A vegan candle is made from pure plant-based ingredients, including wax, fragrance/essential oils, and any other raw material used within the candle. Anything that is not derived from plansts, would make the candle as a whole, non-vegan. An example of this would be candles that contain stearic acid, which is a resource derived from animal sources, or a candle that contains beeswax.
What are vegan waxes?
There is no doubt that there are so many different types of waxes out there. There is paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, and this is just to name a few. The only way any of them can be considered “vegan”, is if it was derived from a plant, and the only ones derived from plants are the following:
- Soy wax
- Coconut wax
- Rapeseed wax
- Palm wax
The rest are either animal-based or byproducts of petroleum. If you are curious to know as to which types of wax are not vegan, here is a list:
- Paraffin wax
- Beeswax
- Gel wax
Are fragrance oils vegan?
Fragrance oils are made from synthetic materials in labs, and this is and will always be the case. However, some manufacturers test their products on animals, and this is what makes the oils non-vegan. At WickMagic, we only get our oils from suppliers who clearly state that their products are not tested on animals, and their synthetic materials do not come from animal sources.
What about essential oils?
If it’s bought from a reliable resource, then essential oils are most definitely vegan as they can only be made by infusing natural plant-based sources with oils. When buying essential oils, just make sure that the scents are something that can come from a plant, for example, lavender, lemon, grapefruit, and so on. Also, make sure that it is labeled as pure essential oil because some of them can be toxic, and can cause rashes and irritations if used on the skin.
What other ingredients should I look out for?
When shopping for vegan scented candles, you now know that you should look at two main factors; the wax, and the fragrance oil. However, there is one more thing that you should look out for, and this is stearic acid. This is a fatty acid, which can be found in plants and animals. However, nowadays, most stearic acid is extracted from animals. Soy and Coconut wax are plant-based waxes that contain stearic acid by nature because of the oils that are used to create said waxes.
Usually, candle companies don’t mention that they have animal-based stearic acid on their label, or anywhere in their descriptions, so your best bet is to give them a call if you are interested in getting their candles.
Why is stearic acid used in candles?
Stearic acid is something common in the candle world, and it is used to enhance the overall experience when lighting a candle. Here is a list of uses for stearic acid:
- Hardens wax for better shape
- Leads to a cleaner and more even burn
- Increases opacity for more vibrant colors
- Enhance fragrance retention
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing vegan candles allows you to enjoy beautiful fragrances and a warm ambiance, all while aligning with your ethical and environmental values. By understanding the types of plant-based waxes and ensuring fragrance oils and stearic acid are derived from vegan sources, you can make informed choices. Remember, if you’re unsure about a candle’s ingredients, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer. Look for brands committed to transparency and cruelty-free practices. With a little research, you can find the perfect vegan candle to illuminate your life!
