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What Makes a Candle Vegan?

Belle Isle Botanicals vegan candles

Candles have been used for centuries for providing light and adding ambiance and fragrance to a room. However, as the world has become more conscious about the impact of consumer choices on the environment and animal welfare, the demand for vegan candles has increased. At PACAYA, we stock a range of handmade vegan candles, but we are often asked “what makes a candle vegan?“

Are candles vegan?

The first thing to understand is that traditional candles are made from a variety of animal-derived products. For example, beeswax candles are made from the wax produced by honeybees, while tallow candles are made from animal fat, usually from cows or sheep. These products are not vegan-friendly, as they involve the exploitation of animals.

Plant-based materials

Vegan candles are made from plant-based materials that do not harm animals. The most common plant-based wax used in vegan candles is soy wax, which is made from soybean oil. Soy wax is a sustainable and renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly option for candle-making.

Another plant-based wax used in vegan candles is coconut wax, which is made from the meat of coconuts. Coconut wax is also a sustainable and renewable resource, and it has the added benefit of burning more cleanly and slowly than soy wax.

Essential oils and plant-based dyes

Aside from the wax, vegan candles can also contain essential oils for scent and plant-based dyes for color. Essential oils are extracted from plants and can provide a natural and aromatic scent to the candle. Certified vegan synthetic fragrances can also be used, however some synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and are not vegan-friendly. Plant-based dyes can be made from sources such as beet juice or turmeric, whereas synthetic dyes often involve animal testing.

Wood, hemp or paper wicks

Furthermore, the wick of a vegan candle should also be considered. Traditional wicks are made from cotton, but they may have been treated with chemicals or coated in animal-derived substances such as beeswax. In contrast, vegan candle wicks are made from materials such as wood, hemp or paper, and they are not treated with any animal products or harmful chemicals. The candles we stock by Belle Isle Botanicals for example use wooden wicks which are Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC). This means that the wood is sourced from forests that are ‘being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers.‘ 

More environmentally-friendly

In addition to being animal-friendly, vegan candles can also be more environmentally-friendly than traditional candles. Soy wax, for example, is biodegradable and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water, whereas paraffin wax (a common wax used in traditional candles) is a byproduct of petroleum and can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned.

Our vegan candles are also packaged in eco-friendly materials including recycled paper and boxes without the use of plastic, to further reduce their environmental impact. 

By choosing vegan candles, you can make a positive impact on both the environment and animal welfare while enjoying the equally cosy ambiance and aromas of non-vegan candles.

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