8 Vegan8 Vegan Candles for a Cruelty-Free HomeImage by Sustainable Jungle#vegancandles #crueltyfreecandles #vegancandlebrands #sustainablejungle Candles for a Cruelty-Free HomeImage by Paddywax Candles#vegancandles #crueltyfreecandles #vegancandlebrands #sustainablejungle
Image by Sustainable Jungle
8 Vegan Candles for a Cruelty-Free Home Image by Paddywax #vegancandles #crueltyfreecandles #vegancandlebrands #sustainablejungle
Image by Paddywax

8 Vegan Candles for a Cruelty-Free Home


Generally speaking, sustainable candles don’t harm the planet, but we also want to make sure that Pine Forest scent isn’t harming anything ON the planet, either. 

Especially since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal. So today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically.

Contrary to popular belief, even non-beeswax candles likely contain stearic acid to harden the wax—which is commonly sourced from animal sources (like sheep and cow fat). 

For cruelty free candles with ingredients mostly sourced from the USA, Paddywax provides—and in a jar that can become a margarita glass, no less. 

P.F. Candle Co. says “pfft” to animal-derived ingredients and instead uses non-toxic soy.

As the wick burns down on this article, you can read more on all our eco friendly vegan candle criteria at the bottom.

*This post contains affiliate links

1. PADDYWAX

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by Paddywax Candles #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by Paddywax Candles

Paddywax’s Vegan Scented Candles

Paddywax does vegan candles like no other. 

With scents like Heirloom Tomato and La Playa jars that become margarita glasses when the candle is finished, these candles provide much more than good sensory experiences. 

All of their glass, tin, and ceramic candle vessels are designed to be repurposed into things like succulent planters, pencil cups, and cereal bowls. 

Instead of animal-based ingredients, a US-farmed soy wax blend is used.

The clean-burning blend is then combined with fragrance oils and topped off with a 100% cotton wick. 

About Paddywax

Aware that scent is strongly linked to memory and emotion, Paddwax wants to bring the power of fragrance into each and every home. 

Paddywax sources their ingredients with intentionality before the soy vegan candles are hand-poured by chandlers (candle makers) in their Nashville factory. 

Available: Paddywax

2. P.F. CANDLE CO.

8 Vegan Candles for a Cruelty-Free HomeImage by Sustainable Jungle#vegancandles #crueltyfreecandles #vegancandlebrands #sustainablejungle
Image by Sustainable Jungle

P.F. Candle Co.’s Vegan Non Toxic Candles

Want lavish smells, but without petroleum-based paraffin?

Lucky for you, P.F. Candle Co. uses 100% domestically-sourced soy in their vegan soy wax candles. It’s topped off with a clean-burning cotton-core wick and fragrance oils to make scents like Cedar & Sagebrush.

You won’t have to worry about animal-derived ingredients, animal testing, parabens, or phthalates, either. 

The amber apothecary jars are designed to be recycled or repurposed and are shipped in recycled packaging. 

About P.F. Candle Co.

The husband and wife team behind P.F. Candle Co. was inspired to make high end vegan candles—without the high-end price. 

In fact, they’re downright cheap cruelty free candles, but only in price.

They started out as a small Etsy shop, but have since grown to employ more than 60 employees in their fair labor LA warehouse.

Available: EarthHero

3. SANARI CANDLE

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by Sanari Candle #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by Sanari Candle

Sanari Candle’s All Natural Vegan Candles

Inner balance, focus, and calm can come in the form of vegan soy wax candles with essential oils from Sanari Candle

They source the best all-natural, non-GMO, vegan ingredients and leave out artificial chemicals and carcinogens. 

If you’re seeking vegan soy candles with essential oils, know Sanari scents—like Fresco (Persian lime, basil, sage) and Aria (tangerine, ylang-ylang, lavender)—are created using only natural essential oils.

USDA-certified organic coconut-soy oils bring forth the fragrances’ true essence.

As with all the best vegan candles, the wick is made from 100% unbleached cotton.

Recycled and recyclable glass jars and packaging materials are used. 

Sanari’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices

The word ‘Sanari’ is a combination of the founders’ children’s names, Ari and Sanam, meaning air and love—because these candles create love in the air we breathe.

