraffin wax in itself is vegan-friendly as it is derived from petroleum, paraffin wax candles may contain animal products. Paraffin wax is a hard, translucent substance derived from a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons. It has been used to make candles since the 1860s, shortly after the drilling of the first oil well. Paraffin wax is a type of petroleum wax, which includes several types of wax products derived from crude oil.
The various types of petroleum wax can be differentiated by how much oil remains in the wax after extraction from crude oil. Slack Wax, for example, is a byproduct containing 3 to 50% oil, while Scale Wax contains 1-3% oil. The type of paraffin used for candles is Fully Refined Paraffin, which has undergone a stringent purification process, resulting in less than 0.5% oil remaining in the final product. This food-grade paraffin has the same level of purity as the wax used to coat certain fruits, vegetables, and candies.
However, when paraffin wax is made into a candle, it typically requires the addition of stearic acid, which is derived from animal fat. Stearic acid is added to harden the wax so that it can remain stable at room temperature. Beeswax, another common candle ingredient, is also not vegan as it is produced by bees.
The inclusion of animal fat in the form of stearic acid means that paraffin wax candles are not considered vegan-friendly. Additionally, paraffin wax candles have come under scrutiny for their potential health and environmental risks. As a byproduct of crude oil, a non-renewable resource, paraffin wax production contributes to air pollution, endangers wildlife, and has resulted in oil spills. Burning paraffin wax candles releases carbon emissions and particulate matter, exacerbating health and environmental risks.
Fortunately, there are vegan alternatives to paraffin wax candles, such as natural coconut and soy wax candles, which offer a cleaner-burning experience.
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Soy wax candles are vegan
Many candles contain animal byproducts, such as beeswax or animal-derived stearic acid. However, vegan candles are readily available. Soy wax candles, for example, are vegan-friendly, as they are made from soybeans, a natural and renewable resource. Soy wax is also biodegradable and free from animal products and by-products, making it an ideal choice for those seeking vegan and eco-friendly candles.
Soy wax candles are a popular vegan option, as they are made from plant-based and ethically sourced ingredients. They are also free from parabens and harmful chemicals often found in traditional paraffin candles. Soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from soybeans, making it a sustainable and ethical choice. It is biodegradable and free from animal products and by-products, so it is a good option for those seeking vegan and eco-friendly candles.
Soy wax candles also offer a longer and cleaner burn than traditional paraffin wax candles, which are derived from petroleum. Soy wax burns more slowly and produces less soot, resulting in fewer indoor pollutants. This makes soy wax candles a good option for those with sensitivities to harsh chemicals. Additionally, soy wax is hypoallergenic and can be infused with essential oils, which can promote relaxation and enhance mood.
Many companies offer vegan soy wax candles, including Peace With The Wild, Só Soy, P.F. Candle Co., and Fanciful Fox. These candles come in a variety of fragrances, such as chai latte, espresso martini, cabin in the woods, and more. These candles are also hand-poured and packaged in eco-friendly materials, such as recyclable glass jars or metal tins.
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Coconut wax candles are vegan
Candles are a great gift for any occasion, but not all candles are vegan. Many candles contain animal byproducts, such as beeswax or animal-derived stearic acid. However, vegan candles are easy to find and offer delightful fragrances and a warm ambiance, all while aligning with ethical and environmental values. Coconut wax candles are one such vegan option.
Coconut wax is made from coconut meat, which, if not suitable as food, can be used for wax instead of going to waste. It is a popular vegan option due to its long burn time and great scent throw. It is also a fantastic carrier for scented oils, making it ideal for aromatherapy. Its soft texture, colourless, and odourless nature make it easy to infuse with colour and scent to create vegan candles.
However, coconut wax has a low melting point, which means that candles can melt during shipping if they get too warm. To remedy this, some candlemakers add soy wax or beeswax to the coconut wax. However, for a purely vegan candle, one must ensure that no beeswax or other non-vegan additives are used. Coconut wax is also more expensive than other types of natural waxes.
When shopping for vegan candles, it is essential to look at the wax and fragrance oil used. While essential oils are typically vegan when bought from reliable sources, it is crucial to ensure that the scents can come from plants. For example, lavender, lemon, and grapefruit are derived from plants, while stearic acid is commonly found in both plants and animals. Unfortunately, most stearic acid used in candles is extracted from animals. Therefore, it is essential to contact the manufacturer if you are unsure about a candle's ingredients.
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Animal additives are used for hardening, colour, and scent
Candles are a great way to enhance the ambiance of a space, and they make excellent gifts too. However, not all candles are vegan or cruelty-free. Some candles contain animal-derived ingredients like beeswax and stearic acid, which is sometimes made from animal fat.
Animal Additives for Hardening
Stearic acid is an example of an animal additive used in candles. It is a hardening agent that improves the quality of a candle's burn.
Animal Additives for Colour
There are no explicit mentions of animal additives for colouring in candles. However, some colourants like crayons, food colouring, and powder pigments may be used, but these are not ideal due to their potential impact on the candle's burn or their inability to blend with the wax.
Animal Additives for Scent
Animal-based scents are not commonly mentioned in candle-making. However, it is important to note that certain fragrances, like strong floral scents, can be overwhelming for pets and lead to respiratory issues or allergies. When creating pet-friendly candles, milder floral scents like lavender, chamomile, vanilla, or mild herbal fragrances are recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some candles contain animal products. Common animal-derived candle ingredients include beeswax and stearic acid, which is sometimes made from animal fat. Other animal additives can be used for hardening, colour, or scents.
The only way to know for sure if a candle contains animal products is to contact the company directly or check if the packaging states that the product is vegan. If a candle contains stearic acid, you can assume it is derived from animal products unless it is explicitly labelled as coconut-derived stearic acid.
Yes, there are many vegan candles available. Soy wax, coconut wax, and palm wax are all vegan alternatives to beeswax. Vegan candles may also contain additives like natural oils derived from plants.
Many companies sell vegan candles, including DefineMe Fragrance, By Rosie Jane, PHLUR, Evil Queen, Fanciful Fox, and Pura Botanica.
