What are vegan candles and what are their benefits?
Vegan candles are made with plant-based waxes, which makes them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than traditional candles. They are also a better choice for those who follow a vegan lifestyle. Some of the benefits of using vegan candles include:
- They are made with sustainably sourced materials.
- They are natural, non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals.
- They do not produce any harmful emissions or pollutants.
- They are biodegradable and can be easily recycled or composted.
- They are a safer alternative to traditional candles, which can release toxins into the air.
- They do not have any animal-derived ingredients.
- They are mostly made of natural ingredients.
- They are a perfect gift for many vegans.
- They are often hand-poured and are considered to be luxury candles.
How are vegan candles made?
Vegan candles are made with plant-based waxes, which can be derived from soy, vegetable oil, or other plants. The wax is melted and then poured into a mould to create the candle. The wick is then inserted into the centre of the candle, and the candle is left to cool.
Vegan candles are a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than most candles, which are made with beeswax or other animal-based ingredients. They are also a better choice for those who follow a vegan lifestyle. Vegan candles burn just as well as traditional candles, and they come in a variety of scents that can suit any taste.
Why are vegan candles better for the environment?
Most candle makers use beeswax in their candles. However, this means that the bees have to be killed to harvest the wax. This is why many people believe that vegan candles are more ethical than traditional ones.
The use of vegan candles is better for the environment for a few reasons. First, the ingredients used to make vegan candles are plant-based, which means they are more sustainable and eco-friendly. Second, most candles that are made with beeswax and other animal-based ingredients produce harmful toxins when burned. Vegan candles, on the other hand, produce minimal emissions and are a healthier option for you and your family.
They are also cruelty-free as they do not use any animal fat or beeswax in their production. This means that no animals were harmed in the making of these candles!
How can you make your own vegan candles at home?
Making vegan candles at home is a simple process. All you need is a few supplies and some basic candle-making knowledge.
The first step is to choose the wax you want to use. Soy wax is a popular choice because it's sustainable and eco-friendly, but you can also use vegetable oil or any other plant-based wax.
Next, you'll need to gather the other supplies you need: a double boiler or saucepan, pouring jug, spoons, thermometer, and scents (optional).
To make the candles, place the wax in the double boiler or saucepan and heat it until it's melted. Then carefully pour it into the pouring jug. You can add your desired scent at this point if desired. Feel free to use any of your favourite essential oils.
Now it's time to prepare the wick. Cut it to the desired length and then thread it through the hole in the bottom of the candle holder. Make sure the wick is straight before you continue.
Finally, pour the melted wax into the candle holder and wait for it to solidify. Once it has solidified, light your candle and enjoy!
Soy wax in its purest form. Photo by Cosy Owl.
Are there any risks associated with using vegan candles?
There are no risks associated with using vegan candles. They can actually be safer than traditional candles. Vegan candles are made with plant-based waxes like soy or vegetable oil, which makes them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. They are also a better choice for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, as they do not contain any animal-based ingredients.
What are some of the most popular brands of vegan candles available today?
There are several great vegan candle brands on the market today. Some of the most popular ones include Paddywax, and Chesapeake Bay Candle.
Paddywax is another popular vegan candle brand. All of their candles are made from soy wax, and they come in a variety of scents, including grapefruit, blackberry sage, and cucumber mint.
Chesapeake Bay Candle is a Maryland-based company that specializes in soy wax candles. They offer a wide variety of scents, including pumpkin pie, cranberry cordial, and cinnamon buns.
The most popular UK vegan candle brands are candles from eco-friendly company BGreen and The VeganKind Supermarket. Both of these brands make soy wax candles in a variety of scents.
How to choose the right candle for you
There are a few things to consider when choosing a candle, whether it's vegan or not. The first is the type of wax used in the candle. Some common types of wax used in candles include paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, animal fat, non-vegan ingredients, and vegetable oil.
Next, you'll want to consider the scent of the candle. Not all candles are scented, but if you're looking for one that is, you'll want to find one that has a scent you like. And finally, you'll want to think about the size of the candle. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that's perfect for your needs.
If you're looking for a vegan candle, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, make sure the wax is plant-based. Soy wax and vegetable oil are two common types of plant-based waxes. Next, make sure the candle is fragrance-free.
Many candles contain fragrances derived from plants, but some use synthetic fragrances, so be sure to check the label before purchasing. And finally, make sure the candle is made with sustainable materials. Soy wax and vegetable oil are both renewable resources, so they're better for the environment than traditional candles made with beeswax.
-> Read our article about the 10 Best Vegan Candles in 2023.
FAQs about vegan candles
There are many questions that people have about vegan candles. Here are some of the most common ones:
Do vegan candles produce smoke?
No, vegan candles do not produce smoke. This is because they are made with plant-based waxes instead of beeswax, which is a common ingredient in traditional candles.
Do vegan candles smell good?
Yes, vegan candles smell just as good as traditional candles. In fact, some people may even find that they smell better because there is no beeswax present.
Are vegan candles ethical?
Yes, vegan candles are ethical. This is because they do not contain any animal-based ingredients, which means that no animals were harmed in the making of the candle. Additionally, vegan candles are more sustainable and eco-friendly than traditional candles.
Do vegan candles use soy wax?
Yes, some vegan candles use soy wax. However, there are also vegan candles that use other plant-based waxes, such as vegetable oil or natural oils.What is the difference between beeswax and soy wax?
Beeswax is an animal-based ingredient, while soy wax is a plant-based ingredient. This means that soy wax is a vegan-friendly option.
Do vegan candles have a wick?
Yes, all candles need a wick to burn. The type of wick that is used in vegan candles is typically made from cotton or another plant-based material.
What is the difference between paraffin wax and soy wax?
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product, while soy wax is a plant-based product. This means that soy wax is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Additionally, soy wax is vegan-friendly, while paraffin wax is not.
Up to 10 per cent of stearic acid is often found in paraffin-based candles to solidify the wax and make it more opaque. Stearic acid is usually derived from animal fats, so vegans should avoid candles containing it. This component is usually used by most candle makers to provide opacity and harden non-vegan candles according to vegan.com.
What is the difference between beeswax and paraffin wax?
Beeswax is an animal-based product, while paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product. This means that beeswax is not vegan-friendly. Additionally, paraffin wax is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.
Are there vegan options for scented candles?
Yes, there are vegan options for scented candles. Some popular scents include lavender, citrus, and vanilla. There are also many companies that offer custom-scented candles.
Are all soy wax candles vegan?
No, not all soy candles are vegan. This is because some soy wax candles are made with beeswax. However, most soy candles are vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Vegan candles are a great option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact, as well as for people who follow a vegan lifestyle. They are made with plant-based waxes like soy or vegetable oil, which makes them more sustainable and eco-friendly than traditional candles. Additionally, vegan candles often smell better and last longer than traditional candles.
If youre looking for an environmentally friendly and vegan-friendly candle, be sure to check out the selection of vegan candles available on The Good Boutique.