The cruelty free candle brand was started when founder Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to rid her home of all possible toxins. 

They’re hand-poured in California, USA and many of the brand’s partner farmers use sustainable solar panels, alternative fuels, and less irrigation water.

These space-warming candles get more heart-warming: 5% of every sale is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Available: EarthHero

4. WILDFERN CANDLES

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by WildFern Candles #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by WildFern Candles

WildFern Candles’ Organic Vegan Candles UK

WildFern combines wild-harvested ingredients with gemstones to create 100% vegan candles that don’t just smell amazing but carry intentions for those who burn them.

The Anti-Depression lavender candle is embedded with uplifting amethyst and quartz stones while the Abundance and Prosperity orange and vanilla candle bears a citrine gemstone, thought to strengthen resolve and confidence.

That’s just a taste of this unique line of vegan cruelty free candles.

Each one contains a soy wax base and lead-free cotton wick.

About WildFern Candles

UK-based WildFern is female-founded and run by Jacqueline.

While a small operation, her Etsy shop has a cult worldwide following boasting reviews that can’t be beat.

Her eco friendly vegan candles—and jewelry—are handmade in small batches using locally harvested organic botanicals.

She also pours with care and intentionality, so customers can use the candles to better manifest their dreams and desires.

WildFern ships using recyclable boxes and cornstarch packing peanuts.

Available: Etsy

5. MOJO CANDLE CO.

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by Mojo Candle Co. #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by Mojo Candle Co.

Mojo Candle Co.’s Vegan Candles Australia

Candle jars can be repurposed, but here’s a brand that’s repurposing other glass into candle jars!

Mojo Candle Co. is known for cheeky wine bottle containers and sustainably-sourced cork toppers. 

Alternatively, they can come in a reusable/refillable ceramic vessel, made by a ceramicist in Melbourne, Australia. 

Reclaimed or handmade containers aside, the eco-luxe vegan soy candles are made with 100% natural, non-GMO, and palm-free soy wax. They’re finished with premium-grade fragrance oils and lead-free cotton wicks.

About Mojo Candle Co.

Mojo Candle Co. hand-pours their 100% vegan candles in small batches in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Australia. 

Founders Monty and Jo (combined to make the name “Mojo”) partner with local restaurants and wineries to collect wine and beer bottles for their candles and diffusers. 

They’re actively on a mission to keep precious glass bottles out of landfills and even pay for each bottle.

Available: Flora and Fauna

6. OCTO LONDON

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by Octo London #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by Octo London

Octo London’s Cruelty Free Candles UK

Octo London candles are 100% handmade, vegan friendly, and made with soy wax, 100% natural essential oils (no artificial fragrance oils), and cotton wicks.

Pure illumination, without synthetic or chemical ingredients. 

Capture every mood, place, and memory with fragrances like Italian Garden, Midnight Breeze, and Morning Light. 

These all natural vegan candles are cruelty free and packaged in a recycled cardboard box. 

About Octo London

Octo’s homemade vegan candles are made in small batches by Leva and François in their South London home.

Just because the business is small doesn’t mean their name is. This Etsy shop has been featured by the likes of Vogue, Vegan Food & Living, and The Financial Times.

Available: Etsy

7. LOVELIGHT HANDMADE

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by Lovelight Handmade #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by Lovelight Handmade

Lovelight Handmade’s Vegan Candles USA

Lovelight Handmade’s cruelty free soy candles are made with nontoxic and phthalate-free ingredients that include high-quality soy wax and natural fragrance oils.

Not only that, but they’re refillable via a preformed, hardened candle that comes sans vessel.

Once it arrives, just clean out your original ceramic jar, place the refill inside, light it, and allow the melting wax to fill any gaps in your container.

Because the refills come at extra affordable prices, they’re perfect for budget-conscious folks seeking cheap vegan candles.

For both complete candles and refills, choose between three sizes and six scents: Lavender, White Tea, Coconut + Santal, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, and Lemongrass.

About Lovelight Handmade

All Lovelight Handmade’s homemade vegan candles (as well as their soaps) are crafted to order in their Asbury Park, New Jersey studio.

This reduces unsold product waste, but keep in mind the 2-3 week turnaround time.

If you’re in a hurry (last-minute gift, perhaps?), they offer a small selection of ready-to-ship products, too.

