Vegan candles: are they good, bad, or simply another fancy word?
Vegan candles have gained popularity among individuals seeking cruelty-free and environmentally friendly home fragrance options. Understanding the various types of vegan candles, their differences, similarities, advantages, and potential drawbacks can help consumers make informed choices when selecting candles that align with their values. So let’s dive into it in more details.
Types of Vegan Candles
Soy Wax Candles:
- Benefits: Soy wax candles are 100% natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic. They burn longer, emit less soot, and are known for their therapeutic properties like stress relief and improved air quality. Generally, a 4 oz candle burns for approximately 20–25 hours, while a 9 oz candle burns for approximately 50 hours.
- Environmental Impact: Soy wax candles have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional candles, making them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Coconut Wax Candles:
- Benefits: Coconut wax candles offer a renewable and natural alternative. They are environmentally friendly and provide a clean burn. Typically, a 4 oz candle burns for approximately 20–25 hours, while a 9 oz candle burns for approximately 50 hours.
- Drawbacks: Coconut wax candles can be more expensive than other options due to the cost of sourcing coconut wax.
Rapeseed Wax Candles:
- Benefits: Rapeseed wax candles are vegan-friendly and sustainable, offering a clean and soot-free burn.
- Consideration: While rapeseed wax is a good vegan option, it’s essential to ensure that the production process is environmentally responsible to maintain its vegan and cruelty-free status.
Differences in Candle Ingredients
Non-Vegan Ingredients: Traditional candles often contain animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, tallow, or stearic acid, making them non-vegan.
Vegan Ingredients: Vegan candles are typically made from plant-based waxes such as soy, rapeseed, or coconut wax, ensuring they are cruelty-free and environmentally sustainable.
Similarities in Candle Production
Fragrances and Wicks: Both vegan and non-vegan candles use fragrances and wicks in their production processes. However, the key distinction lies in the sourcing of ingredients, with vegan candles prioritizing plant-based materials.
The Good Sides of Vegan Candles
Ethical and Sustainable: Vegan candles align with ethical principles by avoiding animal-derived ingredients and promoting sustainability.
Cleaner Burning: Plant-based waxes like soy and coconut produce minimal soot, offering a cleaner and healthier option for indoor use.
Stronger Fragrance: Soy candles are known for emitting a stronger and cleaner fragrance, enhancing the ambiance of any space.
The Potential Drawbacks of Vegan Candles
Higher Cost: Vegan candles, especially those made from premium plant-based waxes, can be more expensive than traditional candles.
Limited Availability: Vegan candles may not be as widely available as non-vegan options, requiring more effort to find a diverse range of vegan candle products.