Candles are a popular item in many households. From giving off a pleasant scent to lighting up a room, candles have many purposes. But are candles vegan?
If you're a vegan in the market for a candle (or even looking to make your own), this article will tell you everything you need to know.
First, let's answer the question about whether candles are vegan?
Are Candles Vegan?
Most candles are not vegan, but some are. The difference is in the ingredients and whether the candle is completely plant-based or not. Many candles contain beeswax to make the candles harder and enhance the scent. Bee products are not vegan because bees are technically animals, and vegans don't eat animal products. (Many people mistake honey as being vegan, but it's not!)
Other ingredients used to make candles include tallow, which is a byproduct of cows or sheep and therefore not vegan. Stearic acid can also be used in candles, but this ingredient can be made from plants or animals, and the difference determines whether it's vegan. Paraffin wax candles, for example, can be vegan because paraffin is derived from crude oil, which many vegans consider as vegan-friendly. However, many paraffin wax candles include stearic acid, which may not be vegan.
Plant-based candles that qualify as vegan are usually made from soy, rapeseed, or coconut wax, or a blend of the three. The wicks in candles tend to be made from cotton or wood, both of which are vegan. Most candle scents are natural and plant-based, so it is easy to find scented vegan candles.
In general, your safest bet when buying vegan candles is to look for "vegan" on the packaging. If a candle doesn't indicate that it's vegan, it's safe to assume it's not 100% plant-based. Another way to be sure is to contact the candle manufacturer to ask if the product is vegan.
What Are Cruelty-Free Candles?
Cruelty-free candles are candles where none of the ingredients are tested on animals. In many cases, vegan candles are also cruelty-free, but to be sure you should look on the label for both a "vegan" and "cruelty-free product" label. The compassion that vegans have toward animals generally means vegans also want cruelty-free products in their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Candles
If you didn't see your question answered above, or you're just looking for a quick bit of information about vegan candles, we answer some of the most common questions here.
What does it mean if a candle is vegan?
To qualify as a vegan candle, the candle must be made with 100% plant-based ingredients. In most cases, a label on the candle will indicate whether it's vegan or not.
Can vegans use Yankee candles?
Some Yankee candles are vegan and others are not. The soy and paraffin wax Yankee candles are generally vegan-friendly. The Yankee candles that aren't vegan-friendly usually contain beeswax. Keep in mind, most Yankee candles are manufactured in the same facility, so it's possible for plant-based candles to come into contact with beeswax or non-vegan ingredients.
What wax is vegan-friendly?
If you're shopping for vegan candles or looking to make your own, you'll want to stick to a plant-based wax like soy, rapeseed, or coconut to ensure the product is vegan-friendly.
Is soy wax considered vegan?
Yes, soy wax is plant-based and therefore vegan-friendly. Most soy wax candles are vegan, but it's important to check the label to ensure no animal products are present as ingredients.
(More Information Coming Soon!)
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