What Does “Vegan Candle” Really Mean? A Simple Guide to Cruelty-Free Candles - Wild Nature Candles

If you’ve ever searched for vegan candles, you might have noticed that many candles are described as “natural” or “soy” - but far fewer clearly explain whether they’re actually vegan.

At first glance, most candles look the same. But what’s inside them can tell a very different story.

In this post, I’ll gently break down what vegan candles really are, which ingredients to watch out for, and what makes a candle genuinely cruelty-free - so you can make an informed, confident choice.

Are all candles vegan?

Short answer: no.

While many modern candles are plant-based, not all candles are vegan by default. Some contain animal-derived ingredients, while others may use materials or processes that don’t align with cruelty-free values.

This can be confusing, especially when labels aren’t always clear.

Common non-vegan ingredients found in candles

Here are a few ingredients that mean a candle may not be vegan:

Beeswax

Beeswax is a traditional candle material, but it’s an animal-derived product, which means it isn’t vegan.

Stearic acid

This ingredient is sometimes added to candles to harden wax or improve burn performance. Stearic acid can be plant-based, but it’s often derived from animal fats unless clearly stated otherwise.

Animal-derived dyes or additives

Some colourants and additives used in candle making can come from animal sources.

Animal testing

Even if a candle’s ingredients are plant-based, they may still not be considered cruelty-free if fragrance oils or components have been tested on animals.

This is why simply seeing the word “soy” on a label doesn’t always tell the full story

What makes a candle genuinely vegan? Vegan candles meaning

A truly vegan candle is one that considers every part of the process, not just the wax.

Here’s what to look for:

Vegan wax

Plant-based waxes such as soy wax (when responsibly sourced) are a popular vegan choice.

Cruelty-free fragrance or essential oils

Fragrance oils and essential oils should be produced without animal testing and without animal-derived ingredients.

No animal-derived additives

This includes hardeners, dyes, or stabilisers that may be hidden in the ingredient list.

Transparency

Brands that are happy to explain their ingredients and choices usually have nothing to hide.

What makes my candles vegan and cruelty-free?

My candles are made with these principles at their core.

• I use vegan soy wax, chosen for its clean burn and plant-based origin

• All fragrance and essential oils are cruelty-free

• No animal-derived ingredients are used at any stage

• Every candle is made with care, intention, and respect for both people and animals

As a vegan maker, it was important to me that my candles reflect the same values I live by - not just in theory, but in practice.

Why choosing vegan candles matters

Choosing vegan candles isn’t about perfection - it’s about awareness.

For many people, it’s a small but meaningful way to:

• reduce harm

• support cruelty-free businesses

• align everyday rituals with their values

A candle is a moment of calm, comfort, and grounding. Knowing it was made without harm can make that moment feel even more intentional.

A gentle final thought

If you’re looking for vegan candles, the most important thing isn’t flashy claims - it’s clarity, care, and honesty.

I believe candles should feel good to burn in every sense: for your home, your wellbeing, and your conscience.

Love Emma x

Bubble floating in nature representing transparency and cruelty-free vegan candles