Lovelight donates 10% of sales from select apparel offerings to Ocean Conservancy.

Available: Lovelight Handmade

8. MY MANTRA AND CO

Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically! Image by My Mantra and Co #vegancandles #sustainablejungle
Image by My Mantra and Co

My Mantra and Co’s Soy Vegan Candles Canada

Doing no harm to animals should be everyone’s mantra. That’s why My Mantra makes one-of-a-kind vegan wood wick candles from 100% pure soy wax. 

Intoxicating scents like Confetti Cake and Blueberry Parfait come from high-quality fragrance oils that are free from phthalates and parabens. 

They don’t contain additives and are never tested on animals. 

If you don’t enjoy the crackling of the sustainably sourced wood wick, lead-free cotton wicks are also available. 

The vegan friendly candles are housed in recyclable/reusable tins and jars and are sent in eco friendly materials with minimal plastic. 

About My Mantra and Co

In addition to vegan scented candles, this brand also sells soaps, botanical incenses, and gemstone jewelry. 

Shop owner and creator Samantha personally handcrafts everything in her small family home in Ontario. 

She’s driven by a famous Sanskrit mantra: “Lokah Samastuh Sukhino Bhavantu,” which means, “May all beings everywhere be happy and free. And may the thoughts, words, and actions of your own life contribute in some way to the happiness and freedom of all.”

These vegan candles from Canada are locally made by fairly compensated craftspeople. Canada is also where everything (aside from the wood wicks) is sourced. 

A portion of the sales are donated to religious places of all religions, including Catholic and protestant churches, Sikh Gurudwaras, mosques, temples, and more. 

Available: Etsy

HOW WE FOUND THE BEST VEGAN CANDLES

Like many other products that are making their way into our homes and bodies, many people are wondering: are candles vegan?

More often than not, no! 

Let’s illuminate with our ethical beauty criteria to see what else we considered for this list.

  • Vegan: Obviously the best vegan candles need to be made without anything animal-related (namely beeswax, stearic acid, or tallow). 
  • Cruelty-free: Cruelty free candles and vegan candles are not synonymous (though we think they should be). To satisfy the former, we must also look for candles with ingredients (especially fragrances) not tested on animals.
  • Non-toxic ingredients: Synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax (while vegan) are derived from petrochemicals, and may include toxic chemicals like phthalates, endocrine disruptors, and benzene derivatives. Vegan non toxic candles with essential oils are best, but natural fragrances are a suitable second.
  • Palm oil-free (or RSPO-certified at least): Some candles may be made from palm oil wax, but coconut and soy vegan candles are better choices. Soy wax burns more evenly so candles last 30-50% longer. 
  • Ethical ingredient sourcing policies: Especially important for soy cruelty free candles as soy production has been linked to deforestation in the Amazon in particular.
  • Thoughtful packaging: Most vegan candle brands are zero waste thanks to refill schemes and the many ways we can repurpose candle jars. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CRUELTY FREE CANDLES

Lighting up your bedside table doesn’t have to put out the light out of an animal thanks to vegan cruelty free candles.

With sustainable, renewable plant oils like soy and coconut, there’s no need for animals to achieve a nice ambiance.

Candles can easily be made without animal byproducts; we just need to let candlemakers know that’s what we want.

Help turn the movement into a flame by sparking a conversation with your candle-loving, plant-based pals who may be asking, “Are candles vegan?”

You can even share this article of the best vegan candle brands with them.


Since it is possible to light up a space or be transported by scent—and do it all without requiring an animal, today, we’re talking about vegan candles specifically!  Image by Paddywax Candles #vegancandles #sustainablejungle

2 thoughts on “8 Vegan Candles for a Cruelty-Free Home”

  1. Siblings sadly are not vegan. On their website under FAQ “What are your candles made of, exactly?
    Our candle wax is a blend of coconut wax with soy and bees wax for stability. And a little apricot oil too. It is free of parabens and phthalates.”

    Reply
    • oh goodness Sharon, you’re very right, thanks for letting us know and apologies for that. I’m sending this through to the editorial team for a refresh (it’s kind of old now) and to update with all the best vegan candles on offer these days. Let me know if you found any in your search that should be on the list. Thanks again!

      Reply

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